Japan launched its Ministry of Loneliness to deal with mental health care

Decline in employment, trade restrictions, isolation measures and increased pressures to adapt to work rhythms and hygiene care, among other variables proposed by the “new normal”, due to the expansion of the coronavirus pandemic, of concern to health professionals due to increased distress and depression. Without going any further, the Pan American Health Organization (OPS) warned Recently that COVID-19 may exacerbate risk factors for suicide, which is why he urged to talk about it openly and responsibly, to stay connected even during physical distancing, and to learn to identify the warning signs in order to prevent it.

In this direction, Japanese government steps up measures against loneliness, seeking to solve this problem comprehensively. For this reason, the Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga recently appointed Tetsushi Sakamoto Minister of Loneliness, to join his cabinet and focus on following these issues, due to the recent increase in the suicide rate in the Asian country.

The new official is also in charge of fighting against the drop in the birth rate and revitalizing regional economies, underlined the Japanese media The Japan Times. Likewise, the Japanese government has also created a task force that seeks to address the problem of loneliness in various ministries, including investigating its impact.

According to preliminary figures published by the National Police Agency, just over 20,000 people committed suicide in 2020 in Japan, 750 more than the previous year, marking the first year-over-year increase in 11 years. This rise is attributed, in large part, to an increase in suicides among women and young people. The latest data estimated by the World Health Organization (WHO), meanwhile, represented about 19 deaths per 10,000 inhabitants.. Deaths of this type are three times higher in men than in women, according to data provided by the entity.

A global concern

But the problem is not limited to this country, because it is a global phenomenon that affects all regions. According to the latest report on this issue published by the WHO, around 800,000 people commit suicide each year, that is, one person every 40 seconds. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds. Over 79% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.

As, In the Americas, it is estimated that approximately 100,000 people die each year, according to the latest data available from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Most suicides in the region occur in people between the ages of 25 and 44 (36%), and those between 45 and 59 (26%). Guyana and Suriname have the highest suicide rates in the region.

As in the rest of the world, suicide rates among men are higher, accounting for around 78% of all suicide deaths. In high-income countries, men die by suicide three times more than womenand in low- and middle-income countries, where three men kill themselves for two women.

Suicide is a complex issue and, therefore, prevention efforts require coordination and collaboration among several sectors of society, addressed holistically.

PAHO is working with countries in the region to strengthen health systems that may be underfunded or overburdened as a result of the pandemic, in order to address the possible increase in mental health disorders.

Likewise, PAHO recommends incorporating mental health and psychosocial support into COVID-19 response plans and efforts. Some recommendations include providing remote or virtual care, tailoring and messaging to the general population, as well as for the populations most at risk, and train health workers and other members of the community on the subject.

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