Addictions And Suicides Are Lowering U.S. Life Expectancy

 

If you think mental health and addiction aren’t creating a ripple effect in this country, you may want to look at the latest stats released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  Their new research shows that the country’s life expectancy rate has lowered for the third year in a row due primarily to these issues. Now, American babies born this year aren’t expected to live past 78 years old.

 

The way these stats are calculated has to do with U.S. death rates as a whole. And not surprisingly (with the opioid addiction crisis in full swing), overdoses lead the pack. In just two years, ODs have seen a 10 percent increase; primarily among men.

 

Suicides were another strong contributor to the overall life expectancy rate. Since just 2017, there was nearly a four precent jump in people who take their own lives. And though men still account for more of these types of fatalities, women are showing an increase as well. As of today, suicides are the 10th leading cause of death in America.

 

CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield spoke to the media about these latest findings. He found the rates especially troubling, since a majority of these deaths were preventable (as opposed to cancer or other diseases).

 

“Life expectancy gives us a snapshot of the nation’s overall health and these sobering statistics are a wakeup call that we are losing too many Americans, too early and too often, to conditions that are preventable,” Dr. Redfield explained. “We must all work together to reverse this trend and help ensure that all Americans live longer and healthier.”

 

The site Vox.com took the research a step further, illustrating what a big role addiction plays in this scenario. They singled out the states that had the lowest life expectancy rates, all of which have been flagged as being riddled with opioid dependencies.

 

As illustrated in the map below, West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania were the major culprits. On a somewhat positive note, it appears as though our home state of California is one of the lesser impacted regions.

Regardless, we find these latest statistics particularly troubling. One of our missions at Inneractions is improve health, both mental and physical. In our opinion, working with trained professionals to deal with addictions and emotional hurdles is truly the key to turning these life expectancy figures around. We encourage anyone who is struggling to please reach out and to avoid becoming another tragic statistic.

 

Understanding The Grief Journey

Grieving a lost loved one is such a personal process. It has often been said that there is no right or wrong way to deal with death. For some, it’s therapeutic to channel energy into busywork. For others, it could turn to anger. And for many, extended bereavement time is needed for reflection and emotional closure. The important thing, of course, is to acknowledge that this event has happened and not bury difficult emotions.

Forbes recently did a nice job covering the mourning experience in a piece called Grieving Is Complicated. In it, writer Jeanne Croteau outlined common ways people cope with loss and the different methods that can be used to reach acceptance and closure.

“There are many books and articles written about death and, while they may be helpful to some, the reality is that grief is different for everyone,” Croteau writes. “You won’t know how you feel until you go through it and you will quickly realize the the process probably won’t be linear.”

Croteau, herself, openly discussed the recent death of her grandmother and the extreme toll it took on her life. If someone elderly in your life has passed, it can create a wide range of emotions; particularly if you had looked after them at some point. It is not unusual to experience feelings of relief after they go, knowing that the caretaker role has now been relinquished. That can often be accompanied by guilt however, ruminating about more that could have been done.

Croteau experienced those same exact emotions and even underwent fits of rage following the loss of her grandmother.

“After the nurse called to tell me my grandmother was gone, I cried for a little while but that sadness was quickly replaced by something unexpected,” she added. “Over the next few days, I alternated between feeling disbelief and uninhibited rage. The anger had begun in her final weeks but blossomed into a full grown mushroom cloud when she died.”

Croteau’s journey took many twists and turns after that, ultimately leading her to a place of acceptance. Along the way, however, she strongly praised the outside support she received from counselors and trained professionals. She also discussed the benefits of reading, quiet walks and alone time.

Again, mourning is a very individual process; but we believe that Croteau’s words hold true and will always advocate for ongoing support during times of loss.

New Book Offers 5 Tips For Grief

It has been said that everyone needs to grieve in their own personal way. And that is something that we fully support. But if tools and tips are available to help with the process, why not make yourself aware of them? Author Laurie Burrows Grad recently published a new book touching upon this topic titled, You Can Come Back Now: Plowing Through Grief and Surviving. In it, she touched on five key points that can help people who recently lost a loved one.

Burrows Grad, herself, experienced intense emotional grief following the death of her husband of 47 years. Speaking to Parade Magazine, she recounted watching beloved life partner, Peter, pass away of a heart attack in her arms.

“One minute he was laughing and happy, and the next minute he was gone,” Burrows Grad explained in the article. “I fell to the floor in heaving sobs like you see actors do in the movies. But it wasn’t a movie. This was real life and it was happening to me.”

That tragedy happened three years ago and in the time since, Burrows Grad added that she was able to “plow through” the pain thanks to some key points listed below…

Coping Tip #1: Value Friendships

In her book, Burrows Grad delved into the amazing healing power that close friends can provide. It is important to reach out to your inner circle and express yourself in an honest way, allowing for vulnerability and tears.

Coping Tip #2: Emphasize Sensitivity

There is a lot of uncomfortableness that can accompany grieving and many times people may say the wrong thing (“you’re loved one is in a better place,” etc). If what you’re hearing isn’t comforting, let others know that. Don’t be afraid to correct people and stand your ground.

Coping Tip #3: Use Humor

Death can be incredibly sad, but finding lighthearted moments is normal and therapeutic. Try to remember funny memories, watch a comedy film or even “go blue” with jokes during the funeral, if it can help you cope.

Coping Tip #4: Feed Yourself

Burrows Grad highlighted hearty meals as a way to get through the painful moments. Perhaps partake in a dinner party, go to a restaurant that brings back fond recollections or focus on a cooking hobby. These were all successful exercises for her.

Coping Tip #5: Write and Journal

Outlets are an essential component of the grieving journey and writing happens to be one of the better ones to focus on. Here you can pour your thoughts out on paper, documenting deep emotions, old memories or daily task lists to help you stay focused.