Mental Health – Public Health Talks https://publichealthtalks.com Learning through conversations! Sat, 03 Jan 2026 17:50:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://publichealthtalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-ICON-32x32.png Mental Health – Public Health Talks https://publichealthtalks.com 32 32 Maternal Mental Health: A Public Health Priority https://publichealthtalks.com/2026/01/maternal-mental-health-a-public-health-priority/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2026/01/maternal-mental-health-a-public-health-priority/#respond Sat, 03 Jan 2026 17:50:17 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=3306 […]]]> We often hear that pregnancy and new motherhood are supposed to be magical and joyful. And yes, for many women it is. But there’s another side of that story that people don’t talk about enough. The truth is that a lot of mothers are struggling emotionally during pregnancy or after giving birth and many of them are doing it quietly, behind closed doors.

The Reality Many Mothers Face

Maternal mental health is simply how a mother is doing emotionally and mentally during pregnancy and the first year after birth. Maternal mental health is a critical but often overlooked part of women’s health. Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring major physical and emotional changes, and many women struggle silently with conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety, birth-related PTSD, and other perinatal mood disorders. It’s more common than people realize for women to experience:

  • Postpartum depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trauma from birth
  • Mood changes triggered by hormones and stress

And here’s the part that too often gets ignored: about 1 in 5 women go through this, and a lot of them never get help. They’re expected to smile, show up, and “be strong.”

Why This Matters

When a mother is struggling, it doesn’t just affect her, it affects her baby, her partner, her work, and her overall life.

For mothers, untreated mental health issues can make bonding difficult, increase stress, and make everyday tasks feel overwhelming.

For babies, a mother’s emotional well-being can influence development, sleep, feeding, and even how safe and connected they feel in the world.

For families and communities, the impact can show up in stress at home, financial strain, and long-term social and healthcare costs.

Supporting mothers isn’t just “nice”, it’s necessary!

Why So Many Women Don’t Ask for Help

There are real reasons women stay silent:

  • Fear of being judged or labeled a “bad mother”
  • Feeling like they should be able to handle it
  • Doctors not asking about mental health at routine visits
  • Limited access to therapy or support
  • Cultural beliefs that discourage talking about emotional struggles

A lot of mothers think they’re the only one going through it. They aren’t.

What Needs to Change

If we want healthier families and healthier communities, we need to support mothers better. That means:

  • Making mental health screening a normal part of prenatal and postpartum care
  • Talking openly about maternal mental health in homes, clinics, faith centers, and social media
  • Providing support that respects different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences
  • Expanding telehealth and flexible care options
  • Creating workplaces that understand how challenging the postpartum period can be

What Mothers Need to Hear

Maybe someone needs this today:

You’re not weak.
You’re not failing.
You’re not alone.
And you deserve support and care not silence and pressure.

Signs to Watch for

A mother may need professional support if she:

  • Feels persistently sad, anxious, or hopeless
  • Loses interest in activities she once enjoyed
  • Has trouble bonding with the baby
  • Experiences extreme mood swings
  • Has thoughts of harming herself or the baby

If these signs appear, reaching out for mental health care is courageous not a failure.

In Conclusion

Maternal mental health isn’t just a personal issue, it’s a public health issue. When mothers are supported, families are stronger, children thrive, and communities become healthier.

It starts with talking about it openly and refusing to pretend everything is perfect when so many women are suffering quietly.

Featured image credit: BiancaVanDijk on Pixabay

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2026/01/maternal-mental-health-a-public-health-priority/feed/ 0
Eating Disorder-A Closer Look! https://publichealthtalks.com/2025/03/eating-disorder-a-closer-look/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2025/03/eating-disorder-a-closer-look/#respond Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:38:50 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=3232 […]]]>
  • Image Credit: NIH- National Institute of Mental Health

Did You Know?

  • 9% of the U.S. population, or 28.8 million Americans, will have an eating disorder in their lifetime.
  • 10,200 deaths each year are the direct result of an eating disorder – that’s one death every 52 minutes.
  • Less than 6% of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight.”
  • ~Credit: Eating Recovery Center

Know the facts, signs, and symptoms of eating disorders and provide your loved ones with the needed resources to develop healthy lifestyle.

Featured image credit: Nutley Family Service Bureau

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2025/03/eating-disorder-a-closer-look/feed/ 0
Adolescents’ Mental Health Challenges https://publichealthtalks.com/2025/01/adolescents-mental-health-challenges/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2025/01/adolescents-mental-health-challenges/#respond Fri, 03 Jan 2025 18:05:09 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=3224 […]]]>

Did You Know?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 7 adolescents live with a mental health condition. “Without adequate support, these conditions can have long-lasting effects on their education, relationships, and overall well-being”. ~WHO

It is important to adequately understand these conditions, the signs, and symptoms in order to properly support those affected.

Featured Image (s) credit: Mohamed_hassan from Pixabay

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2025/01/adolescents-mental-health-challenges/feed/ 0
Unlocking Radiance: Essential Tips for Looking and Feeling Your Best! https://publichealthtalks.com/2023/11/unlocking-radiance-essential-tips-for-looking-and-feeling-your-best/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2023/11/unlocking-radiance-essential-tips-for-looking-and-feeling-your-best/#respond Sun, 05 Nov 2023 17:08:44 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=3149 […]]]>
Photo by Pexel

In a world where self-confidence plays a pivotal role, looking and feeling your absolute best can greatly impact your overall well-being. From nurturing your connections to embracing a holistic approach to wellness, there are numerous strategies to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.

In this article, courtesy of Public Health Talks, we explore eight actionable tips that can help you radiate confidence and exude a captivating charm in every facet of life.

Make Time for Regular Movement

Aiming to look and feel your best? Tailoring a fitness regimen to your daily routine is paramount. Choose a workout time that aligns with your schedule—be it morning, lunch, or evening—to ensure consistency.

For those tight on time, integrate quick, supplementary activities like stair climbing and lunchtime strolls. These minor adjustments can add up, elevating your fitness journey without overwhelming your calendar. In the pursuit of feeling your best, simple choices often wield significant impact.

Prioritize Sunscreen as Your Daily Armor

The sun’s rays may warm your soul, but they can also wreak havoc on your skin. Prioritizing sunscreen as your daily armor is a non-negotiable step.

Shielding your skin from harmful UV rays not only prevents premature aging but also guards against skin damage and potential health risks. Remember, protecting your skin is an investment in your long-term beauty and well-being.

The Power of Strong Social Bonds

Maintaining strong social bonds is not only essential for emotional well-being but also for a radiant outlook. Regular interactions with friends and loved ones foster positivity and reduce stress.

Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing experiences, and creating lasting memories can significantly enhance your overall sense of self-worth and happiness.

Build a Tailored Skincare Routine

Your skin is a canvas that reflects your inner vitality. Developing a tailored skincare routine is key to unlocking your skin’s potential.

Consistent cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating can rejuvenate your complexion, leading to a natural, healthy glow. When you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin, your charm becomes effortless and magnetic.

Embrace Fashion that Reflects Your Personality

Your choice of attire is an expression of your identity and holds a crucial place in how you perceive yourself. Revitalize your closet with stylish and cozy outfits  that align with your unique taste and lifestyle.

For example, if you’re pregnant, invest in light-weight maternity black dresses that show off your baby bump and make you feel fabulous. When you’re comfortable in what you wear, confidence and elegance come naturally.

Focus on Dental Hygiene

A captivating smile speaks volumes and leaves a lasting impression. Maintaining excellent dental hygiene is crucial for projecting confidence.

Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups ensure a dazzling grin that boosts your self-assuredness. When you smile with confidence, you invite positive interactions and exude a magnetic charm.

Nurture Your Hair with High-Quality Products

Your hair is a crown you wear every day, and it deserves the royal treatment. Nurture your hair with high-quality products that enhance its health and shine.

A good hair day can significantly impact your overall look and self-esteem. When you feel good about your hair, you exude an aura of self-assuredness that draws people in.

The Mood-Boosting Benefits of Walking

Physical and mental well-being are foundational to feeling and looking your best. If a serious fitness regimen isn’t in the cards, regular walks are a simple yet powerful way to prioritize both aspects of wellness.

Seek out pedestrian-friendly areas with a high Walk Score, allowing you to effortlessly integrate exercise into your day. The mood-boosting benefits of walking, coupled with the enhancement of vitality, contribute to an overall appearance of health and radiance.

Unlocking your full potential and radiating confidence begins with these eight concise and actionable steps. From nurturing your connections to prioritizing self-care, each tip plays a crucial role in your journey toward feeling and looking your absolute best. Embrace these strategies with intention and dedication, and watch as you transform into a version of yourself that radiates confidence and charm in every situation life presents.

Cheryl Conklin is the author and guest writer of this insightful article. Cheryl is the founder of Wellness Central. An organization geared towards improving physical and mental health. for more information, please visit https://wellnesscentral.info/ or email cheryl.conklin@wellnesscentral.info

Featured Image Credit: DavidZydd from Pixabay

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2023/11/unlocking-radiance-essential-tips-for-looking-and-feeling-your-best/feed/ 0
Shining a Light on Mental Health Disorders! https://publichealthtalks.com/2020/01/shining-a-light-on-mental-health-disorders/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2020/01/shining-a-light-on-mental-health-disorders/#respond Sat, 11 Jan 2020 16:52:20 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=2719 […]]]> “Your mental health is as important as your physical health! Balance Both!”

“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”~ Glenn Close

Mental Health Facts According to @WHO

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
  • Mental, neurological and substance use disorders make up 10% of the global burden of disease and 30% of non-fatal disease burden.
  • Around 1 in 5 of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental disorder.
  • Depression is one of the leading causes of disability, affecting 264 million people.
  • About half of mental disorders begin before the age of 14.
  • Almost 800, 000 people die by suicide every year; 1 person dies from suicide every 40 seconds. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in individuals aged 15-29 years.
  • Around 1 in 9 people in settings affected by conflict have a moderate or severe mental disorder.
  • People with severe mental disorders die 10 to 20 years earlier than the general population.
  • Rates of mental health workers vary from below 2 per 100 000 population in low-income countries to over 70 per 100 000 in high-income countries.
  • Less than half of the 139 countries that have mental health policies and plans report having these aligned with human rights conventions.
  • The global economy loses about US$ 1 trillion per year in productivity due to depression and anxiety.

Tips for Good Mental Health

  • Value Yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect and avoid self-criticism
  • Take care of your body and this include:
    • Eat healthy
    • Avoid substance abuse
    • Drink lots of water
    • Exercise on a regular basis
    • Get enough sleep daily
  • Surround yourself with positivity  i.e. with good people and avoid isolation and loneliness
  • Give back to the community by volunteering: it allows to meet new people and get connected
  • Learn to deal with stress i.e. practice good coping skills such as taking walks or hanging with friends
  • Quiet your mind: Meditation is one of the good ways to achieve this,
  • Set realistic and attainable goals be it personal or professional. It helps to have set goals
  • Break up the monotony: Mix it up sometimes, it can get boring doing the same thing over and over
  • Avoid alcohol and other drugs: excessive usage can result in dependency
  • Get help when needed; There is no shame in asking for help! Talk to some you trust about concerns you may have. Not talking about it is not an option!
  • *Adapted from the National Mental Health Association/National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare ~University of Michigan-Health service~

Importance of Good Mental Health

  • Positive mental health allows people to:
  • Realize their full potential
  • Cope with the stresses of life
  • Work productively
  • Make meaningful contributions to their communities
  • *Adapted from mentalhealth.gov
]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2020/01/shining-a-light-on-mental-health-disorders/feed/ 0
Fentanyl and Other Killer Drugs: Addressing Global Opioid Crisis. https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/10/fentanyl-and-other-killer-drugs-addressing-global-opioid-crisis/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/10/fentanyl-and-other-killer-drugs-addressing-global-opioid-crisis/#respond Fri, 11 Oct 2019 12:56:14 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=2650 […]]]> “Opioids reach every part of society: blue Collar, white collar, everybody. It’s nonstop. It’s every day. And it doesn’t seem like it’s getting any better.” Walter Bender-a Deputy Sheriff in Montgomery County, Ohio

In 2017, opioid use increased in Africa, Asia, Europe, and two-thirds of the 585,000 drug related deaths, were as a result of opioid use, according to the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime 2017 report.

It was noted in the report that, North America’s overdose mortality rates due to fentanyl account for most of the drug related death around the globe.  For instance, Nigeria, has been plagued with opioid crisis with no concrete strategy in place. Unlike in North America, where fentanyl seems to be the most widely used, in Nigeria, the bigger concern is tramadol which is considered to be widely available although it’s not the first choice of drug in Nigeria. Marijuana is the most widely use drug in Nigeria, according to the report. Another published report by the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime on drug use in Nigeria indicated that around 14.3 million people aged 15-64 years in Nigeria had used a psychoactive substance in the past year for non-medical purposes. It is worth stating that the majority of high risk drug users were regular users of opioids in Nigeria according to the report.

The National Institute on Drug Use described opioids as a class of “drugs that include the illegal drug heroin, synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, and pain relievers available legally by prescription, such as oxycodone (OxyContin), hydrocodone (Vicodin), codeine, morphine, and many others. Regular use, even as prescribed by a doctor can lead to dependence and, when misused, opioid pain relievers can lead to addiction, overdose incidents, and deaths.”

 It is worth noting that the drug naloxone can be used to reverse an opioid overdose when given right away. Fortunately, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) effective medications exist to treat opioid use disorders including methadone, buprenorphine, and naltrexone. Talk to your physician!

As the fentanyl and tramadol crisis ravage through cities across North America and other parts of the world, it seems that some of the strategies put in place to tackle the crisis are deemed controversial.

One of the controversial strategies include opening of supervised drug/ injection use sites. The arguments against this is that; the sites will encourage more addicts to abuse substances while the arguments for this strategy insist that this approach saves life and does not increase drug usage because it allows trained specialist to monitor and respond accordingly in case of overdose.

Additionally, there is a debate whether non-medical community workers should carry Naloxone (antidote) to treat people in emergency situations. The opposition insists that administration of Naloxone by non-medical workers can result in improper usage of the drug. Thankfully, some places have legalized the sale of naloxone without prescription (over the counter), other places require prescription, and some places only allow health workers to carry the antidote.

While all sides of argument have valid points but with the increase in death rates and frankly with no end in sight in terms of controlling the manufacturing and distribution of the synthetic drug, isn’t it worth exploring all options and utilizing all proposed strategies to deal with this tragedy?

There is no doubt, this is a global epidemic, so, we need to identify those with substance abuse disorders and help them in overcoming the disorder. Further, concrete and effective strategies are needed to combat this issue head on! Leaders need to stop pointing fingers and allocate needed funds to fight this crisis at local, state, and global stage.

Addiction is a disease and the problem is real! How did we get here and where do we go from here?

If you or someone you know struggles with addiction, please seek help.

Facts & Statistics on Opioids

•Globally, there is an estimated minimum of 190,900 premature deaths caused by drugs (range: 115,900 to 230,100).

•Opioids account for the majority of drug-related deaths and in most cases such deaths are avoidable.

•Opioids responsible for two-thirds of global drug deaths in 2017

•North America continues to experience the highest drug-related mortality rate in the world, accounting for 1-in-4 drug-related deaths globally. (Source: United Nations office on Drugs and Crime)

Possible Signs of Opioid Addiction

•Mixing with different groups of people or changing friends

•Spending time alone and avoiding time with family and friends

•Losing interest in activities

•Not bathing, changing clothes or brushing their teeth

•Being very tired and sad

•Eating more or less than usual

•Being overly energetic, talking fast and saying things that don’t make sense

•Being nervous or cranky

•Quickly changing moods

•Sleeping at odd hours (Source: American Society of Anesthesiologist)

Symptoms of an Opioid Overdose

•Slow, shallow breathing

•Extreme sleepiness

•Inability to talk

•Blue skin color and dark-colored lips

•Snoring or gurgling sounds   (Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists)

Responding to an Opioid Overdose?

If you think someone may be experiencing an opioid overdose, take the following actions immediately:

1. Lightly tap, shake and shout at the person to get a response. If you do not get a response, rub your knuckles on the person’s breastbone.

2. If the individual responds, keep the person awake.

3. If you have naloxone, a medication that can rapidly reverse the effects of an overdose, administer it according to the instructions on the package (in addition, seek medical help right away) (Source: American Society of Anesthesiologists)

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/10/fentanyl-and-other-killer-drugs-addressing-global-opioid-crisis/feed/ 0
Violence Against Children: A Global Cry for Help https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/09/violence-against-children-a-global-cry-for-help/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/09/violence-against-children-a-global-cry-for-help/#respond Wed, 11 Sep 2019 16:46:32 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=2633 […]]]> “Childhood should be carefree, playing in the sun: not living a nightmare in the darkness of the soul.” ~Dave Pelzer

The World Health Organization states that “Violence against children includes all forms of violence against people under 18 years old, whether perpetrated by parents or other caregivers, peers, romantic partners, or strangers. Globally, it is estimated that up to 1 billion children aged 2–17 years, have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional violence or neglect in the past year.” Further it is worth noting that the United Nations states “Children who experience sexual violence suffer from long-term psychological trauma, health consequences including transmitted infections such as HIV/AIDS and early pregnancies.”

The stories of adults committing sexual violence against children are unfortunately nothing new but recently, the stories of sexual violence against children seem to be everywhere. It seems no place is safe for these innocent children even the house of worship! Below are some cases that have gotten attention worldwide but what about those cases that are not being reported and the perpetrators got away with the crime?

An American Singer/Rapper R. Kelly was accused and charged for sexually abusing underage girls for many years. He was also accused of marrying a 15 year-old girl. He denied all allegations and awaiting trials. People in his inner circle must have seen something…why did these people protect him for all those years?

Another example is the allegations of sexual assault against young children in the Catholic Church. This is a global crisis that is being felt around the globe. In some cases, Nuns, catholic priests, and members have been investigated and convicted for covering up these incidents. The abuse allegedly include boys and girls but mostly boys, some as young as three years old, with the majority between the ages of 11-14!

The case of a 3-year-old Georgia girl named Janiyah Armanie Brooks who was sexually assaulted, raped, physically abused by her step-father and died from her injuries. The step-father and her mother were charged in the case. Her mother was allegedly aware of the abuse and present in most of the incidents.

Violence against children (e.g. sexual assault, physical abuse etc.) occurs primarily in domestic settings but a significant proportion of incidents occur in school, religious, and social settings. Concerns about sexual assaults in schools have recently grown as a result of frequent allegations of inappropriate sexual relations between teachers and underage girls and boys according to multiple outlets such as the World Health Organization.

No matter how young your child is, it is not too early to teach them some basic skills of protecting themselves from perpetrators. Have that ‘talk’ with your children about their private parts encourage them to talk about anything with you. Have an open-door policy where your children can come to you anytime to discuss anything.

Children are the future of the world. They are innocent! They are vulnerable! They are trusting! It is our collective job to protect them from harm especially from despicable act such as sexual assault and violence. Children are not safe anywhere not even in their own homes for instance I have heard stories of mothers protecting their partners knowing fully well that they are committing sexual violence act against their children. There are no words to describe such a situation, I’m just speechless! 

The main take away is to be available and show interest in your children’s day-to-day activities!

Ten Ways to Teach Your Child the Skills to Prevent Sexual Abuse

  1. Talk about body parts early:
    • Teach them that some body parts are private
    • Teach your child body boundaries
    • Tell your child that keeping secrets are not okay
    • Tell your child no one should take pictures of their private parts
    • Teach your child how to get out of scary uncomfortable situations
    • Have a code word your children can use when they feel unsafe or want to be picked up
    • Tell your children they will never be in trouble if they tell you a body secret
    • Tell your child that these rules apply even with people they know and even with another child. ~Source: Child Mind Institute
]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/09/violence-against-children-a-global-cry-for-help/feed/ 0
Mental Health Disorders and the Fellas: A Noiseless Predicament. https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/07/mental-health-disorders-among-the-fellas-a-noiseless-predicament/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/07/mental-health-disorders-among-the-fellas-a-noiseless-predicament/#respond Tue, 02 Jul 2019 15:08:47 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=2561 […]]]> “Men are strong”, “men can handle anything”, “it is belittling for a man to ask for help”. These are some of the phrases you hear in communities around world. No wonder we have disparities when it comes to men’s mental health and their overall general health. Due to these phrases, most men will not seek help for mental health disorders or even for their overall physical health. Unity Behavioral Health, a drug and rehabilitation center states that “Due to several millennia of male socialization and certain biological predispositions, many men around the world suffer from mental health difficulties in silence, leading to a host of other potential problems.”

Let’s explore some factors causing an increase in mental health disorders among men. Due to some traditional societal pressures such as being the family provider and the macho nature of most men around the globe, most fellas are less likely to seek help for mental health disorders resulting in them suffering in silence. Evidence suggests that the rates of various mental health disorders among men are high and specifically lead to suicide and substance abuse. There appears to be a connection between substance abuse, suicide, and mental health. For instance, suicide is said to be the leading cause of death among people with substance use disorders. Some of the statistics are disturbing, for instance a referenced article by United Behavioral Health indicated that; “Around the world, men are 3 to 7.5 times more likely than women to take their own lives.” Despite these findings “Rather than openly discuss problems, the more “manly” thing to do is “tough it out” on your own. This is something that is drilled into male psyches from birth.” (Unity Behavioral Health).

I guess the question is: how can we help the men in our lives deal with mental health disorders? I suggest, we start by creating a supportive and loving environment where they feel comfortable to share their feelings and talk about any form of mental health disorders.

The truth is that most men struggle to conform to the traditional societal norms of being the primary provider. This kind of pressure and the inability to balance work and family can sometimes result in a mental breakdown. Mental health disorders can be treated, and recognizing the warning signs is the first step toward helping your loved ones get needed treatment.

Mental health disorders are real and the struggle is real for both genders but to properly understand how to eliminate the stigma of asking or seeking help for men “More research into what would make men more likely to seek treatment for mental illnesses and other health issues is needed. However, perhaps the first step in the process involves changing the narrative about what it means to be a man.” (Unity Behavioral Health).

Clearly, efforts (i.e. public health programs) should be geared towards ensuring that mental health disorders among men be given special and extra attention. Doing this might help reduce the rates of suicide, depression, and substance abuse in the male population.

It is important to be supportive of our fellas because when it comes to mental health, preventive measures can be taken to avoid future complex disorders. Contact us for assistance! Let’s keep the conversation going!

Warning Signs

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) states “Men and women can develop most of the same mental disorders and conditions but may experience different symptoms”. Some symptoms include:

  1. Anger, irritability, or aggressiveness
  2. Noticeable changes in mood, energy level, or appetite
  3. Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
  4. Difficulty concentrating, feeling restless, or on edge
  5. Increased worry or feeling stressed
  6. Misuse of alcohol and/or drugs
  7. Sadness or hopelessness
  8. Suicidal thoughts
  9. Feeling flat or having trouble feeling positive emotions
  10. Engaging in high-risk activities

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/07/mental-health-disorders-among-the-fellas-a-noiseless-predicament/feed/ 0
Depression and Suicide among Young People: A Global Catastrophe https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/06/depression-and-suicide-among-young-people-a-global-catastrophe/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/06/depression-and-suicide-among-young-people-a-global-catastrophe/#respond Mon, 03 Jun 2019 15:12:45 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=2538 […]]]> The tragic story of 9 year old Syrian Amal Alshteiwi who fled the war in Syria with her family in the hope of a better life in Canada was recently reported in the news. Upon settling in Calgary, she was enrolled in school and it appeared that she had left all the violence back in Syria. Unfortunately, Amal allegedly endured constant bullying from her school mates and eventually ended up taking her own life.

Calling on the world to wake up and smell the coffee! We have a global epidemic on our hands and it seems we are not doing enough to protect and prevent our teenagers and young adults from committing suicide due to depression and other mental health disorders. Lately, my heart is full of sadness because of similar stories of young people in different parts of the world taking their lives for reasons such as exam failures, rape, parents neglect, bullying etc. These stories are heart breaking events that call for the development and implementation of effective community-based interventions that will prevent children of the world, family members, friends, and neighbors from being part of the statistics.

The stories show the trend and the increase in rates of suicide among young people. For instance, in an article published by Time magazine, “In 2017—the latest year for which federal data are available—more than one in eight Americans ages 12 to 25 experienced a major depressive episode”. While there is no known exact cause for the increase in the suicide rates, Time magazine noted that some evidence linked ‘heavy technology use and poor mental health outcomes’ among young people. That is, “the ever growing use of technology, digital media like social media, texting and gaming” have been linked to suicide among young people.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), “Suicide is a serious public health problem; however, suicides are preventable with timely, evidence-based and often low-cost interventions. For national responses to be effective, a comprehensive multi-sectoral suicide prevention strategy is needed.”

 Also, WHO indicated that “Effective and evidence-based interventions can be implemented at population, sub-population and individual levels to prevent suicide and suicide attempts.”

Here are some heart wrenching stories from the news that can help put things into perspectives:

The recent case (April 2019) of twenty 12th grade students who committed suicide in the India state of Telangana due to failing their final exams. To make matters worse, the exam results were controversial with alleged instances of incorrect exam grading and recording absent or zero for students who were actually present for the exam.

Another recent case (March 2019) is that of Uzakah Ebiweni, a 300-level medical student in Nigeria who committed suicide (through drowning) after being disqualified from medical school for failing to pass the qualifying professional exams. Similar case in Nigeria is that of a 17-year-old boy, Amos Ibrahim who took his own life by consuming insecticide. The young man reportedly committed suicide due to depression after failing the 2019 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Exams (University entrance exam).

“An 11-year-old Haverhill girl Precious Wallaces was allegedly drugged and raped by her great-uncle, Miguel Rivera, who watched over her every Friday night. Fentanyl, a powerful opioid, and amitriptyline, an anti-depressant and sleep aid, were found in her system. After spending two days in a coma, Precious died”.

My take is that, in these cases: the corrupt system, the high expectations placed on these children and the enormous pressure, the high level of stress, the constant bullying, and lack of family support among others probably triggered depression or some sort of mental breakdown resulting in the loss of these young lives to suicide.

These stories showcase the need for parents, relatives and the community as a whole to be part of our children and loved one’s daily activities. The need to have an ‘open door’ policy in our homes and a conversational environment where kids can feel safe to discuss social and personal issues is urgent. We owe it to ourselves to balance work and family life because it is our ultimate responsibility to be attuned to the needs of our children, friends, and loved ones.

How can we help? Or do you have a story you would like to share? Send us a message info@publichealthtalks.com

Some facts according to the World Health Organization

  • Close to 800 000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds.
  • Suicide is a global phenomenon and occurs throughout the lifespan
  • Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.
  • 79% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
  • Ingestion of pesticide, hanging and firearms are among the most common methods of suicide globally.

Healthychildren.org stated 10 Things Parents Can Do to Prevent Suicide

  • Don’t let your teen’s depression or anxiety snowball
  • Listen—even when your teen is not talking
  • Never shrug off threats of suicide as typical teenage melodrama
  • Seek professional help right away
  • Share your feelings
  • Encourage your teen not to isolate himself or herself from family and friends
  • Recommend exercise
  • Urge your teen not to demand too much of himself or herself
  • Remind your teen who is undergoing treatment not to expect immediate results.
  • If you keep guns at home, store them safely or move all firearms elsewhere until the crisis has passed.
]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/06/depression-and-suicide-among-young-people-a-global-catastrophe/feed/ 0
Down in the Dumps https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/05/down-in-the-dumps/ https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/05/down-in-the-dumps/#respond Mon, 13 May 2019 15:02:00 +0000 https://publichealthtalks.com/?p=2518 […]]]> The mood and the feelings on Saturday May 11, 2019 can best be described as guilty and sad. I have given talks and wrote an article (e.g. Who cares about what ‘they’ think? I don’t care!! Do you?) about not letting little things get to you and being positive about things that come your way. I have confessed before that I am one of those that over analyze things, that is, I tend to read meaning into every little thing that comes my way. While this is something that I have been working to improve on, I found myself ‘relapsing’ that Saturday.

Okay, you are probably thinking, what happened?…am getting there…I promise…I just want to take a minute to reiterate again that if you find yourself in the situation that I am about to describe, it is important to tune out anything (no matter how minute) that tends to affect us physically, mentally, and emotionally. We should focus on the positivity of the situation, find the silver lining and strategize accordingly.  I decided to blog about my experience and It helped me!

Now let’s get to it! I was invited to do a Q&A (topic: Let’s talk about sex: Birth control and Weight Gain) on live video Instagram with some amazing women. I was so excited about this topic and so looking forward to the questions the women would have. Most importantly, I was looking forward to learning from the amazing audience. Then came the time to start the live video, technical difficulties…my gosh! It was a disaster…I could see all the questions coming in from the participants but I just couldn’t respond…God bless the moderator @kiddiesarena_ng because she tried everything from her end but nothing worked…we spent about an hour on this but to put a long story short, the Q&A didn’t take place. We decided to reschedule…

The feeling afterwards was that of guilt and sadness because of these women that took the time to be part of something important to them. It felt like I failed them and I just couldn’t get over it. I was down in the dumps for the most part of the day. Then, my partner gave me the support that I needed by talking some sense into me…lol…He gave me the idea of blogging about my experience and reminded me of what I tell people i.e. to not let little things get to them. That was what I needed, the wakeup call!! This brief experience also highlighted the importance of relying on those close to you when things don’t go your way, including family and friends, to get you through tough periods.

Indeed, this may seem to have been a minor incident, but sometimes it takes even more trivial occurrences to trigger depression and mental health issues in vulnerable people. So always keep those that are dear to you and will tell you how it is (in a proper manner) close by. I am a lot better today and I can only hope those lovely women understand that technology sometimes has a mind of its own…It was completely out of my control and I look forward to having that Q&A with them.

]]>
https://publichealthtalks.com/2019/05/down-in-the-dumps/feed/ 0