Let’s see what the numbers say, as recorded in a recent survey presented a few days ago. One in six people in Cyprus will experience a mental health problem, a rate of 17.2%, higher than the European average. Additionally, 7.2% of the population lives with anxiety and another 3.8% with depression.
Once, it was taboo to talk about mental health issues, and even more so for someone to admit that they are suffering. Fortunately, in our days, this is not as much of a taboo as it used to be. However, it remains challenging for someone to open up, and it is almost certain that the final number of those facing mental health problems is higher.
Another study, this time from the University of Sydney, shows a noticeable deterioration in the mental health of each generation from the 1950s onwards. The results of the study demonstrate that younger generations are more affected as time passes, and their lives are much more stressful.
No one is surprised by these observations. It is something we witness in our daily lives. We see people reaching extremes more and more often. People are angry with everyone and everything. They are unsatisfied individuals, even if they have achieved a lot. People who suffer. People in distress.
Experts argue that the decline in mental health will be the pandemic of the future. A pandemic that will take larger dimensions and will be an open wound for most societies.
Therefore, it is necessary to take measures for the prevention and treatment of mental illnesses, so that they do not leave indelible marks on a new generation growing up amidst restrictions, tragedies, insecurities, and inadequacies, as well as on older generations forced to bear much heavier burdens.
The increase in mental health incidents creates new challenges. With the problem escalating, it is clear that immediate measures need to be taken, as deficiencies are apparent in healthcare systems worldwide. It is an urgent need for many things to change, and the issue to be addressed in its true dimensions.
We need the development of new strategies, the allocation of more resources, and, most importantly, a change in attitudes. Otherwise, things will get even worse, and we will see many more people suffering. The connection between mental health and the well-being of society is a significant need, and if we lose that, we will have failed. Once again.
