Epidemic Sadness. ( Archived) (30)

It's a subject that's a little close to home for me. I became pretty well-versed in it, if you will.

How do we account for the enormous suicide rate today, especially in teens ?

The rate of increase of depression among children is an astounding 23% p.a.

Likewise my Friend.

may I bend your ears a little!!

I have a belief that the world is not in such a bad shape as we sometimes present it. Yes, there are higher suicide rates, yes there is more crime, yes there are more illnesses , both physical and emotional.
BUT

There is more kindness, more charity; witness the telethons every years give more and more. The churches are building larger congregations. People suffer must less today with diseases like AIDS
PLUS

While it may all seem to be doom and gloom, think of how many more people there are in the world, today. Do those increases in mental health issues reflect a per capita increase or just a incident increase. Also, consider that the information highway allows us to gather information at a truly excellerated rate.

Just a few thoughts...thanks for reading

We humans are group animals, like dogs and birds, and our ability to relate to other humans is our strongest survival mechanism. Without that ability we become prone to illness, depression, low self-esteem, and unfulfilling or possibly failed careers. Shared beliefs and rituals are vital to our mental health. Relationships are central to everything that makes life worth living. It's a fact that married people outlive singles.

You are a "glass is half full" gentleman.....wonderful

You mean the difference between a bird and an elephant is that they both fly, except the elephant.

Things in our world have definitely changed .......... I'm sure that some people suffer because of circumstances (ie. increased stress) because of our crazy world, but there are many who suffer because of genetics.

I think that others are correct in that the stimga of "depression" is slowly abating as society becomes more aware that it is an illness. As for doctors overprescribing medicines for those who could seek other remedies - more than likely happens all the time. But in the same instance, I'll say thank goodness for the advances in these medications because it has also enabled many to still be here and functioning.

I personally wish that employers and the unemployment services would be more informed on how to assist those going through these depressive periods.

It's because parents nowadays give kids cell phones and cars and don't keep up with them because they are too busy with jobs careers etc, and think freedom means I love you, when in reality it gets them int situations they cant handle and know no way out. Got to be popular got to be this and that