Mental health is no longer a hidden topic — it’s one of the most talked-about health challenges of our time. But while awareness is rising, the reality looks very different from country to country.
According to WHO, n some parts of the world, huge numbers of people live with mental health conditions. In others, official figures show far fewer cases — but that doesn’t always mean life is stress-free.
Here’s a look at where mental health cases are the highest, where they are the lowest, and what might explain the gap.
Countries Facing the Biggest Mental Health Challenges
Somalia- Nearly one in three people in Somalia lives with a diagnosable mental illness. Years of political instability, poverty, and almost no mental health infrastructure have created a silent crisis.
Central Sub-Saharan Africa- This region has the highest mental disorder rate in the world — about 8,700 cases per 100,000 people. A mix of poverty, conflict, and health care shortages plays a big role.
Lesotho– A small African nation with a heartbreaking statistic — the highest suicide rate in the world, at 87.5 deaths per 100,000 people. Unemployment, poverty, and limited access to care make recovery difficult.
South Korea- More than 30% of men and 23% of women in South Korea have experienced mental illness symptoms at some point. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among young people aged 9–24, often linked to academic and social pressure.
Countries With the Lowest Reported Rates
East Asia- Countries like China, Japan, and Mongolia record the lowest mental disorder rates globally, with about 3,300 cases per 100,000 people. Experts, however, warn that cultural stigma and underreporting may keep the numbers low.
Myanmar, North Korea & China- These nations top the list for the lowest age-standardized incidence rates. But here too, low figures don’t always reflect reality — limited awareness and social stigma mean many cases go unreported.
Quick Comparison Table
| Country / Region | Prevalence Rate |
| Somalia | ~33% diagnosed mental illness |
| Central Sub-Saharan Africa | ~8,706 per 100,000 people |
| Lesotho | 87.5 suicides per 100,000 |
| South Korea (lifetime prevalence) | 32.7% (men), 22.9% (women) |
| East Asia | ~3,340 per 100,000 |
| Myanmar, North Korea, China | Lowest recorded incidence rates |
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Why the Numbers Differ
Awareness and diagnosis play a big role in mental health statistics countries that openly discuss mental health tend to diagnose and report more cases, while in places where stigma is strong, the numbers often appear lower. Conflict and poverty also contribute significantly, as war, political instability, and economic hardship increase mental health problems and make treatment harder to access. Additionally, youth face growing pressures from academic stress, unemployment, and social expectations, leading to a rise in mental health struggles among young people. Ultimately, mental health is a global issue, but its visibility and impact vary widely; some countries face visible crises, while others have hidden struggles. Reducing stigma, improving access to care, and creating supportive environments are vital steps for all nations, regardless of where they stand today.
