Suicide, murders and heart attacks are rising as the economy falls.
A new study by Oxford University, England, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine determined that a 3% rise in unemployment was linked with a 2.7% rise in heart attacks among men aged 30-44 and a 2.4% jump in murders and suicides in people under 64. Deaths from alcohol abuse also soared by 28% in the face of the economic downturn.
Another study, by the American Association of Suicidology in Washington, D.C., found jobless people are two to four times as likely to kill themselves. Losing a home also increases the chance of suicide.
The American Psychological Association reports 80 percent of people it surveyed say the economy is a significant source of stress. Calls to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline went from 412,000 to 540,000 in 2008.
The only bright spot in this economic depression: Traffic deaths will likely drop 4.2%, because more people are taking public transport.
Lead author of the Oxford University study Dr David Stuckler advises Government programs can help the economy and prevent rises in deaths.
But business leaders and individuals can also play a crucial role, says the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.
As a practicing physician who sees more than 50 patients a week, I have been listening and watching first hand the results of the economic crisis as it affects individual working class people. Since the doctor patient relationship is the sacred to me and my goal is to help people feel better, the advise I give is not always based on medical information but rather entertains social, psychological and lifestyle. As we all navigate through these troubled times, the goal is to survive and come out stronger and smarter at the other end. The economy will improve and with it, we must be prepared and healthy so we can take advantage of new opportunities that will open to us.
Here are some nuggets of advice I give my patients:
• Turn off the news channel on your TV set and stop reading alarmist news. If you insulate yourself from the often scary and alarmist information out there, your life will look a lot more manageable and your troubles will no longer be overwhelming.
• Spend time with the ones you love. Share your feelings, fears and concerns with your spouse, friends and people who have your best interest at heart.
• Surround yourself with positive people. Do not drown in someone else’s negativity. Avoid negative thoughts. If someone else said something negative, do not absorb it. It doesn’t belong to you.
• Perspective is the key to survival. Avoid the victim mode. You are in control of your life. Regardless of problems, you have total control over your attitude and the way you react to people.
• Engage in community activities that are stress relievers and help you feel better about yourself and your situation. Help people in worse shape than you and be kind.
• Exercise Cardio and aerobic exercise increase hormone release that will make you feel better about yourself, give you better perspective and of course help your heart.
• If you need to speak to a doctor or mental health practitioner do not wait. Go see one sooner rather than later and make sure he/ she is the right one for you. A positive, upbeat influence that provides reassurance and kindness.
• Do not stay home and sulk. If you are out of a job, start looking for another job immediately. Be reasonable in your expectations. Sometimes it’s easier to get a lower level job and work your way up quickly.
• Do not drown your sorrows in alcohol or other self-medications. They won’t solve your problems and will only serve to make you loose perspective.
• Take a weekend off with the family and leave your immediate area and just get away. Even if it is an hour away from home. Change of scenery will give you a better outlook.
• Be aware of the warning signs of suicide and helping those of may be in danger to get help. The warning signs can be downloaded at: www.sprc.org/featured_resources/bpr/PDF/AASWarningSigns_factsheet.pdf.
• If you feel suicidal, or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
While this is a tough time for all, we don’t have to sink. We can and should use the hard times to make us stronger and kinder to ourselves and one another. The sun will come out tomorrow!

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