One in four people with mental health problems have a loan

Suicide attempts in Greece are multiplying…

During the four year period of 2007 -2011, there has been an increase concerning the attempts of desperate people to end their lives, at a rate of 36%.

Suicides are increasing dramatically. According to Health Ministry figures, the first half of 2011 saw suicides increased by 45%, compared to the same period in 2010.

The data was presented by the Dean of the National School of Public Health Mr. John Kyriopoulos, during his speech on Monday at the 9th Panhellenic Conference on Public Health, held in Athens.

“Given that the suicide rate is used commonly as a measure of mental illness, as inherent in every suicide is evidence of mental disorder, the situation arising in regard to the mental health of Greeks is very negative”, stressed Prof. Kyriopoulos.

“23% of people with mental illnesses have loans. Low income and debt are associated with the appearance of mental illness”, stated the professor.

According to him, unemployed people are at a high risk of mental illness. This category includes those who face the specter of imminent unemployment, as well as more and more representatives of the so-called “weaker sex” who unfortunately seem to confirm the characterization attributed herein, at least on the level of mental health and strength”.

Finally, pensioners are also “victims” of the collateral damage of the economic crisis, as they seem to be particularly affected by the consequences of the crisis at a psychological level.