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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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Counselling and psychotherapy in the 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."
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Counselling and psychotherapy in the news
Has there been a 'therapy revolution' in the UK? A survey conducted by
the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP)
suggests there has. Their survey, featured in an article in
The Observer (1 August 2010), says one in five Britons has consulted a psychotherapist or counsellor.
The
stigma of talking about problems with a therapist appears to be
diminishing. The present findings of the BACP research found that 94% of
people in the UK consider it acceptable to have therapy for anxiety and
depression, a marked jump from 67% back in 2004. There has also been a
jump in figures for the acceptability of seeking therapy for divorce and
relationship breakdowns.
Cary Cooper, BACP President, comments:
"This survey represents a significant shift in people's attitudes
towards therapy – practically a revolution – at a time when mental
health conditions such as anxiety and depression are far more common
than was realised. Mental health conditions currently affect one in six
of the population at an annual cost to England alone of £77bn. It's no
accident that the growth of the problem has encouraged mass support for
more effective treatments," said Cooper.
For more stories about psychotherapy, counselling and mental health please visit the News page at
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Counselling and psychotherapy in the news