WeeklySA_AdminINCIDENCE: Depression and alcohol abuse to become major contributing factors to widespread mental illness in coming years…
By WSAM Correspondent
A global study conducted in 29 countries has found that one in two people will develop a mental health disorder by the age of 75. The comprehensive international research project was jointly conducted by experts from The University of Queensland and Harvard Medical School.
The study, led by Professor John McGrath from UQ’s Queensland Brain Institute and Professor Ronald Kessler from Harvard Medical School, involved collaboration with researchers from 27 other countries.
During the probe, the research team analysed data from over 150 000 adults across 29 countries, spanning the years from 2001 to 2022. The data was sourced from the World Health Organisation’s World Mental Health Survey initiative, which conducted the largest-ever coordinated series of face-to-face interviews on this subject matter.
According to Prof McGrath, the findings highlight a significant occurrence of mental health disorders, as approximately 50 percent of the population will experience at least one disorder by the age of 75. The most prevalent disorders are mood-related, such as major depression or anxiety.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the risk of certain mental disorders varied based on gender. Among women, three most common mental health disorders were identified as follows:
- Depression.
- Specific phobia, which causes disabling anxiety and interferes with daily life.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- It is crucial to acknowledge these prevalent conditions to foster better understanding and support for mental health across different demographics.
Among men, the three most prevalent mental health disorders are related to alcohol abuse; depression; and specific phobia.
The study also revealed that mental health disorders typically manifested during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood.
McGrath said the peak age for the first onset of these disorders was around 15 years old, with a median age of onset being 19 for men and 20 for women. These findings emphasised the importance of investing in fundamental neuroscience research to gain a deeper understanding of the development of these disorders.
Kessler emphasised the necessity of investing in mental health services, particularly with a focus on young individuals. Such investments could significantly contribute to addressing and supporting the mental health needs of the younger population.
McGrath pointed out that the peak age of first onset was approximately 15 years old, with a median age of onset at 19 for men and 20 for women. These results underscore the significance of directing resources towards fundamental neuroscience research, aiming to enhance our comprehension of how these disorders originate and progress.
Concurring, Professor Kessler emphasised the crucial need to invest in mental health services, particularly targeting young individuals. By doing so, these investments can make a substantial impact on addressing and supporting the mental health requirements of the younger population.
How common is mental illness?
- 970 million people worldwide have a mental health or substance abuse disorder. (Our World in Data, 2018)
- Anxiety is the most common mental illness in the world, affecting 284 million people. (Our World in Data, 2018)
- Globally, mental illness affects more females (11.9%) than males (9.3%). (Our World in Data, 2018)
- Major depression, anxiety, alcohol use disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia (persistent mild depression) were identified as leading causes of disability in the U.S. (U.S. Burden of Disease Collaborators, 2013)
- It is estimated mental disorders are attributable to 14.3% of deaths worldwide, or approximately 8 million deaths each year. (JAMA Psychiatry, 2015)
According to the World Health Organisation, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of anxiety and depressive disorders grew. Depressive symptoms grew from a base of about 193 million people worldwide to 246 million, which is about 28%. Anxiety disorders grew from about 298 million people affected to 374 million, which is about a 25% increase.
STRESS: SOUTH AFRICANS REELING FROM HIGH COST OF LIVING
Stress: Debt stress causes lack of sleep and motivation and can result in employee absenteeism
By Thuli Zungu
With the mounting cost of monthly expenses such as rent, transport, food and electricity, financial stress has become a growing concern for South Africans who are trudging through these tough economic times.
In a recent study that involved nearly 500,000 people across 64 countries South Africans were ranked with the highest percentage of a population that is distressed or struggling with their mental health.
Anton Gillis, CEO at Kruger Gate Hotel says constant workplace stress can be a severe issue and could lead to poor employee morale or mental health. It takes approximately 120 minutes of weekly exposure to natural settings to boost wellbeing and a healthier mindset.
“So one way employers can improve employee well-being is by taking their teams away from the mundane office environment and invigorate teams through team building, think tanks and conferences in more tranquil environments.” The State of Employee Wellbeing Barometer looked at employees’ experiences of their working environment and how their employers support their wellbeing. It showed that financial wellness is a key factor influencing overall wellbeing and ulti-mately, productivity in the workplace, with one in five participants reporting high levels of financial stress.
Charnel Collins, CEO of National Debt Advi-sors, says over the years they have seen multiple ways in which debt stress impacts people’s lives. “Financial constraints often result in changes in both their home and work environment and the stress can cause a direct impact on their efficiency and productivity at work.”
According to Collins, debt stress often causes a lack of sleep and motivation, seeing employees coming to work stressed and tired. Debt stress can result in employee absenteeism. “The need to take excessive time off to deal with financial issues, be- come ill due to financial stress, or unable to afford transport costs to get to work.”
Financial stress has a direct impact on one’s wellbeing, and this might lead to various mental health issues. “Employees who are over-indebted will be chased by debt collectors on payments dur-ing working hours, and this could cause them to be distracted,” Collins says. It is important that employers help educate and alleviate stress around financial issues by assisting employees to understand their finances. “We often find that exposure to financial education can assist people outside of debt review to take control of their finances.’’
Increased knowledge of financial matters will help employees regain control of their finances. Providing a safe working environment and regular employee check-ins can assist them to stay moti-vated and manage their financial stress.
“We encourage employers to have open con-versations with their employees on better money management and to help avoid debt traps. A finan-cially secure employee is more likely to be engaged and productive in the workplace, and this makes for a happy work environment.
Mokgethi Mokgomongwe, a motivational speaker from Potchefstroom in the North West, says mental health awareness is the ongoing effort to reduce the stigma around mental illness and mental health conditions by sharing personal expe-rience through support group meetings and even counselling sessions is very much important.
“Many of us have fallen into the trap of think- ing of metal health as solely related to mental ill-ness. However, it is possible to have a mental health condition and be mentally fit, and the absence of a mental health condition does not necessarily ensure mental fitness.”
Mokgomongwe says when the public is quietabout mental health and fitness, they allow the stigma to continue. “That silence makes it harder for people to prioritize their own mental well-being.
“So, creating awareness about mental health conditions is the most powerful weapon we can wield to alleviate the stigma and denial those suf-fering from the issues may feel.”
He advises citizens to openly discuss mental health. “When you share your own experiences with mental health, listen to your family and friend’s responses and encourage them to speak out about their symptoms. “Educate yourself on the symptoms and how you can assist your loved ones suffering in silence without support. “Take the time to learn about mental health and mental fitness. Learn about common mental health conditions, signs of burnout and how to take care of yourself when you are experiencing symptoms’’.
It can be helpful to keep an eye on your own warning signs to know when you are starting to get triggered or overwhelmed. If you find resources that may benefit others, share them with those around you. “Mental health is not just a conversa-tion for people dealing with mental health disorders. It impacts our social, emotional, physical, and cognitive well-being.
“Unfortunately, many people dont receive the treatment that they need because of the stigma as- sociated with mental health. Some dont even realize that treatment is available. When these people suffer quietly, they feel lonely and disenfranchised.”
