There has been a lot about mental health in the media in the recent weeks. Important but not really a new topic is it ?
Fact : Mental health affects an estimated 450 million people worldwide, yet despite this figure many still feel ashamed to seek diagnosis and support.
With such a high number of people being affected on a worldwide scale,why are so many people in 2016 still too ashamed to seek help?
These are the 6 key mental problems, but under each key there are several of different diagnoses and different symptoms.
The most common mental disorder is mixed anxiety and depression, with up to 10% of people suffering from depression at some point in their lifetime.
The number risingĀ among young people is worrying.
1 in 10 children and young people aged 5 – 16 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder – that is around three children in every class
Are we talking enough about this topic? Are we taking the this serious enough?
If someone tells you that they are having some anxiety attacks or are feeling a bit depressed, donĀ“t brush it of as nothing.
Maybe it is nothing. But what if it is something?
People need help, support and someone to talk to. Not a speech about how they just need to get on with stuff.
DonĀ“t preach, patronize or belittle.
Just LISTEN !
And if they donĀ“t want to talk….
Just BE THERE !
There is nothing worse then feeling alone, when your world is collapsing around you.
Although , they will probably tell you that they would like to be left alone…….
They donĀ“t wont to be a burden.
- Over 800 000 people die due to suicide every year and suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29-year-olds.
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.
- The WHO further reports that:
- In the last 45 years suicide rates have increased by 60% worldwide. Suicide is now among the three leading causes of death among those aged 15-44 (male and female). Suicide attempts are up to 20 times more frequent than completed suicides.
- Although suicide rates have traditionally been highest amongst elderly males, rates among young people have been increasing to such an extent that they are now the group at highest risk in a third of all countries.
- Mental health disorders (particularly depression and substance abuse) are associated with more than 90% of all cases of suicide.
However, suicide results from many complex sociocultural factors and is more likely to occur during periods of socioeconomic, family and individual crisis (e.g. loss of a loved one, unemployment, sexual orientation, difficulties with developing one’s identity, disassociation from one’s community or other social/belief group, and honour).
- 55% are aged between 15 to 44 years and 45% are aged 45 years and over.
- Males are four times more likely to die from suicide than are females. However, females are more likely to attempt suicide than are males.
The numbersĀ and the facts are disturbing. And should be taken a lot more serious. Thank god there are many organizations out there that are working hard to help people and give this topic the attention it needs.
Watch this documentary with the musician Professor Green , but I do warn you it is very emotional :
Each death directly affects ten people and indirectly affects a further 50. So each year 60 million people are scarred by suicide.
Life can feel like a black hole. Like nothing will ever get better.
But it will !
Trust me. I have been on both sides.
On one side you are left with a million questions. Why did the person do it ? WE could have fixed this.
On the other side, you canĀ“t see anything getting better and you donĀ“t want to bother anyone. You feel like a burden.
Maybe life wont be what you once had and maybe it wont be what you thought / hoped it would be like.
One way or the other , there is a light at the end of the tunnel. A different light. A different way.
People donĀ“t see you as a burden. People do love you.
As cliche as it may sound :
If you or anyone you know are feeling low in any kind of way , donĀ“t hesitate in seeking help.
You can find a lot of advice and helpful information on this page