New York (tk a/dpa)
Published on: Friday, September 29, 2023 – 10:47 AM | Last updated: Friday, September 29, 2023 – 10:47 AM
A panel of US general surgeons has warned that a worsening mental health crisis in the country would undermine democracy.
Seven of the seven general surgeons, current and former, met yesterday, Thursday, at Dartmouth College in the US state of New Hampshire to discuss the mental health crisis.
Doctor Vivek Murthy, who currently heads the office, said the problem arises partly from loneliness and a lack of community settings.
New Hampshire Public Radio quoted Murthy as saying: “People who are lonely and isolated have an increased risk of developing mental health problems, from depression and anxiety to suicide. But the surprising thing is that their risk of developing physical diseases also increases, as there is an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.” 29%, and 50% incidence of dementia among the elderly.
Murthy said it should be given a “national priority” to build strong communities.
The committee also touched on drug abuse and special issues facing young people and veterans.
Doctor Richard Carmona, who was surgeon general under former US President George W. Bush, pointed to the country’s broken mental health system and linked highly partisan politics to health.
He added: “Apart from mental health, the most important thing we have to deal with today is making sure that we preserve our democracy, because it is currently being tested. We – surgeons – must always understand that the extraordinary privilege we have is to speak the truth. Often “The challenge for us is to tell politicians uncomfortable truths.”
2023-09-29 07:48:23
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