The impact of loan interest rates on mental health, including suicide rates, is a significant concern. Fluctuations in creditworthiness and access to credit can worsen underlying mental distress. Research has shown that rising interest rates and inflationary pressure are associated with increased suicide rates [2826c431]. Mental health experts in Nigeria and Kenya are particularly concerned about the increasing suicide rates in their respective countries [c2813bf1] [2c2defc6]. The reasons for suicide attempts are varied and complex, but victims often experience severe emotional and physical pain. The rise in suicide rates in both countries is attributed to socio-economic pressures, including the challenging economic climate, drug abuse among youths, poor power supply, and violent conflicts [c2813bf1] [2c2defc6]. Psychiatrists recommend laughter, music, and dance therapy as effective coping mechanisms [c2813bf1]. It is crucial to prioritize teaching financial literacy in schools to improve the mental health of young adults and the overall economy [2826c431]. About 60 million Nigerians have been reported to have various mental illnesses [c2813bf1]. In Kenya, the World Health Organization's data shows that about 20% of youth suffer from mental conditions, and there has been a 13% rise in issues like suicide, depression, stress, and substance abuse [2c2defc6]. The Kenya National Commission of Human Rights reports that about 25% of in-patients suffer from mental conditions [2c2defc6]. Experts advise individuals with mental disorders and long-term diseases who can no longer afford their medication to seek help [c2813bf1]. They also recommend learning emotional resilience and engaging in physical activities, happy moments, laughter, music, and dance therapy as ways to prevent suicidal thoughts [c2813bf1]. The out-of-pocket treatment of mental disorders exacerbates the situation for those who can no longer afford medication [c2813bf1]. Experts emphasize the importance of individuals receiving consistent therapy for mental disorders [c2813bf1].
In Hong Kong, recurring murder-suicide cases have highlighted the need to review the welfare safety net in the city [28d64b80]. The latest incident involved an elderly couple in an upscale residential neighborhood. The 71-year-old woman took the life of her ailing 84-year-old husband before attempting to kill herself. The man suffered from dementia and muscle atrophy. The couple, who came from a rich and prominent family, were not known to be receiving help from the government. Some lawmakers argue that current welfare services primarily target grass-roots families, leaving the middle and upper classes without adequate support [28d64b80]. Carers often face physical, financial, and emotional burdens and can become depressed. A hotline offering support to carers has received over 14,600 calls since its launch in September last year [28d64b80]. The authorities should consider providing more proactive services and expanding the welfare safety net to cover a wider range of society [28d64b80].
A recent poll conducted by the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong revealed that less than 33% of secondary school pupils in Hong Kong would seek help for mental health issues [f82259fa]. The survey, which involved 826 pupils from Form 1 to Form 6, found that nearly half of the respondents 'would not necessarily' seek help, with over 20% stating they 'would not seek help at all.' Simon Ho San-moon noted that students with a lower willingness to seek help showed higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. A Form 5 student named Christy shared her struggles with suicidal thoughts and academic pressure. The Education Bureau recorded 32 suspected suicides among pupils last year, more than double since 2018, and the number of students with mental illnesses tripled from 600 to over 1,900 in five years. Alarmingly, the suicide rate among girls under 15 has increased by over seven times since 2022. The Chinese YMCA urged the government to make emergency mechanisms for mental health support permanent, while Professor Paul Yip emphasized the need for vigilance regarding student well-being [f82259fa].
In the United States, single mothers, especially those who are unmarried and living in poverty, experience high rates of psychological distress [d340c38d]. On average, single mothers have lower levels of wealth, more caregiving responsibilities, and are more vulnerable to economic shocks. They are also more likely to experience poor mental health, which can have negative impacts on their children. Research shows that the safety net, including programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), the Child Tax Credit (CTC), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid, can improve the mental health of single mothers. Increasing the generosity of these programs and improving access to mental health care can help alleviate the psychological distress faced by single mothers and improve family well-being [d340c38d].
The suicide rate among young Americans has been increasing, with no clear explanations for the trend. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the suicide rate for individuals aged 10 to 24 increased by 57% between 2007 and 2018. The report also highlights that suicide is the second leading cause of death for this age group. Factors contributing to the rise in suicides include mental health issues, access to lethal means, social media influence, and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, experts emphasize that there is no single cause for the increase and that a comprehensive approach is needed to address the issue. The article also mentions the importance of early intervention, destigmatizing mental health, and providing support and resources for at-risk individuals [08ad6457].
A recent study by scholars from Macau and mainland universities has revealed the alarming trend of problem gambling in Macau, Hong Kong, and mainland China [002efd6d]. The study, based on data collected from gambling helpline callers between 2015 and 2021, highlights the limited support measures available to gambling addicts in these regions and emphasizes the need for tailored interventions and prevention efforts. The study surveyed 943 gamblers seeking assistance through local helplines, with the majority originating from Macau (27.3% from mainland China and 12.3% from Hong Kong). The study revealed that 73% of those surveyed were in debt, with 9% having debts exceeding 1 million patacas. Suicidal ideation is also a significant issue, with 40% of the surveyed gamblers reporting feeling extremely distressed during phone calls, and over 5% admitting to having suicidal thoughts. The scholars emphasized the need for a more tailored approach to gambling helpline services, as researchers uncovered significant regional disparities in caller preferences and accessibility needs. The study also highlighted the necessity of cross-border collaboration and establishing financial counseling services beyond just Macau to address the alarmingly high debt levels documented among mainland Chinese gamblers.
Suicide rates among men are alarmingly high, with men being far more likely than women to take their own lives. In the United States, the age-adjusted suicide rate for men in 2014 was 20.7 per 100,000, compared to just 5.8 per 100,000 for women. The suicide rates in men have been steadily increasing, with a 43% increase for those aged 45-64 and a 37% increase for boys aged 10-14 from 1999 to 2014. The complex interplay of psychological, social, and biological factors contribute to this public health crisis. Factors such as a lack of help-seeking behavior, work-related stress, impulsivity, substance abuse, relationship breakdowns, hormonal imbalances, and genetic predispositions all play significant roles. Societal norms around masculinity, which discourage men from seeking help, also contribute to the problem. More targeted efforts are needed to address the unique challenges men face when it comes to mental health. Research conducted by Dr. Leo Sher and his colleagues utilized systematic reviews, national and international suicide statistics, and psychosocial and biological data to understand the underlying factors contributing to male suicidality. Psychosocial factors such as work-related stress, relationship breakdowns, and substance abuse, as well as biological and neurobiological factors like hormonal imbalances and genetic predispositions, all contribute to the high rates of male suicide. Societal norms around masculinity and the stigma around help-seeking behavior also pose significant barriers to addressing male suicide. Challenges and limitations include variability in data sources and reporting practices, potential underreporting of male suicides, and the need for standardized criteria for reporting and classifying suicides. Future research should focus on harmonizing data collection practices, developing standardized criteria, and exploring early interventions for adolescent boys and young men. Population-based approaches to suicide prevention and interdisciplinary approaches that integrate psychological, social, and biological perspectives are also promising avenues for future research. By addressing societal norms, improving access to mental health services, and conducting targeted research, significant strides can be made in reducing male suicidality. [970dd25f]
The increasing number of student suicides in Hong Kong, particularly among younger students, has raised concerns about the education system's role in addressing the underlying issues [20d0c4f7]. According to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention, there have been numerous cases of teenage suicides and attempted suicides in Hong Kong, with school-related pressures, particularly academic stress, identified as significant contributing factors. The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating social and emotional learning skills into the curriculum to help students cope with the pressures they face. It also highlights the need for resources and training for teachers and parents to support students' social and emotional development. The author suggests that a proactive approach focusing on prevention is essential and calls for collaboration among policymakers, educators, families, and the community to prioritize measures aimed at prevention.
The release of Hong Kong’s Diploma of Secondary Education (DSE) results highlights the intense academic pressures faced by young people in the city. At least 31 students in Hong Kong were suspected to have taken their lives last year, with over 70% citing 'academic issues' as the primary driver of suicide [ac8362ca]. To address this issue, the author proposes the establishment of student advisory councils in every secondary school in Hong Kong, where young people's voices can be centered in discussions about their well-being. These councils would bridge the gap between student experiences and administrative decision-making, allowing for more nuanced understanding of academic pressure and the development of targeted interventions. The author also suggests reframing the perspective on teenagers as resilient individuals capable of flourishing under the right conditions, rather than fragile individuals in need of protection. By involving students more meaningfully in school policies and decisions, Hong Kong can better support their well-being and ensure a brighter future for the city.