Adolescent Substance Abuse Articles
Economic instability may lead to mental health problems
By Staff Writer
Those who were directly affected by the economic downturn may want to seek depression treatment. According to the results of a recent mental health study, economic inequalities might lead to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.
The World Health Organization, the World Bank and the United Nations Development Program have all emphasized the role socio-economic factors may play in mental health conditions
Using data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the study measured financial inequalities and depression, suicidal ideation and attempts in South Korea from 1998 through 2007.
This information was gathered through questions related to socio-economic status, health condition and behavior. In addition, participants self-reported whether they had been diagnosed with depression, had felt like dying or had attempted suicide in the past 12 months.
The study found that lower income groups had a higher concentration of depression, suicidal ideation and attempts. These individuals were at a higher risk for this behavior in the later years of the study.
Over the course of the research, the suicide rate rose from an average of 13 per 100,000 to 26. The researchers believe that the participants may have been affected by the economic crisis of the late 1990s.
If trauma caused by economic instability has led an individual to contemplate suicide, they may want to seek treatment from mental health and drug rehab facilities.
