India, Sept. 2 -- More than 1 billion people are living with mental health disorders, according to new data released by the World Health Organization (WHO), with conditions such as anxiety and depression inflicting immense human and economic tolls.

While many countries have bolstered their mental health policies and programmes, greater investment and action are needed globally to scale up services to protect and promote people's mental health.

They represent the second biggest reason for long-term disability, contributing to loss of healthy life.

They drive up health-care costs for affected people and families while inflicting substantial economic losses on a global scale.

The reports serve as critical tools to inform national strateg...