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There are many issues worth examining on the global stage regarding mental health. One of them is the fact that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among youths. Even though awareness around mental health has increased in recent times, there is still a lot that needs to be done to address the situation.
To its credit, the World Health Organization has decided to take mental health conditions very seriously. With time, these efforts should show in various countries.
But how did we get here? Historically speaking, there is very little known about the way mental health is dealt with in Nigeria. However, we derived our constitution from the United States, and much of what transpired in the US eventually found its way to Nigeria.
One major mental health incidence that would have been necessary to observe was the effect of the change in industrialization from the 1950s to the 1970s and its effect on behavior towards suicide.
In America, the change from industrialized to service-based societies, in addition to increasing urbanization and the trivializing of suicide in the media, left the youth at a disadvantage.
Between 1970 onward, suicide rates continued to slowly rise until the end of the century.
Health Education
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During this period, it was thought that the educational system did nothing to help the situation. There was an air of self-centeredness, and young people were more withdrawn than they typically were in previous times in history.
There was less emphasis and belief in being together as youth, and this was reinforced by the educational system. Students were also not involved in many extracurricular activities.
The same situation is taking place today, the only difference being that people are more aware of mental health problems. This is what is keeping us far away from the collapse that took place between the 1950s and the 1970s.
Education during this time did not place emphasis on collaboration, and individualistic practices were favored over group achievements. The educational system today has placed mental health as a priority and seeks to make sure that everyone is catered for physically and mentally.
Some of the improvements that have been noted are mental health awareness programs, counseling at school, mindfulness practices, and building a school environment that is supportive.
But there is a bigger issue that is working against this.
History repeating itself
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Just like in the 70s, when there were social changes taking place as a result of the media, there is another form of media taking center stage.
Is social media causing the same stir that was seen in the 70s?
Side by side, the numbers are pretty much the same value at around 13 per 100,000. It is possible that there may be a recurrence of the symptoms that caused the mental health decline in the 70s.
There are more studies, especially post-COVID, that explain that we are more isolated than we have ever been in society. This lack of connection is showing up in different ways that affect our mental health. In one study, they explained that happiness was directly related to the avenues one had to show selflessness.
Weird Facts
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One of the weirdest things to note about suicide is that the lowest rates are seen among countries that are currently going through a crisis. The countries, such as Grenada and Venezuela, that are currently suffering from issues around the state that are pressing from poverty to war, appear to have fewer ideations of suicide.
The theory surrounding this is that prioritizing cultural norms and social norms, building strong communities (formed by family), helps cope with difficult situations and confers protective features against suicidal ideations in these countries.
This goes to show that when humans come closer to each other to interact with each other, they tend to function better mentally and are capable of dealing with a great deal of stress compared to when they are far away from each other.
So, what does all this mean for you? Are you holding tight to your individualistic views and lifestyle? Don’t you think it's time to find a community of people you can find peace in?
Conclusion
In conclusion, mental health is a pressing issue on the global stage, with suicide being the fourth leading cause of death among youths. While efforts have been made to increase awareness and address the situation, there is still a long way to go. The educational system plays a significant role in mental health, with improvements such as mental health awareness programs and counseling at school being made to support students' well-being. However, social changes caused by media, such as social media, have the potential to cause a recurrence of mental health decline seen in the 70s. Studies show that a lack of connection and selflessness can affect mental health, emphasizing the importance of building strong communities.
Therefore, it is time to reconsider individualistic views and find peace in a community to promote better mental health.
Inkscape.org
What are some mental health challenges faced by youths in your country?
How has mental health awareness and support changed in recent years? Do you think that the educational system in your country places enough emphasis on mental health?
Have you personally experienced any mental health challenges, or do you know someone who has? How was it dealt with? What role does social media play in mental health?