
This article was published in cooperation withamerican scientist.
Although the mental health of people around the world has suffered greatly in 2020, there is cause for cautious optimism.
The impact of COVID-19 on our collective and individual well-being has forced the world to face mental health challenges like never before, and innovative thinkers have risen to the challenge.
From different areas they have provided solutions to a problem that previously seemed unsolvable. In an effort to highlight these exciting developments, the World Economic ForumGlobal Future Mental Health Councilwas connectedamerican scientistto select the ten innovations that contribute the most to creating a better world for all people with mental illness.
New drug therapies for treatment-resistant depression

Depression affects more than264 million peopleof all ages worldwide. When it comes to treatmentabout a thirdof those with depression are unresponsive to two or more antidepressants and are considered treatment-resistant. However, recent scientific advances have led to the development of new antidepressants that work through entirely different mechanisms.
Based on this research, the US Food and Drug Administration and the European Medicines Agency approved esketamine, a chemical related to ketamine, a cosmetic and recreational drug for treatment-resistant depression. The regulatory approvals open up the possibility of developing the next generation of treatments in this class.
Telemedicine and community mental health care during COVID-19
Digital supply options through teletherapy and all sorts of new apps are exploding.increaseduring the pandemic. Online services are reaching the most remote regions, bypassing the fear of stigma surrounding the decision to seek treatment. They can effectively expand the capacity of health and social services. The public and private sectors in several countries have developed online mental health support and services, such asTogether,Reach,7 BagsjPOSITION AN DER UCLA, which are often co-designed and mentored by community peers, who have become trusted sources of support and referral for young people, their families and other vulnerable individuals facing mental health challenges.
Social media data to identify trends and prevent self-harm

More than four billion people worldwide use social networks and generate large amounts of data from their devices. A growing body of research shows that patterns of language and imagery in posts can reveal and predict mental health conditions in individuals and assess mental health trends in entire populations. Thanks to advances in artificial intelligence, natural language processing, and other data science tools, researchers, tech companies, government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations can use these gigantic databases to search for signs of illnesses like depression, anxiety, and suicide risk. .
Psychedelics to aid in the management of psychiatric disorders
The use of psychedelics, especially psilocybin and MDMA, is enjoying a renaissance. Recent studies have reignited hope that psychedelics could be effective medications for mental disorders. Patients with disorders like MDD and PTSD can certainly use innovative, effective and safe treatments. Less than half of people with these disorders respond to medication or psychotherapy, and about a third of MDD sufferers suffer from what is known as "treatment-refractory" depression, which does not respond at all. Discovering new approaches to treating mental illness is crucial. If psychedelics prove effective and safe for these disorders, they could prove transformative.
Digital devices to revolutionize the way research is done
Today, we can use smartphones and wearable devices to create more representative datasets of our world population than the studies we are used to doSTRANGEResearch participants (Western, educated, industrialized, affluent, and democratic); so typical college students from the USA. Such data has already proven invaluable in filling dozens, if not hundreds, of research gaps by gathering “ecologically valid” real-world information from people in their natural, everyday lives rather than in the artificial environment of a typical laboratory. In addition, the information can help us to bringobjective and quantitative data along the linePsychology and Psychiatry Researcher.
Digital tools to educate providers and close the mental health gap
It is estimated that 4 in 5 people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive any mental health care. A lack of awareness of the availability of psychiatric treatment combined with small mental health budgets allocated to care for a small number of people in psychiatric hospitals contribute to this outcome. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the extraordinary demand for mental health and psychosocial support in affected communities and amplified the way digital technologies are integrated into our lives today. Digital tools can be used effectively for monitoring and quality assurance of psychological interventions on a large scale.
Online educational programs on good mental health practices

One of the most effective methods of implementing mental health education is through active school systems. We currently live in a hyper-connected world where the future of learning will consist of a mix of digital and hybrid (online and offline) models. The addition of technology and digitization will ensure greater personalization, active participation and the ability to scale at an affordable cost. Through public-private partnerships, collaborations with technology and social media companies, and the endorsement of these projects by celebrities or social icons, we can create a real revolution in mental health education for young people.
New workforce models to keep employees mentally fit
While the idea of research into workplace wellbeing and disease control is not new, it remains to be understood how organizations and researchers can best be involved in its implementation. The way research and evaluation are structured, conducted and linked is an area ripe for innovation. And in the business context, there are just as many ways to treat research with the same insight and rigor as business performance or product strategy. These efforts become even more effective when private organizations voluntarily pool their findings and share their data with public sector entities; What works in one company will most likely be effective in similar organizations. Models like this are starting to work.
Predictive analytics to guide mental health policy
Until recently, research on population mental health was dominated by retrospective studies of past events, which had few opportunities to analytically anticipate and strategically shape future developments. The course is changing now. A number of models of the social and economic impact of COVID-19 on mental health have been developed over the past 12 months, simulating mental stress trajectories, waiting times for mental health services, mental health-related hospital visits, mental health suicide and more the last 12 months. next 5 years. These simulations helped identify where the most timely and effective investments lie, informed public discourse, and generated significant investment in mental health and suicide prevention.
Digital marketplaces to ensure quality mental health solutions
More than 10,000 applications in the Apple and Google Play stores claim to treat mental health issues, and the list doesn't end with downloads for your smartphone. With the vast variety of solutions, a number of quality control questions have arisen: Which digital tools have been developed and tested based on the best clinical evidence to ensure they bring significant benefit to patients? This is where the power of "soft standards" and regulation comes into play: Different organisations, e.gA ghost,Health Navigatorand theWorld Economic Forum, have started developing assessment criteria for digital mental health tools. These measures allow innovators to receive a seal of approval that a product is clinically validated, ethical, safe and effective.
mental health, digital
What is the Forum doing to ensure the safety of digital mental health?
New ethical questions are being raised around the world about the safety, effectiveness, equity and sustainability of digital, online and app-based mental health care, and companies must be held accountable for creating and supporting their services.
ThatGlobal Governance Toolkit for Digital Mental Health, launched by the World Economic Forum and Deloitte, provides governments, regulators and businesses with the tools to protect personal data, ensure high quality of service and address security concerns in the face of increasing digital and behavioral mental health.
“People are turning to smartphone apps to address a growing number of mental health issues. These tools will help ensure your security and privacy.”
—Arnaud Bernaert, Direktor von Shaping the Future of Health and Healthcare, World Economic Forum
Businesses can join the World Economic Forum to shape the future of mental health technologies responsibly through the platformShaping the future of health and healthcare.
Read more aboutour effect.
FAQs
What are 10 mental health problems? ›
- Anger. Explains what anger is, and how to deal with it in a constructive and healthy way.
- Anxiety and panic attacks. ...
- Bipolar disorder. ...
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) ...
- Borderline personality disorder (BPD) ...
- Depression. ...
- Dissociation and dissociative disorders. ...
- Eating problems.
- childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect.
- social isolation or loneliness.
- experiencing discrimination and stigma, including racism.
- social disadvantage, poverty or debt.
- bereavement (losing someone close to you)
- severe or long-term stress.
- having a long-term physical health condition.
- Anxiety Disorders. The most common category of mental health disorders in America impacts approximately 40 million adults 18 and older. ...
- Mood Disorders. ...
- Psychotic Disorders. ...
- Dementia. ...
- Eating disorders.
Right now, nearly 10 million Americans are living with a serious mental disorder. The most common are anxiety disorders major depression and bipolar disorder. Below is more information on these disorders and how ACCESS can help. Remember you are not alone, and medical experts are here to support you.
What are the 12 steps to positive mental health? ›- keeping physically active.
- eating well.
- drinking in moderation.
- valuing yourself and others.
- talking about your feelings.
- keeping in touch with friends and loved ones.
- caring for others.
- getting involved and making a contribution.
- Connect with other people. Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. ...
- Be physically active. Being active is not only great for your physical health and fitness. ...
- Learn new skills. ...
- Give to others. ...
- Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
- Anxiety Disorders. Many people experience some anxiety in their lives, but they find that it comes and goes. ...
- Mood Disorders. ...
- Psychotic Disorders. ...
- Eating Disorders. ...
- Personality Disorders. ...
- Dementia. ...
- Autism.
10 of the most common conditions that qualify for Social Security disability are Arthritis, Heart Disease, Degenerative Disc Disease, Respiratory Illness, Mental Illness, Cancer, Stroke, Nervous System Disorders, Diabetes, Immune System Disorders.
What are the 4 types of mental health? ›mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder) anxiety disorders. personality disorders. psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
What are the 7 risk factors for mental health? ›- genetic predisposition.
- homelessness and unemployment.
- alcohol and other drug use.
- discrimination and racial injustice.
- family conflict or family disorganisation.
- stressful life events.
What are the 6 components of mental health? ›
The Ryff Scale is based on six factors, specifically, autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Higher total scores indicate higher psychological well-being.
What are the top 3 mental health issues? ›According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in every 5 Americans is currently living with a mental illness. Of those, the three most common diagnoses are anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
How to improve mental health? ›- Relax and reduce stress.
- Find ways to learn and be creative.
- Spend time in nature.
- Connect with others.
- Look after your physical health.
- Try to get enough sleep.
- Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy is the therapeutic treatment of mental illness provided by a trained mental health professional. ...
- Medication. Medication does not outright cure mental illness. ...
- Hospitalization. ...
- Support Group. ...
- Complementary & Alternative Medicine. ...
- Self Help Plan. ...
- Peer Support.
Mental health conditions are increasing worldwide. Mainly because of demographic changes, there has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade (to 2017). Mental health conditions now cause 1 in 5 years lived with disability.
What is the biggest mental health problem? ›Depression. Impacting an estimated 300 million people, depression is the most-common mental disorder and generally affects women more often than men.
What are 3 facts about mental health? ›In 2020, about: One in five American adults experienced a mental health issue. One in 6 young people experienced a major depressive episode. One in 20 Americans lived with a serious mental illness, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or major depression.
What are 4 things you can do to help improve mental health naturally? ›- Lighten up. Sunshine boosts mood. ...
- Get plenty of sleep. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. ...
- Connect with someone. Talk it out. ...
- Eat wisely. Eat protein-rich foods at breakfast and lunch. ...
- Go for gratitude. ...
- Step it up! ...
- Be kind. ...
- Turn off the TV.
Whether you reach out to talk about something specific, or just to say “hi”, talking to people who know and love you can help you feel supported and part of a community. Get moving. Run, walk, bike, jog, roll, dance, or jump! Physical activity improves mental health, specifically self-esteem and cognitive function.
How can you promote mental health in the community? ›Any activities that promote exercise, sleep, and good nutrition. Projects that encourage help-seeking and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. Initiatives that encourage gratitude and mindfulness. Creating spaces for communities to gather, build relationships and identify common needs.
What is the 4 C's of keeping your mental health balance? ›
Prof Clough (Strycharczyk & Clough (n.d.)) describes four important traits of mental toughness, which he calls the 4C's: Control, Commitment, Challenge, and Confidence. One may possess a few of these traits, but having the four qualities in combination is the key to success.
What are the 8 pillars of mental wellness? ›- Emotional / Mental.
- Environmental.
- Financial.
- Intellectual.
- Occupational.
- Physical.
- Social.
- Spiritual.
1. Be active. Regular exercise and physical activity can help prevent and improve physical health issues, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. They've also been shown to help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
What are the 6 most common treatment methods for a mental disorder? ›- Behavioral therapy.
- Cognitive therapy.
- Interpersonal therapy.
- Psychoanalysis.
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
- Supportive psychotherapy.
- Primary prevention: stopping mental health problems before they start. ...
- Secondary prevention: supporting those at higher risk of experiencing mental health problems. ...
- Tertiary prevention: helping people living with mental health problems to stay well. ...
- I currently have good mental health.
- Depression. ...
- Bipolar Disorder. ...
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder. ...
- Panic Disorder. ...
- Schizophrenia. ...
- Persistent Depressive Disorder. ...
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. ...
- Borderline Personality Disorder.
- Anxiety disorders.
- Behavioural and emotional disorders in children.
- Bipolar affective disorder.
- Depression.
- Dissociation and dissociative disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder.
- Paranoia.
- Allergies.
- Colds and Flu.
- Conjunctivitis ("pink eye“)
- Diarrhea.
- Headaches.
- Mononucleosis.
- Stomach Aches.
Regionwide in 2019, Ischemic heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer and other dementias, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are the four most frequent causes of disability-adjusted life years in the total population for both sexes combined.
How many health conditions are there? ›“We generally say: Several thousand diseases affect humans of which only about 500 have any U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment,” said Cindy McConnell, a spokeswoman at NIH's National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS).
What are the 20 types of mental disorders? ›
- Anxiety disorders.
- Dissociative disorders.
- Mood disorders.
- Trauma and stressor related disorders.
- Neuro-developmental disorders.
- Sleep-wake disorders.
- Neuro-cognitive disorders.
- Substance-related and addictive disorders.
- Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias.
- Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Personality disorders.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia.
mood disorders (such as depression or bipolar disorder) anxiety disorders. personality disorders. psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)
What are the 6 areas of mental health? ›NWI promotes Six Dimensions of Wellness: Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Occupational, Spiritual, and Social.
What are the 6 types of treatment for mental disorders? ›- Behavioral therapy.
- Cognitive therapy.
- Interpersonal therapy.
- Psychoanalysis.
- Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
- Supportive psychotherapy.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 1 in every 5 Americans is currently living with a mental illness. Of those, the three most common diagnoses are anxiety disorders, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What is the number 1 mental illness? ›Impacting an estimated 300 million people, depression is the most-common mental disorder and generally affects women more often than men.
What are the 5 signs of mental illness? ›- Feeling sad or down.
- Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate.
- Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt.
- Extreme mood changes of highs and lows.
- Withdrawal from friends and activities.
- Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping.
- Relax and reduce stress.
- Find ways to learn and be creative.
- Spend time in nature.
- Connect with others.
- Look after your physical health.
- Try to get enough sleep.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children.
What are 5 examples of self-care? ›
- Eat a healthy meal.
- Engage in exercise.
- Go for a walk.
- Drink water.
- Practice good sleep hygiene (click here for more information)
- Have a cup of tea.
- Sit in the sunlight.
- Take a shower or bath.
Namely, there are 8 main areas of self-care: physical, psychological, emotional, social, professional, environmental, spiritual, and financial.
What are the 8 types of health? ›- Physical Wellness.
- Emotional Wellness.
- Social Wellness.
- Intellectual Wellness.
- Environmental Wellness.
- Spiritual Wellness.
- Vocational Wellness.
- Financial Wellness.