Treating Mental Illnesses Could Globally Save Billions

It's no big surprise that reducing mental illness is one of the key ways to increase happiness worldwide, according to a study by the Global Happiness Council (GHC). However, the same study also found that the net cost of treating these illnesses was actually negative. 

"This is because people who are mentally ill become seriously unproductive. So when they are successfully treated, there are substantial gains in output. And these gains exceed the cost of therapy and medication," GHC researchers said.

At least a quarter of the population experience anxiety and depression, the most common mental illnesses.

GHC quotes mental illness as a 'major block' on the global economy.

The study estimated that for every $1 spent on treating depression, production would be restored by the equivalent of $2.50. And while physical healthcare costs were thought to balance out, the GHC claimed net savings when treating anxiety disorders was greatest of all — with production restored by the equivalent of $3 for every $1 spent.

In the UK, according to the estimates of the National Health Service (NHS) 10 to 15 percent of the population live with mental illness.