The WELL Mind concept promotes mental health through policy, program and design strategies that seek to address the diverse factors that influence cognitive and emotional well-being.    

Mental health and substance use conditions are a widespread global health concern. Collectively, they account for 13% of the global burden of disease and an estimated 32% of years lived with disability. Alcohol and drug use contribute significantly to the global burden of premature death and disability, with alcohol alone accounting for 3.3 million deaths per year (or 6% of all deaths) and 5% of the global burden of disease. Depression and anxiety disorders are among the leading causes of global burden of disease, ranking second and seventh, respectively. Depression alone accounts for 4% of the global burden of disease and is considered to be among the largest causes of disability worldwide.

If left unmanaged, mental health conditions – especially depression – can place an individual at risk for suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide and completed suicide. Suicide results in a tragic and preventable death, accounting for more than 800,000 deaths per year worldwide.

Wellness programs can help implement design, policy and programmatic strategies that support cognitive and emotional health through a variety of prevention and treatment efforts. In combination, these interventions have the potential to positively impact the short- and long-term mental health and well-being of individuals of diverse backgrounds throughout a community.