Fact Check: "Men of much poorer nations like Southeast Asian nations have very low suicides and no issues like depression even though they have no money"
What We Know
The claim that men in poorer Southeast Asian nations experience very low rates of suicide and no issues with depression is not supported by current research. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that mental disorders, including depression, contribute significantly to the disease burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Southeast Asia. Specifically, the review indicated that lower socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with higher odds of depression and suicidal ideation (Barrass et al., 2024).
Furthermore, the Global Burden of Disease Study suggests that while Southeast Asia accounts for a small percentage of global major depressive disorder cases, this is likely an underestimate due to poor quality death records and mental health data collection in the region (Barrass et al., 2024).
In South Asia, which shares some cultural and economic similarities with Southeast Asian nations, a systematic review indicated that the prevalence of depression among individuals who attempted suicide ranged from 14% to 78%, with a pooled prevalence of 32.7% for non-fatal attempts and 37.3% for fatal attempts (Arafat et al., 2022). This indicates a significant presence of depression among populations in economically disadvantaged areas.
Analysis
The claim lacks credibility when evaluated against the evidence presented in recent studies. The systematic review by Barrass et al. (2024) highlights a clear relationship between lower SEP and increased likelihood of depression and suicidal ideation in Southeast Asia. This contradicts the assertion that individuals in these nations do not experience mental health issues despite financial hardships.
Moreover, the systematic review by Arafat et al. (2022) provides further evidence that depression is a prevalent issue among those who engage in suicidal behavior in South Asia, which is relevant given the socio-economic parallels with Southeast Asian countries. The findings suggest that mental health challenges, including depression, are significant in these regions, contrary to the claim of their absence.
Additionally, while it is true that suicide rates in Southeast Asia may be lower than in some high-income countries, this does not imply a lack of mental health issues. The estimates of suicide rates are often considered underreported due to inadequate mental health infrastructure and stigma surrounding mental health in these regions (WHO, 2021).
The sources used in this analysis are credible, with peer-reviewed studies and systematic reviews providing a strong foundation for the claims made. The potential bias in these studies is minimal, as they aim to synthesize existing literature rather than promote a specific agenda.
Conclusion
The claim that men from poorer Southeast Asian nations experience very low rates of suicide and no issues with depression is False. Evidence from systematic reviews indicates that lower socioeconomic conditions are associated with higher rates of depression and suicidal ideation in these populations. The assertion overlooks the complexities of mental health issues in economically disadvantaged regions, where financial struggles often correlate with increased mental health challenges.
Sources
- The association between socioeconomic position and depression or suicidal ideation in low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Depression and suicidal behavior in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Mental health conditions in the WHO South-East Asia Region
- Suicide Rates in Southeast Asia, 2024 - Seasia.co
- The association between socioeconomic position and depression or suicidal ideation in low- and middle-income countries in Southeast Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
