Friday, 8 July 2011

News: Suicide rates in Europe 'linked' to financial crisis - BBC News

Suicide rates have increased following the global banking crisis, according to research published in The Lancet (9 July 2011).

The BBC (8 July 2011) reports that there has been an increase in suicides of between 5% and 17% in nine countries.

Researchers compared data of 10 countries with only Austria recording a drop in suicide rates between 2007-2009. The UK saw a 10% rise, with 6.75 suicides per 100,000 people. Greece had the worst record.

Dr David Stuckler of the research team comments: "There was a complete turnaround. Suicides were falling before the recession, then started rising in nearly all European countries studied. Almost certainly these rises are linked to the financial crisis."

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Thursday, 7 April 2011

News: Money woes 'linked to rise in depression' - BBC News

Money worries and concerns about the economy are taking their toll on the nation's mental health, according to a BBC News report in the UK (7 April 2011).

Prescriptions for anti-depressants have increased by more than 40% over the past four years. During the same time period, there has been a four-fold increase in referrals to talking therapies, according to Department of Health figures.

Marjorie Wallace of mental health charity Sane comments: "It is impossible to say for sure that economic problems are leading to a rise in depression. But we are certainly hearing more from people who are worried where the next meal is coming from, job security and cuts in benefits - many who are getting in touch with us for the first time. It is a toxic combination, especially for those who already have darker thoughts and other problems."

More news about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health can be found on the www.therapyme.com website.