May is Mental Health Month

May is mental health awareness month and I believe that given the recent news on farmer suicides in India mental health needs to be talked about.

Did you know that every year more than 800,000 people take their own lives? That is one death every 40 seconds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. It is estimated for every death another 20 attempt to take their own lives.  Suicides can be prevented and effective interventions exist with the most important being early identification and support.

WHO advises the following measures in prevention and control of suicide: 

• reducing access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); 

•  reporting by media in a responsible way;

•  introducing alcohol policies to reduce the harmful use of alcohol;

• early identification, treatment and care of people with mental and substance use disorders, chronic pain and acute emotional distress;

• training of non-specialised health workers in the assessment and management of suicidal behaviour;

• follow-up care for people who attempted suicide and provision of community support. 

The link with suicide and mental health particularly depression is well established though it is still a complex issue with many variables that contribute. It is important to note that no single event is the cause and suicide usually is culmination of many things occurring over time.

Depression affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability worldwide.

Symptoms of depression are low energy and interest in activities, persistent sadness, reduced social interactions and difficulty in everyday tasks. 

Here are a number of ways you can tackle depression 

1. Increase physical activity 
2. Give yourself time to relax and meditate 
3. Write down your thoughts and feelings
4. Eat well and aim to sleep for 6-8 hours a night
5. Find someone you can talk to 

 Today, please look out for yourself and each other. 

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