7 June 2012--Japan’s Yomiuri Shimbun reported today that according to the Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry’s 2011 population survey report, the suicide rate in Akita prefecture in 2011 showed a slight improvement, with a drop of 0.8 to 32.3 deaths (per 100,000 people) over the previous year, but still ranked the worst suicide rate in the country for the 17th year running.

346 people in Akita took their own life in 2011, 12 less than the year before. Suicide prevention measures in the prefecture, that include home visits to the elderly, will need more time to take affect according to a prefectural health committee.

NPO “Kumo no Ito” Chairman, Hisao Sato was quoted in the articles as saying “there is also an urgent need to help young people affected by the high yen’s impact on manufacturing, as well as fears over employment”. Suicide rates in young people have doubled since the Lehman shock of 2008 and the organization has been bolstering its support services in the south of the prefecture, where many manufacturers are based.

TELL applauds the prevention measures adopted last year by the prefectural authorities, and re-iterates the continuing need for prevention measures and the general promotion of mental well-being across Japan.”

Yomiuri Shimbun
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/

NPO Kumo no Ito
http://www.kumonoito.info/

TELL Life Line: 03-5774-0992

TELL Counseling: 03-4550-1146

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