Treating mental illness could save global economy billions — and it's 'costless,' study says

According to a new study by the Global Happiness Council (GHC), treating mental illness could save global economy billions and increase happiness worldwide.

"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.


The study estimated that for every $1 spent on depression, the quality of production will recover US$2. While for every $1 spent on anxiety disorder, $3 would be restored.

A recent estimate drawn by the UK National Health Service (NHS) suggest that 10% to 15% of people are said to experience a form of mental illness at some point in their lives.