Suicide in Japan Part III: Solutions already exist, now let’s implement

In the last part of this 3-part series on suicide in Japan, we take a look at how Germany and America has progressed in terms of mental health issues, giving Japan no excuse about lack of solutions. (Here for part 1 and part 2.)

Japan is no exception when it comes to suicide. Although the country suffers from one of the highest rates of suicide in the world, it does not stand alone. However, other countries have made incredible efforts to decrease their suicide rate and provide proper care for those who truly need it. We’ve seen how Japan still has a long way to go before rates begin to drop and individuals begin to receive the care they most desperately need. Let’s look at other countries and see how they fare in dealing with mental health and suicide issues.

Germany – Work balance and high mental health awareness

Germany is a country that has a much lower suicide rate than Japan. According to the OECD, the suicide incidence rate now stands at 9.5 out of 100,000. In comparison, Japan has an incidence rate of 14.5 out of 100,000. It is wise to try to understand why the suicide rate in Germany is much lower.

The country, which is home to 80 million people, tries to maintain a work-life balance for its employees. Furthermore, vacation time is at least four weeks per year. Individuals working in Germany are legally given the right to take that time off to relax, travel, or learn a new hobby. Although the minimum vacation time is 20 days, employers usually provide their employees with more than the legal minimum. It should also be noted that there are a growing number of employees who are taking sick leave for their mental health. Moreover, when an employee is actually sick, employers must pay the salary for up to six weeks.

On the other hand, Japan has a more complicated system when it comes to taking time off work. The first year at a full-time job grants a person a minimum of 10 days off and an additional day off with each year of service. The maximum is 20 years a year. Many employees choose not to utilize their paid leave in Japa. Consequently, it leads to more stress, a breakdown in mental health, and suicide. Compared to Germany, Japan has an extremely lopsided work-life balance that should be corrected.

Employers have also become more aware of mental illness in Germany. Over the past decade, depression and suicide have become more of an open issue at work. Managers also became more proactive in understanding that some of their employees may deal with issues that may not be apparent or visible. On the other hand, it is almost taboo to speak about one’s mental illnesses at work within Japan. This is a critical point that must change in the island country. Everyone at some point in their lives might need emotional support, which is not as accessible in Japan.

United States of America – Progressive thinking from talking about problems, not hiding them

The United States of America is known for its horrendous healthcare system. Proper healthcare is not available for everyone due to hidden expenses, over-estimated charging, and shady health insurance companies. However, one good thing going for the U.S. is the amount of people who feel more comfortable speaking about healthcare in comparison to twenty years ago.

According to the American Psychological Association, more than 85% of adults believe that there is no shame in having a mental health disorder. Moreover, a majority within the United States now believe that speaking openly about mental health should be encouraged. This may be due to how American individuals have become more open and progressive in their views regarding mental health over the past thirty years. Note also that this is a growing trend shared by most countries around the world. However, the issue of speaking publicly about depression, schizophrenia, or any other mental illness is moving in the right direction in Japan at an alarmingly slow rate.

Moreover, it is worth mentioning how young individuals in the United States are a driving force toward having a more open view regarding mental illness. Japan has begun to hold open conversations regarding depression and suicide; however, the number of individuals who feel they may open up to a colleague or a peer may still be somewhat small.

It comes as no surprise that having better working conditions and speaking openly will directly affect mental health in a positive manner. Although no country is perfect, it is important to realize that taking the right steps in order to create suicidal preventative measures is of the utmost importance.

Implementation as the core of Japan’s fight against suicide

Japan’s long working hours is mentioned because of the apparent negative job culture. The country has made steps to hold companies accountable and to reduce working hours. However, a majority of companies still cling to a more traditional mindset, which is detrimental to an employee’s mental health. Consequently, poor mental health often leads to suicidal tendencies. Companies must do more to solve a problem that many individuals share throughout the country. Germany is a perfect example of steps Japan could take to ensure employees are happy, which would help increase productivity.

Although the U.S. does not have a perfect healthcare system, it is taking steps in the right direction – most people speak openly about their problems. This stigma in Japan regarding keeping quiet about a mental issue must be nipped in the bud. Excluding another person due to depression or suicidal tendencies only increases loneliness and exacerbates negative feelings. It is possible to reduce the suicide rate in Japan significantly, but it is a battle in which all must participate to ensure the lives of our friends, family and loved ones.