The Global Goals were created by the United Nations in 2015 to help end extreme poverty worldwide. Nations signed on to help achieve gender equality, end hunger, reverse the effects of climate change, and more. One of these goals, Global Goal 3, seeks to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” which includes reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases such as mental illnesses.
While mental health is widely recognized by the World Health Organization as a critical aspect of one’s overall health and well-being, on average countries spend just 2% of their health budgets on mental wellbeing, and less than 25% of persons living in low- and middle-income countries have access to mental health care. Globally, this is due to lack of resources and awareness, social stigma, and now, the COVID-19 pandemic.
This World Mental Health Day, take the quiz to learn more about the state of mental health around the world and to help raise awareness to erase stigma.