October Archives | Christian Learning & News

Suicide has claimed more Japanese lives in October 2020 than the 10 months of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Japan

Japan has handled the coronavirus better than other nations who were also hit by the virus. They were able to keep their death rate to less than 2000 since February. However, while successfully managing the pandemic, they are facing yet another issue with the suicide.

Recently, the National Police Agency reported 2,153 suicides in October alone, which is the fourth straight month of increase. Suicide has killed more Japanese people in a month than COVID-19 has in 10 months.

Suicide rate

The surge in the suicide rate is worsened due to the economic and social issues caused by the pandemic. In this year alone, there are more than 17,000 people who committed suicide in Japan. Psychiatrist Chiyoko Ueda from Yokohama has said in a recent statement that mental health distress due to COVID-19 has been evident in her clinic.

“My self-esteem is low because I’m worried about money. The stay-home situation has disrupted my life. My kids and I don’t get along,” one patient of Chiyoko said to her.

Stop Suicide

Government officials have launched efforts to combat this rising issue of suicide in Japan. Hotlines and social media have also been implemented to counsel the potential victims of suicide.

“We need to seriously confront reality,” chief government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said.

Mental Health Epidemic

It is not only Japan that is facing this “mental health epidemic, but” other countries are also struggling with the same issue. U.S. researchers warned earlier this year that the pandemic could cause mental health issues due to unemployment, lack of social contact, and other stressors.

“We’re in the midst of a mental health epidemic right now, and I think it’s only gonna get worse,” Dr. Vivian Pender, president-elect of the American Psychiatric Association.

Hope in Christ

There is still hope in Jesus Christ. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call upon the name of Jesus and seek help.

“To anyone considering the idea of taking your life, I beg of you… DON’T,” Pastor Hiram Pangilinan of Church So Blessed said in a Facebook post. “Please, for God’s sake and yours… your soul’s sake. God has promised that He will never leave you nor forsake you. Call on Him, and He will rescue you. Jesus understands you. When He took the human form, He also went through human pains. Call on Him. He promises to help. He is the Friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

Reference: CBS News

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

In the 1980s, the month of October was designated as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Since then, the annual celebration is observed to “raise public awareness about the condition and advocate for acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome.”

According to statistics of the Special Olympics, over 400,000 Americans are currently living with the condition. And about 6,000 babies are being born with the condition every year in the U.S.

Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is a result of an extra chromosome in the human body. As a result, people with the condition often have a flat facial profile, decreased muscle tone or loose joints, and small structures. They usually have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

However, people with the condition can function successfully. They also have dreams and goals and can even live a normal life.

“They can drive, go to work, go to college, go on dates, get married and contribute to society,” the Special Olympics pointed out in a statement.

“Created in the image of God”

As the Down Syndrome Awareness Month 2020 kicks off , the U.S. President Donald Trump issued a statement emphasizing their importance to the society. He even described them as people who were created in the image of God.

“As our society progresses toward a more inclusive future, there are still those who pass judgment on which lives are worth living,” President Trump said in the statement. “As President, I denounce radical proposals to terminate pregnancies of unborn children with Down syndrome. Our Nation will continue to emphatically affirm the self-evident idea that all children — born and unborn — are created in the image of God, are worthy of life and deserve to be loved.”

October

Suicide Killed More People In October Than 10 Months Of COVID In Japan