by Dr Ferdinand Jonsson, Consultant Psychiatrist
Reykjavík is the most northerly capital city in the world. Icelandic winters are long and dark. Spring and summer are much loved.
The burden of depression is heavy, as it is in many other communities, but hopefully there is a bit more openness about this problem.
A study found the prevalence of Seasonal Affective Disorder to be unexpectedly low in Iceland. It has been suggested that the propensity for SAD may differ due to genetic factors within the Icelandic population.
However, Iceland has had the highest rate of antidepressants prescriptions in a recent OECD study. This is possibly due to the populations beliefs that they are effective. An important factor is that psychological therapies are currently not paid for by the health service. In Iceland, like many other countries, antidepressants are not only prescribed for severe depression, but for milder forms and various anxiety disorders.
Iceland ranks number 35 in a WHO study of country’s suicide rates worldwide. Icelandic society is small and as a consequence it is possible to get to know your fellow countrymen more intimately than some larger communities allow. This is a difficulty around death by suicide. Most Icelanders have an obituary written in the main newspaper, and it is possible to spot the suicide victims.
Suicide statistics are based on official reports and are no more accurate than the record-keeping of an individual country. Hence we are not comparing similar numbers. Iceland is much more likely to give the verdict of suicide than some other countries such as the UK.
Thankfully many heroic individuals have spoken out about their suffering of mental illness. There have also been prevention campaigns directed at young men, with a positive response.
112 is the emergency number for Iceland
1717 Hjálparsími Rauða Krossins (Suicide help line)