Mental health disorders are now recognised (0) AS the leading cause of disability worldwide, yet the resources devoted to addressing them remain woefully inadequate. For many of 1 who suffer from conditions such as depression and anxiety, the greatest barrier to recovery is not the illness itself but the stigma attached to it. In some cultures, admitting to a mental health problem is still regarded as a sign of weakness, 2 debilitating the condition may actually be. This has led to a situation in which millions of people go untreated, either because they are too ashamed to seek help or because they are simply unaware that effective treatments exist. Had 3 not been for the persistent stigma surrounding mental illness, many more people would have sought treatment sooner. Instead, mental health has historically been treated as little 4 than an afterthought in public health planning. There is growing recognition that this can 5 longer continue. A number of countries have begun implementing large-scale awareness campaigns, many of 6 have already shown promising results. Important 7 these initiatives are, they will achieve little unless they are backed by sustained investment. It remains to be seen 8 the political will exists to make mental health a genuine priority.