“If we change our attitude to mental health - we change the world.  It is time to act on mental health,” he said in a message marking World Mental Health Day that falls on October 10.

The UN chief said health encompasses both physical and mental well-being. “Yet for too long, mental health has been mostly an afterthought, despite its overwhelming impacts on communities and young people, everywhere.”

This year’s World Mental Health Day focuses on young people. 

One in five young people will experience a mental health problem this year. Half of all mental health conditions start by the age of 14.  Most cases are, however, undetected and untreated. 

Guterres said poor mental health during adolescence has an impact on educational achievement and increases the risk of alcohol and substance use and violent behaviour.  “Suicide is a leading cause of death in young people.”

He said millions of people are caught up in conflict and disasters, putting them at risk of a range of long-term mental health problems. “Violence against women -- physical, sexual and psychological -- results in lasting scars, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).”

Yet despite these challenges, a great deal of mental health conditions are both preventable and treatable, especially if we start looking after our mental health at an early age, he said.

“The 2030 Agenda is clear: We must leave no one behind.  Yet, those struggling with mental health problems are still being marginalized.” Guterres said.  

He said healthy societies require greater integration of mental health into broader health and social care systems, under the umbrella of universal health coverage.