THIS study (which was published on the website of the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, U.S. National Library of Medicine) predicts that 46.4% of people will experience mental illness in their lifetime in the USA.
I think these findings have serious implications for Japan, given that the suicide rate in Japan for every 100, 000 people is higher then the suicide rate in the USA, according to the WHO website. If almost 50% of USA citizens will experience a mental illness, then how many people in Japan will experience one?
This is something that I wonder about.
I think there are also some serious implications for the rest of the world, keeping in mind that there are many countries which have a much higher suicide rate then in Japan.
My first exposure to Mental Illness and suicide in Japan happened at a highschool in Ibaraki on a short term exchange (yes, technically, I have been to three Japanese highschools in total). When I was shown around at the highschool in Ibaraki, the Vice Principal pointed to train tracks outside of the school grounds and said very seriously, "There is a popular suicide spot!"
I felt sad but impressed that the Vice Principal was so open about a very serious issue like suicide. I thought that this showed some respect and awareness about the issue.
TO BE CONTINUED...
