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Mental Health and Homeless Youth in East Asia

Mental Health and Homeless YouthHomelessness and mental health are problems that exist around the world, developed and undeveloped countries alike. Among homeless youth in East Asia and Southeast Asia, mental health is a massive issue. These youth typically become homeless due to past abuse, and usually experience more while on the streets; past research has shown that homeless youth are highly susceptible to sexual exploitation and prostitution. 

This demographic of homeless youth reports high rates of mental health issues, such as depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation, with suicide being their leading cause of death, and 80% of the population having reported attempting suicide at some point. To cope with these issues, many turn to substance abuse and other maladaptive coping mechanisms. 66.7% report drinking problems, and 77.8% report smoking problems. 

Causes of Homelessness

There are various reasons why youth become homeless in the first place. It is worth mentioning that one primary cause of poverty in the East Asian Pacific region is natural disasters. Natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis affect East and Southeast Asia more than most other regions in the world, making them a significant and notable contributor to homelessness that might not necessarily apply or apply as much to other regions around the globe, according to a 2024 article.

Poverty can cause stress and subsequent dysfunction in the home, driving children and young people away. A 2024 article found that parental abuse was the most common reason (40.7%) for leaving home, especially from fathers. General family conflict follows at 29.6%. 

Cultural Differences

Treating these problems requires understanding and accommodating the differences in cultural attitudes between Eastern and Western societies. Due to the way Eastern cultures raise kids to view themselves, their obligation to and role within family and the way they view mental health itself, means that Western mental health techniques do not always transfer or have the same result.

For example, Western programs tend to emphasize working with direct service providers and place a lot of value on individual autonomy. Conversely, services and government interventions in the East Asian Pacific regions might put more emphasis on family and community support.

Few components of culture influence mental health and responses to mental health treatment. The first is emotional expression: depending on what level of emotional outburst or emotional behavior is considered acceptable in a given culture, it will be easier or harder to identify when a person needs help. The second and likely most influential element is shame: many cultures, especially Asian cultures, see mental illness as something shameful or born out of weakness.

Individuals may be hesitant to seek treatment because it means admitting to themselves and to a mental health professional that they are struggling. Individuals may also be reluctant to interact with a mental health professional because of the third element, “power distance,” according to the Frontiers in Public Health. Regulations on mental health treatment and the power given to mental health professionals vary from country to country, having varied implications about autonomy and the power dynamic within a therapeutic relationship. 

Results 

A 2024 article revealed the results of eight studies conducted throughout Malaysia, South Korea and the Philippines. These studies researched the impacts of various mental health interventions on homeless youth, including art therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), life skills education (LSE) and government services.

A Philippines-based study found visual art and poetry psychotherapies to be effective for abused adolescents in reducing symptoms of PTSD and depression, measured via Child Report on Posttraumatic Symptoms (CROPS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). It was noted that art therapies seemed to also help empower homeless youth to engage actively in their own treatment.

A study on CBT implemented in South Korea measured impacts on depression, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. While the treatment resulted in increased self-efficacy and a significant decrease in depression, there appeared to be no significant difference in self-esteem pre- and post-test. LSE treatment, however, was successful in increasing self-esteem, as well as decreasing anxiety, depression and stress, according to a study out of Malaysia.

Closing Thoughts

While these mental health interventions have appeared to be successful, one of the key takeaways is that it is difficult to treat this demographic when there is no universally accepted definition of homelessness. Every study and every country uses different definitions, which leaves large gaps in understanding both the nuance and variation within the “homeless” experience and the actual overall figures of the demographic. Whether or not an individual fits within a jurisdiction’s given definition of homelessness may determine whether or not mental health and homeless services are provided to them; this makes the varying definitions of homelessness a possible barrier to mental health services. 

– Sandhya Mathew

Sandhya is based in Los Angeles, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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A Spotlight on StrongMinds’ Mental Health Initiatives in Africa

StrongMinds' mental health initiativesOften overlooked in the broader landscape of global health initiatives, mental health plays a pivotal role in shaping communities and individuals. With competing health and development priorities, mental health often takes the backseat, with more visible health ailments taking the stage. As of 2021, 66 million women suffer from depression and anxiety disorders in Africa, while 85% of women do not have access to treatment. With a firm grip on the complexities of mental health, StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives have fostered an inclusive environment where communities can address mental health in a culturally relevant way.

Specifically dedicated to addressing the frequently overlooked issue of depression, particularly impacting women in the region, StrongMinds sets itself apart as a singular organization scaling a cost-effective solution to the prevailing mental health challenges. Established in 2013, the organization operates strategically in Uganda and Zambia. What distinguishes StrongMinds is its dedication to the cause and its unique position as the sole organization implementing a scalable and cost-effective solution to the depression epidemic in Africa. Through partnerships and collaboration with NGOs and government entities, StrongMinds efficiently scales access to depression treatment, reaching communities utilizing a priceless resource — the community. 

The Borgen Project had the opportunity to speak with StrongMinds’ Acting Uganda Country Director, Vincent Mujune, who is actively involved in the organization’s mission. In the interview, Mujune delves into the inspiration behind StrongMinds’ exclusive focus on women, the vital role of community health volunteers, the importance of mental health in development, destigmatization strategies, the success of group therapy and the organization’s unique approach.

Impact of Depression on Women’s Lives

The foundation of StrongMinds is rooted in recognition of the staggering impact of depression on women’s lives – about twice as many women as men experience depression. “When a woman is depressed, she works less, she may experience physical ailments, and she will even disengage from her family and community. And when a woman is depressed, the negative outcomes can extend to her children, who are more likely to miss school or have poor physical and mental health themselves,” Mujune says.

Tailored Therapy and Women Empowerment

Mujune discussed how the benefit of tailored therapy for women stems much further than just the women themselves in the community, “Conversely, when a woman recovers from depression, our data show that she is able to work more, provide her children with more regular meals and schooling, and she will generally feel more connected to others in her community.” Women from StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives further reduce the stigmatization in the community by speaking out on their personal experiences with mental health and opening a space in which others can reach out to receive help. “We like to say that when a woman recovers from depression, she changes the world around her.”

The Role of Community Health Workers

StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives not only utilize health professionals to treat depression but also the community as a whole. The involvement of community members, mainly community health volunteers, is integral to the success of StrongMinds’ therapy model. “Through psychoeducation and awareness-raising, community members help create a safe space that reduces stigma and encourages women with depression to seek help. Social support is a crucial element to helping women overcome isolation and enhancing the overall effectiveness of group therapy,” Mujune explains. 

The Interconnectedness of Mental and Physical Health 

While infectious diseases are often pressing matters to address, StrongMinds brings awareness to the interconnectedness of both mental and physical health. Depression is linked bidirectionally with infectious diseases, impacting behaviors and adherence to health care. Addressing mental health contributes to overall development by breaking the cycle of poverty perpetuated by depression-induced limitations in education, job opportunities and economic participation. 

Overcoming the Stigmatization of Mental Health 

One of the most significant barriers to mental health is stigmatization in low-income countries where the same notion of mental health isn’t recognized as it is in the West. StrongMinds implements various strategies to relay the impact of mental health and the importance of speaking on the issue. Psychoeducation provided through mobilization and therapy efforts aims to educate individuals and communities about mental health disorders, fostering understanding and empathy. The organization extends psychoeducation to parents and teachers, creating a support network that aids recovery and reduces stigma at school and home.

Success and Impact 

Measuring the effectiveness of mental health can vary; in the context of StrongMinds’ group therapy programs, a successful outcome is defined by a clinically significant reduction in the “depression score” measured by the PHQ-9 depression screening tool. Approximately 75-85% of clients achieve a depression-free status by the end of therapy, as indicated by a minimal depression score. 

The success of group therapy is illustrated through countless impactful stories. Years after their treatment, women express gratitude for life-changing experiences. Some become volunteer peer therapy facilitators, leveraging their experiences to help others. The collaborative nature of group therapy empowers women to overcome seemingly insurmountable barriers, leading to transformative outcomes such as starting businesses and turning their lives around.

Organizations like StrongMinds contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty perpetuated by untreated depression. The initiative creates a transformative domino effect that reaches families, communities and societies by changing individual lives. As Mujune emphasizes, “mental health is foundational to overall health and is a fundamental human right.” Mental health may display itself differently among communities; nevertheless, StrongMinds’ mental health initiatives have proven that finding solutions is possible, and its effects ripple into the community. The organization’s commitment to this principle promises even more significant positive change. The trajectory of StrongMinds invites anticipation and excitement as it continues to lead the way in mental health treatments, undoubtedly leaving a mark and inspiring other organizations on the global landscape.

– Bella Oliver-Steinberg
Photo: Flickr

Addressing the Risk of Heart Disease in Pakistan

Heart Disease in PakistanHeart diseases are a very common problem in Pakistan. The World Health Organization (WHO) did a study across 53 cities in Punjab (Pakistan’s second-largest province) and found that 17.5% had cardiovascular disease. There are a variety of more minor problems in Pakistan that lead to increased heart attacks, and while they may seem minor, they end up having a significant impact on the risk of heart disease in Pakistan.

Hypertension

Hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease in Pakistan. Hypertension is a term to describe high blood pressure and occurs when the pressure in your blood vessels is too high. Hypertension can be deadly, as symptoms are not immediately felt, and the only way to find out whether you have hypertension is to check your blood pressure. Hypertension is very common in Pakistan and the last National Health Survey of Pakistan (NHSP) found that 18.9% of the population was at risk of hypertension.

Smoking

Smoking is already unhealthy, but nicotine has the side effects of releasing hormones that increase blood pressure. Tobacco has been a prevalent issue in Pakistan for years. There are 18 million tobacco users in Pakistan, making it the 11th largest consumer in the world. There has been a lack of awareness of how dangerous the practice can be. But with how common and cheap the substance is, it remains hard to stop the widespread use of it.

Obesity 

Sometimes, hypertension can occur from an activity that does not seem initially harmful. Obesity is a widespread cause of hypertension, and Pakistan’s obesity rate is alarming. Pakistan ranks 10th in obesity, with nearly one-fourth of the population being classified as such. Pakistan is a developing country, and they have not always been ahead of other countries, so when Western fast-food franchises came to Pakistan, it was a huge deal. Some of the poorest families now had the chance to buy cheap food that seemed out of their league. Since the introduction of fast food, it has popped up everywhere, becoming the second-largest industry in Pakistan. As convenient as fast food is, it is extremely unhealthy, and just eating fast food can cause high obesity. And with high obesity comes a high risk of heart failure. 

Depression

The final major problem causing hypertension is the poor mental health of Pakistani citizens. Pakistan is not an easy place to live in, with problems plaguing the entire country. There are always factors hindering the lives of multiple people. Whether it be social, educational, or economic burdens, depression continues to be a problem. One factor that prevents these concerns from being addressed is Pakistan’s lack of mental health professionals. Pakistan’s health care is already underdeveloped, so hoping to find professional physiocrats is a rarity. With no one to consult, many citizens succumb to depression and increase the risk of hypertension in the process. A study from the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that 66% of Pakistanis at risk of heart disease suffered from depression.

Actions Taken

Pakistan has realized the risk of heart diseases, but has always had trouble surveying heart diseases. However, they have taken action to handle the root of heart diseases. Pakistan has started by taking a stance on smoking, which they have increased public awareness of. Various advertisements and educational institutes have discussed the risks of smoking and why it should not be done. Additionally, the sales of cigarettes have been affected by multiple bans and price increases across the country. Obesity has been one of the primary targets for Pakistan, with various programs dedicated to stopping it. The Pakistan National Heart Association taught 200 journalists about the issue of obesity, which led to 1,000 articles spreading awareness on the issue. They also advocated for increasing the sweetened and sugar tax, making it harder to obtain unhealthy options for normal citizens. Finally, in 2019, the government in Pakistan announced that they would be promoting mental health care across schools. Over the years, they have taught teachers all about this issue and how they can help children through it. This program has continued for multiple years, expanding over time. These programs help to reduce these issues, and in turn, lower the risk of heart disease in Pakistan.

Conclusion

It is unfortunate how high the risk of heart disease in Pakistan is, especially because of how the issues bolstering it happen among everyday citizens. There is not enough awareness of the commonality of these issues, and there is not enough being done to save thousands of lives. Pakistan may still be developing, but the general public can make a difference by spreading awareness on this issue. 

– Uzair Khan
Photo: Flickr

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5 Facts About Mental Health in Rwanda 

Mental Health in Rwanda Rwanda is a small country in sub-Saharan Africa. Rwanda has struggled to become a stable country economically and politically since it became independent in 1962. As a developing country, Rwanda is still trying to develop its healthcare system. With years of conflict and instability, people especially struggle with mental health in Rwanda.

5 Facts About Mental Health in Rwanda

  1. The Rwandan Genocide plays a significant role. Roughly 25% of Rwandan citizens struggle with PTSD and one in six people suffer from depression. The reason why so many Rwandans have mental health conditions can be explained by one key event in Rwandan history. During the Rwandan genocide of 1994, members of the Hutu ethnic majority murdered as many as 800,000 people, mostly of the Tutsi minority. The mass genocide caused severe trauma to survivors who still suffer from mental health issues 26 years after the event.
  2. Rwanda has very few resources. According to the World Health Organization, Rwanda has only two mental health hospitals, zero child psychiatrists, and only 0.06 psychiatrists per 100,000 people. With a large amount of the population plagued by mental health issues, Rwanda needs more resources to help the mentally ill.
  3. Suicide rates have greatly decreased in Rwanda. In 2016, the suicide rate in Rwanda was 11 deaths per 100,000 people. This is a great improvement compared to the 24.6 suicides per 100,000 people in 2000. An increase in mental health resources contributes to the lowering of the suicide rate in Rwanda.
  4. Increased mental health funding is essential. The average mental health expenditure per person in Rwanda is 84.08 Rwandan francs. Most citizens of Rwanda do not have the financial resources to afford mental healthcare. The government currently uses 10% of its healthcare budget on mental health services. Considering how large the mental health crisis is, the government should increase its expenditure to address the crisis. Since citizens cannot afford to pay for mental health resources, the government will need to help provide more free or affordable resources.
  5. The Rwandan Government is updating policies to address mental health. In 2018, Rwanda’s updated strategic plan for its health sector set new targets for expanding mental health care services. Its purpose is to help increase access to mental health resources by decentralizing mental health and integrating it into primary care. Also, this plan calls for a decrease in the cost of mental healthcare and an increase in the quality of care. The plan hopes to accomplish strategic goals by 2024. If successful, this plan may be used as a method to help other countries establish a quality mental health plan.

The Road Ahead for Rwanda

Considering Rwanda’s violent history, it is no surprise that the population struggles with mental health. Over the years, progress has been made with regard to mental health in Rwanda. However, many more resources are needed to help address the mental health crisis in Rwanda. With Rwanda’s updated strategic plan to address the issue and an increase in expenditure, the well-being of Rwandan’s will be positively impacted.

–Hannah Drzewiecki
Photo: Flickr

8 Facts About Depression and Mental Health in South Asia

Mental Health in South Asia
South Asia, a group of nine countries including India, Pakistan and Nepal, is home to more than 1.8 billion people. Of this population, between 150 and 200 million people suffer from mental illness. However, the severity of depression and mental health is often overlooked throughout the region, leaving millions without treatment and support. Here are eight quintessential facts about depression and mental health in South Asia and how the conditions are currently being addressed.

8 Facts About Depression and Mental Health in South Asia

  1. Depression affects 86 million people in Southeast Asia. The World Health Organization estimates that almost one-third of people suffering from depression worldwide live in South Asia, making the region home to a large majority of the world’s depressed.
  2. Mental illness is taboo in many South Asian communities. Professor Dinesh Bhugra, a mental health expert at London’s King’s College, states that the South Asian population carries “a bigger notion of shame” with them than other ethnic populations. South Asian religious and cultural influences often do not consider mental health a medical issue, referring to it as a “superstitious belief.” A 2010 study by the campaign Time to Change found that South Asians rarely discuss mental health because of the risk the subject poses to their reputation and status. Discussing mental health in South Asia has yet to be socially normalized.
  3. South Asian languages do not have a word for depression. Many South Asians are unable to express the specific condition of depression in their language. As a result, they often have to resort to downplaying it as part of “life’s ups and downs.” This language limitation also makes diagnoses and treatment difficult.
  4. Depression is a major contributor to global disease. Medical experts have found a correlation between the symptoms of depression and the perpetuation of disease. The World Health Organization has found an “interrelationship between depression and physical health,” such as depression leading to cardiovascular disease. As mental illness rates continue to rise in South Asia, so does the risk of physical diseases and illnesses.
  5. Postpartum depression in South Asian women is often undiagnosed and unrecognized. The gender of the baby, domestic violence and poverty are all factors that put new mothers at a higher risk for postpartum depression. The stigma surrounding mental health prevents new mothers from receiving any form of mental health care or support.
  6. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia have made mental health a “top priority.” These countries, along with a few others in South Asia, have created policies to address mental health on a national scale. The World Health Organization has recently lauded their work and the important step it takes towards normalizing and treating depression and mental illness.
  7. Non-government organizations (NGOs) have had a positive impact on mental health care. In countries where the government is not willing or able to make mental health a priority, NGOs are providing crucial support to people suffering from mental health issues. NGOs in South Asia have expanded their community-based programs and are providing specialized mental health services. For example, in the Maldives, a number of NGOs are offering rehabilitation, life-skills training and “resilience-building around social issues” to citizens. These efforts have drastically increased the access South Asians have to mental health care.
  8. Human capital increases when mental health is strong. Although poverty rates in South Asia are declining, the region accounted for nearly half of the world’s “multidimensionally poor” in 2017. Providing mental health care to South Asians is a major step in eradicating poverty within the region. According to the World Bank, strong mental health is a contributing factor to not only the wealth of nations but to the wealth and capital accumulation of individuals.

Improving mental health in South Asia requires not only the social recognition and normalization of depression and mental illness but the continued action of both government and non-government programs. With increased access to mental health care and support in South Asia, the expansive issues of poverty and illness will be positively affected.

– Karli Stone
Photo: Flickr

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The Link Between Mental Health and Poverty

Mental Health and Poverty
Although mental health and poverty are two things that one might not always group together, there is a serious link between people living below the poverty line and mental health disorders. According to a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA report, around 9.8 million people living in the United States had mental health disorders in 2015, and 25 percent of those people were living below the poverty line.

Both poverty and mental health can bring about the other. For instance, a Gallup poll found that about 15.8 percent of people not living in poverty reported having diagnosed depression, while 31 percent of people living in poverty reported depression. In addition, a McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research study based on data from the National Center for Education Statistics found that a household is likely to experience a 50 to 80 percent increase in food insecurity if the mother has diagnosed depression. While it is not clear whether the depression leads to living in poverty or living in poverty results in depression, the link between the two issues is clearly prevalent. Therefore, it is crucial that others address and treat the mental health of people living in poverty.

Ways to Treat Mental Health

One large issue with impoverished people having mental health disorders is that they often do not have the insurance and money to seek therapy and get medical help. This can be especially harmful to children living in poverty. The Official Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics has three main recommendations for low-income families to seek help for mental health disorders, including education and training, establishing relationships with providers and creating multidisciplinary teams.

The best way to help and treat mental health in low-income families and communities is education. By integrating mental health education in schools and free programs that schools offer to families and communities, more people can learn about how to cope with mental health disorders and keep themselves and their families healthy and happy. In addition, integrating mental health services into school health services allows children to seek help for any mental health disorders right at school.

Further, establishing relationships with school health providers and counselors allows children to feel comfortable enough to seek the help that they need, in a safe space that they are used to. Communication between children/families and health care providers also allows the providers to be available more quickly and could result in more effective treatment.

Effects of Improving Mental Health

Poverty can strain a person’s mental health due to stress and instability. Therefore, public mental health has a huge impact on communities and the mental health of the people. People do not widely recognize public health, which is why is it crucial that communities are actively working to prevent mental health problems and to educate the community on how to cope with mental health strains.

Mental health problems and poverty have a serious link and it is vital that people are aware of the strains of poverty and understand their community and who is at risk. Only by monitoring and evaluating impacts of mental health, creating educational programs and addressing both physical and mental health, both mental health and poverty can improve together.

– Paige Regan
Photo: Flickr

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How to Aid People With Depression in the Developing World

Depression in the Developing WorldDepression is one of the most common conditions affecting Americans each year. In a country as developed as the U.S., health professionals can readily provide high-quality care to patients struggling with depression. Prescription medications have proven successful in treating and helping patients manage their depression, as have therapy and counseling programs. This is unfortunately not the reality for people affected by the same mental illness in the developing world.

It is estimated that 350 million people suffer from depression worldwide, yet less than 10 percent of people in developing countries have access to adequate treatment and care options. A study conducted in rural India found that just under 40 percent of the entire population suffered from some form of mild to moderate depression. Another study conducted in Pakistan found that 50 percent of all women living in rural areas suffered from some form of depression or anxiety. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients who had previously endured a traumatic event – such as conflict or fleeing their countries as refugees – had a significantly increased risk of experiencing recurring depression.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recognized the severity of depression and its nature as a global health crisis. Conditions that commonly exist in developing countries, such as social and political instability, armed conflict, refugee crises, economic instability and food instability are all extremely high-risk triggers for anxiety and depression disorders. According to the WHO, a disproportionate number of the world’s medical professionals practice in developed countries. There is far greater availability of healthcare in places where it is least needed.

Depression is a disease that can limit a patient’s functioning and cause them a great deal of discomfort and suffering. The WHO has listed depression on their Mental Health Gap Action Program, and as a result, they aim to curb the rising number of individuals suffering from depression in the developing world. The plan is to provide adequate training and assistance to people who might not have extensive healthcare backgrounds so that they can better assist people suffering from depression in developing nations.

There is a real and dire need to determine ways in which to combat depression in the developing world. With the support of the international aid community, organizations such as WHO can implement aid strategies to hopefully bring an end to the disproportionately high number of untreated depression patients living in the developing world.

– Tyler Troped

Photo: Flickr

Taking a Look at the High Cost of Living in Greece

Cost of Living in GreeceAlmost ten years after the global financial crisis, the cost of living in Greece has continued to climb, while wages and available jobs have dropped considerably.  This unceasing contraction of the Greek economy has led to a sharp increase in the percentage of the population living in poverty to 23.2 percent in 2015.

The Greek recession, now on track to become a Greek depression, has devastated personal incomes. A Greek person living in 2014 had the same amount of disposable income that they did in 2003. Due to lost incomes and cut pensions, Greece is, by some estimates, 40 percent poorer than it was before the crisis.

However, it is not just wealth that has suffered. Nearly one million Greeks are unable to afford to pay for healthcare, and many smaller local clinics have closed down. As a result, wait times at larger facilities have increased. Furthermore, scores of workers have been discouraged from entering the workforce. Long-term unemployment has skyrocketed to 20 percent. That number is even higher among young Greeks.

Many families in Greece now rely on the pensions of one or two family members to live and eat. Pensions have been, and are scheduled to be cut due to new austerity measures introduced through the E.U. and International Monetary Fund’s bailouts. There is little money left after these families pay rent for anything else. More than 40 percent of Greeks have fallen behind on utility payments. This rate is the highest in all of Europe.

For many, the cost of living in Greece has become too high. Currently, more than half a million young and educated Greeks have left the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere.  However, there may be hope for those dismayed by the oppressing cost of living in Greece. On July 24, for the first time in three years, Athens has collected on new debt through bond sales.

Athens hopes that the 3 billion euro bond will lead to more investor confidence in the Greek economy. As confidence and credit returns, many are hopeful that people can go back to work and the country can pull itself out of this depression.

– Thomas James Anania

Photo: Flickr

The Severity of Depression in India

Depression in India
According to the American Psychiatric Association, depression is defined as “a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think and how you act.” Depression is not just about someone being sad, but rather about an individual lacking the motivation to do anything, from their favorite activities to simply eating. With the disorder affecting 322 million people worldwide, it is a major health concern on a global level. Depression in India is, according to recent reports, at a severe level.

While depression has no limitations as to whom it affects, there are certain areas that have an exceptionally high number of people suffering from the disorder. India is one nation that has been proven to have high rates of depression. In 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) ranked India as the most depressed country on the planet. The WHO also reported that more than 4.5% of the Indian population suffers from mental illness. While 4.5% may not seem like a significant amount, it is actually equivalent to 56 million individuals.

Depression can be treated with several methods such as medication and therapy. However, Indians who suffer from the disorder lack the resources that they need, due to the fact that only .06% of India’s health budget is used for mental health purposes. This number is shockingly low in light of the fact that well-developed countries usually utilize at least four percent of their health budgets for mental health.

As recent studies have shown, there are only 0.301 psychiatrists per 100,000 individuals in India. With not enough psychologists, nurses and social workers, many who suffer from depression in India are not given the opportunity to receive professional help.

With depression rates in India on the rise, the government is making an effort to decrease depression rates. In March, Parliament passed the Mental Health Care Bill. This bill offers all Indians mental health care, prohibits electroconvulsive therapy on minors and decriminalizes suicide.

Despite advancements, depression still remains a serious issue in the country. However, with new policies constantly being devised, depression in India, as well as throughout the world, will hopefully decrease over time.

– Raven Rentas

Photo: Pixabay

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How Advocacy Cures Depression


Feeling down or uneasy? It could be time to donate to a worthy cause. A growing body of evidence shows a strong correlation between poverty and multiple forms of mental illness, including depression. The good news is that the inverse is also being proven true; reducing poverty improves mental health, not only for those receiving aid but also for those who provide it. Here are some of the most recent findings on how advocacy cures depression:

According to Spring.org, people in the U.S. have become 5 percent less happy over the past decade, despite average household earnings increasing in the same period of time. The same study determined that Norway and Denmark were the happiest countries, compared to America’s position as the 14th happiest.

“I don’t think Denmark has a monopoly on happiness. What works in the Nordic countries is a sense of community and understanding in the common good,” Meik Wiking, CEO of Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute stated by way of explanation. The effects of poverty on depression were shown to be quite clear: the unhappiest countries, which include Liberia, Yemen, Rwanda and Syria are all among the poorest on earth.

The implication of the study seems to add another line to the old adage: money may not be able to buy happiness, but it may be able to buy happiness for someone else in need. Science is discovering that the giver also benefits—one study of 846 people from the American Journal of Public Health found that the act of helping others creates an increased tolerance to stressful life events.

Altruistic acts, such as raising awareness for charitable causes, have been shown to result in numerous psychological and physical health benefits including reducing stress, maintaining a positive life perspective and even boosting longevity.

Crick Lund, University of Capetown psychologist and head of the international consortium called PRIME (Programme for Improving Mental Health Care), is another key researcher in determining how advocacy cures depression. He has dedicated his career to providing mental health treatment for people living in low-income and low-resource areas. His research on the link between poverty and depression is being conducted across five sub-Saharan countries in Africa and is expected to show early results by 2018.

The next time the blues hits, it may be worth considering getting the squad together to volunteer at the local shelter or make a donation to a nonprofit such as The Borgen Project. Since advocacy cures depression, not only will it make life better for someone who truly needs it, it will make the giver feel great too.

– Dan Krajewski

Photo: Flickr