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Depression and anxiety are present in peaceful times and in economic crises, but they are often harassed by countries hit by crises such as Greece and Italy. Greece is in the fifth year of recession and the future is for many Greek fence and dark. Economists say tough savings measures fighting Greece give little hope of recovery soon. Those still working are still affected by the reduction of costs, the freezing of their salaries and the constant fear of being on the next vacancy list. Research has shown that this sense of insecurity can cause more mental health harm than anything else.
The increase in the number of suicides is the most visible sign of poor mental health. Behind every suicide committed there are more than twenty people, desperate enough to plan suicide or attempt to take life. Worse still, experts say there are at least a thousand cases of mental illness behind each suicidal and attempted suicide. Severe depression is a condition that is difficult to cure, especially if people do not receive proper care for themselves.
Research has found that people who are unemployed and the poor have a much higher risk of mental illness. British sociologist David Stackler, who has studied the impact of the economic crisis and reduced costs on human health, says physical attachment can cause real epidemic depression and related illnesses. It has also been shown that the probability of the disease is proportional to the amount of personal indebtedness. Interestingly, this risk is much higher in men than in women. When European economic problems are resolved and the crisis ends, psychological consequences will follow generations of young people who have lived without hope for years.
While the financial crisis negatively affects mental health, mental illness has undeniable great consequences for the economy and thus creates a vicious cycle. According to World Health Organization data, the economic consequences of mental illness are estimated at an average of three to four per cent of gross social product. As mental disorders often begin in young people, loss of productivity is a long-term term.
Moreover, according to the experience of the past financial crisis, unemployment, poverty and insecurity undoubtedly lead to increased demand for health services. For example, in Argentina, which experienced a major financial crisis from 1999 to 2002; the need for counseling in mental health institutions increased by 40 per cent according to government data.
Does Economic depression always have more emotional depression? Not necessarily.
In this manner, public health experts point to examples of countries such as Sweden and Finland. These countries have been able to avoid increasing mental illness and suicide rates. This was achieved by investing in work to help people resume their feet.
In the early 1990s, Sweden survived many serious banking crises that led to a large number of unemployment, but the number of suicides did not increase significantly. Otherwise, in Spain, which experienced banking crises during the 1970s and 1980s, the rate of suicide increased with the unemployment rate.
Experts say that the main factors distinguishing between these two types of social protection funds, such as family allowances and unemployment benefits, are key factors. The difference between northern and southern European countries is that there is a much smaller stigma in the North related to depression and related diseases. In the Nordic countries, people are more likely to go to a psychiatrist and to take psychotropic drugs, essential mental health treatments, thus protecting them from potential future problems.
Dr.Othmanovic’s advice
Dean of the Faculty of Business Studies
Al Ghurair University Dubai
