World Mental Health Day will be observed on October 10. In anticipation of the day, the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) and the “White Pen” Association of Health Care Journalists in Mongolia organized an informational session for journalists on mental health issues. In recent years, global attention has increasingly focused not only on physical health but also on mental and social well-being.
Worldwide, one in eight adults lives with a mental disorder. In 2005, mental and behavioral disorders accounted for 10 percent of all illnesses, rising to 15 percent by 2020. In Mongolia, according to the most recent survey conducted in 2013, one in four people suffers from a mental disorder.
Dr. N.Altanzul, Deputy Head of the Mental Health and Social Services Department at NCMH, highlighted that Mongolia lacks comprehensive research on the causes and circumstances of suicide. “Our suicide registration and reporting system is underdeveloped, and data from law enforcement and health agencies often conflict. Therefore, it is crucial to implement integrated measures starting with accurate reporting of suicides related to mental health issues,” she said.
Dr. N.Altanzul also noted that five of the 10 diseases most responsible for loss of work capacity are mental disorders, with depression remaining the leading cause of illness and disability across all age groups.
In addition, alcohol consumption has been identified as a factor in over 200 cases of orphanhood, mental illness, and injury. Globally, alcohol accounts for 5.3 percent of all deaths, with 13.5 percent of fatalities among 20 to 39-year-olds linked to alcohol and other intoxicants. Tobacco also remains a critical public health concern, with one person dying every four seconds worldwide due to smoking-related causes. Suicide ranks fourth among causes of death for 15 to 29-year-olds, with depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders contributing significantly.
Mental health specialists emphasize that suicidal thoughts and impulses are intensely powerful feelings, and sharing them with someone can help “relieve” the burden. In Mongolia, individuals can also seek psychological support through the NCMH helpline at 1800–2000.

Published Date:2025-09-19