A depressed economy means more depressed Kiwis

Press Release
June 30, 2009
For Immediate Release

A depressed economy means more depressed Kiwis

The effects of the recession - job losses, house repossessions and personal debt - are all taking their toll on the nation’s mental health.

International reports state that 91% of people with debts say their mental health deteriorates as a result of their financial situation [1]. Money worries are causing high stress levels, depression and in some cases self harm and suicidal thoughts.

Lifeline is contracted by the Ministry of Health to provide the skilled support services for the National Depression Initiative, is experiencing a consistent increase in calls about financial issues to its helplines as well as a considerable rise in the uptake of the youth depression support services. At the moment Ministry of Health’s youth depression brief intervention service “The Lowdown” is three times busier than the same period last year. This service has received and sent 47,322 txts and 1154 emails since January 2009

Candace Bagnall, the Ministry of Health National Depression Initiative spokesperson says “It’s predicted that there will be an increase in the number of people experiencing depression as a result of increased social and economic pressures caused by the recession. Redundancy and unemployment put people at much higher risk of becoming depressed. It’s more important than ever to be able to recognise signs of depression in the people we care about, and make sure they get help.

The National Depression Initiative provides information and support services to help people recognise and deal with depression.

Anil Thapliyal, LifeLine Aotearoa General Manager says, “Right now more people are worried about money matters and are experiencing distress brought about by demise of their financial security and even contemplating suicide. Many of those who are experiencing an increased risk with depression suicide tend to be older males, who are likely to be the family breadwinner”.

The Depression Helpline (Freephone 0800 111 757) provides support from 8am until midnight, 365 days a year. Callers can talk to a trained counsellor who can discuss their situation and offer information and advice on what to do and the services available in their localities. Or they can log on to www.depression.org.nz, a supportive and informative website designed to help New Zealanders understand and deal with depression.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• Please include details of the depression support services when reporting about depression to aid people in need access help

• Depression is a leading, preventable cause of death by suicide and of disability; predicted by the World Health Organisation to be the second leading cause of disability in the world by 2020. Depression is the most common mental health problem, and a leading preventable cause of death - but it’s under recognised and under treated.

• The National Depression Initiative is a campaign funded by the MOH to reduce the impact of depression on the lives of New Zealanders: saving lives and improving the quality of life of the thousands of New Zealanders affected by it. The project launched in October 2006 with television commercials featuring John Kirwan talking about his personal experience of depression. These ads have proven to be very successful.

[1] www.myfinances.co.uk

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