Depression and suicide -- CathNews NZ Pacific

Depression and suicide

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014

Depression is a major, if not the major, cause of suicide.

Every year, almost one million people die from suicide around the world.

Depression is often seen as a disorder of the developed world; mental disorders – in particular depression but also disorders from alcohol misuse – have been clearly linked to suicide in high-income countries.

But depression in low and middle-income countries is also a big problem and the prevalence is not dramatically different from high income countries.

However, reliable data from some regions of the world – notably Africa – is not available.

Suicide is certainly a global problem.

According to a new report from the World Health Organisation – the first time it has published one – some 75% of suicides happen in low and middle-income countries.

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide across the globe.

While many suicides are impulsive, because of issues related to finance, illness and other pain, and particular groups who are more vulnerable, it is striking that studies have shown that depression is a significant risk factor for suicide attempts and the relationship is consistent across all countries (high or low-middle income).

And if someone suffers from multiple mental health problems such as depression, alcohol abuse and impulse control disorders, the risk is even higher.

In the UK investigations suggested two thirds of people with suicidal behaviour are depressed. But depression is rarely in the headlines unless it involves a famous figure.

Although global suicide rates are highest in people older than 70, this is markedly different in particular countries where young people are more likely to take their lives.

Worldwide, it is the second biggest cause of death in 15 to 29-year-olds, and in the UK, it’s the most common cause of death in men aged between 20 and 49.

Then there are the attempts, which are estimated to be 20 times more frequent than those that are completed. Continue reading

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