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Recent research highlights five key issues affecting the mental health of American families: economic strain, limited access to mental health services, social isolation, divorce, and cultural or political division. These issues can also lead to feelings of hopelessness or despair. Here are strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones from "deaths of despair."

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Attention: This article contains themes that may be distressing or triggering for some readers.

 

America's top 5 mental health challenges

Economic Strain and Inequality

Impact: Financial stress from job loss, underemployment, or living paycheck-to-paycheck can lead to anxiety, depression, and tension between partners and families. For instance, a family struggling to pay for necessities like food and housing due to a job loss can experience more anxiety and depression. The growing economic inequality makes these issues worse by limiting access to resources that could reduce mental health problems.

Evidence: Surveys like the KFF/CNN Mental Health in America Survey indicate that economic hardship is a significant stressor, with many families struggling with basic needs, which in turn affects mental health outcomes.

Healthy economic strategies

I'm not lucky. I'm strategic. Here are strategies that have kept me and my household financially stable no matter what happens in the economy.

Go on a spending diet. I spent twelve months not spending on anything that wasn't a basic necessity. That means I bought food and paid for healthcare and basic living expenses. I didn't buy anything more for twelve months.

When I met my financial goals, I maintained an easily affordable lifestyle. You can do this by pretending you earn 50% - 75% less than you actually earn. This strategy keeps you from living paycheck-to-paycheck. And you'll have more money for savings and debt reduction.

Next, I took on a part-time job in retail, in addition to my work as a writer and business consultant in the gig economy, and used 100% of the money earned to pay off debt and save to buy a house and a new car.

Quit social media. For twelve months, I avoided social media. Not seeing others post about the happiest and most fun parts of their lives removed the fear of missing out.

Celebrate monthly accomplishments. Finally, I celebrated the little things. Checking off accomplishments on my vision board and watching balances on accounts owed go down were causes for celebration. I celebrated by playing one of my favorite songs and dancing while celebrating my awesomeness.

Except for a new cabin in the woods on a few acres and a new dream outdoor vehicle, I'll be debt-free by fall 2025. The discipline it took to reach this goal was easier than I thought. I redirected time spent on expensive outings like "mimosa Sundays" with friends toward low-cost and free outdoor adventures.

Lack of Access to Mental Health Services

Impact: Even when families recognize the need for mental health support, barriers such as cost, stigma, or lack of available providers can prevent them from getting help.

In addition, The American Psychiatric Association classifies substance use disorders under psychiatric conditions, further affirming the link between drug addiction and mental health. Recognizing addiction as a mental health challenge is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies that address the whole person, not just the symptoms of substance abuse.

Evidence: Studies show that a substantial number of Americans feel that mental health and drug treatment services are not accessible, with issues like long wait times, inadequate insurance coverage, and a shortage of mental health professionals.

According to a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Psychiatry revealed that "about 4 percent of Americans met the criteria for drug use disorder in the past year and about 10 percent have had drug use disorder at some time in their lives." This translates to roughly 23 million adults in the United States who have struggled with problematic drug use.

Social Isolation and Loneliness

Impact: The erosion of community bonds, increased reliance on digital communication, and the breakdown of traditional family structures contribute to widespread loneliness linked to depression and other mental health disorders.

Evidence: Social media exchanges among ordinary people report concerns about superficial social connections and the loneliness epidemic. This 'loneliness epidemic' refers to the widespread feeling of isolation and lack of meaningful social connections, particularly among younger and older people. Additionally, research points to loneliness as a significant factor in mental health crises.

Healthy mental health strategies

Although I have a diagnosis of anxiety and major depression, my symptoms are well-managed without medication. I'm happy, confident, and adventurous. Here's how I went from not leaving my home out of fear for 18 months to living a big and adventurous life.

Remove all toxins from your life. I cleaned up the toxic chemicals in my food, water, and health and beauty products. Next, I adopted a Mediterranean-styled diet and quality vitamins, minerals, and micro-nutrients. I ended all toxic relationships with friends and family and avoided distressing content in movies and social media.

Get outside and adventure. Finally, I adopted a daily exercise routine, no matter the weather or how I felt, and an adventure sports lifestyle, which I'll cover in more detail in future articles. Yet, at the heart of this lifestyle was getting together outdoors with others two to three times a week for hiking, fishing, kayaking, and camping, for example.

Divorce and Family Disruption

Impact: Divorce can lead to emotional turmoil for both parents and children, contributing to increased stress, depression, and behavioral issues in children. It can also disrupt family support systems critical for mental health.

Evidence: The impact of divorce and family dysfunction on mental health, highlighting how these changes can destabilize family life and mental well-being, is a topic of great discussion on social media. However, post-COVID lockdown divorce rates are similar to rates before the lockdown.

Healthy relationship strategies. My best advice for good relationships is to surround yourself with people with similar philosophies and lifestyles. Be your authentic self. And be the family, friend, or partner that you want others to be in your life. Most people expect others to be good to them, and then they'll be good in return. I treat my friends and family "the way they want to be treated," and they do the same with me. Following this model has helped me build the best relationships ever.

Cultural and Political Polarization

Impact: The divisiveness around issues like politics, race, gender identity, and health policies (like those regarding vaccines) can create rifts within families, leading to stress, alienation, and mental health struggles.

Evidence: Since 2020, the impact of divisive issues has left families feeling the strain of differing opinions, which can lead to family conflict and emotional distress.

These five problems are interconnected, often compounding each other to create a complex mental health landscape for American families. Addressing these would require a multifaceted approach, including policy changes, community support systems, and individual coping strategies.

Healthy cultural strategies

Since 2020, cultural shifts happened at lightning speed. It has been a lot to learn, unlearn, and adapt to. My philosophy is simple. We can agree to disagree, and I don't have to stop liking you because you see things differently. Even if we disagree on social and political issues, I still appreciate your good character and other important qualities.

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Why good mental health matters

Good mental health is essential for a high quality of life, influencing our emotional, cognitive, and social functioning. It directly relates to physical health, reducing the risk of chronic diseases and enhancing immune function.

Mental well-being boosts productivity, problem-solving capabilities, and resilience in professional and academic environments. It also enriches social interactions, fostering deeper connections and effective communication, supporting personal fulfillment and achievement.

Economically, mental health impacts productivity and healthcare costs while socially contributing to a more engaged, cohesive community.

As we go deeper into the complexities of mental health, it's increasingly clear that one recurring issue — an epidemic of loneliness, plays a critical role in making these concerns worse.

Epidemic of Loneliness

Loneliness is a contributing factor to despair and related deaths. Recent surveys show:

Between 2017 and 2019, so many Generation Z youth and Millennial adults lost their lives to deaths of despair that the U.S. life expectancy decreased for the first time in one hundred years.

In addition, according to the CDC, one in five millennials report having no friends, 56% of Gen Zers report loneliness in the past twelve months, and 5% of seniors are depressed, according to the Institute for Family Studies.

Age Cohorts: Loneliness peaks among young adults (18 - 24) and seniors (over 65), with different causes. For the young, social media and transient lifestyles play roles. For older adults, it's often due to the loss of social networks through retirement or grief.

Global Comparison: The U.S. tends to have higher loneliness rates than many European countries, where social safety nets and community structures are stronger.

Mental health researcher, Dr. Nicholas Kardaras, among others, has linked the rise in depression to the widespread use of technology and social media, suggesting that these tools, while connecting us globally, often lead to superficial interactions and a lack of deep, meaningful relationships.

Understanding "deaths of despair"

The term "deaths of despair" was created by economists Anne Case and Angus Deaton to describe a specific trend in death rates observed in the United States. This phrase first appeared in their influential 2015 study, where they noted an alarming increase in death rates among middle-aged, non-Hispanic white Americans, particularly those without a college degree.

These deaths were mainly due to suicide, drug overdoses (especially from opioids), and alcohol-related liver disease, which together they termed "deaths of despair." The concept suggests that these deaths indicate broader societal issues, including economic distress, social isolation, and lack of purpose or hope.

Don't sleep on how important it is to have something you're passionate about that makes you feel good, useful, and a part of something bigger than yourself.

Data on Deaths of Despair

Data from various studies show that since the late 1990s, there has been a visible increase in "deaths of despair," (suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related deaths) in the U.S.

Suicide: From 1999 to 2017, suicide rates among middle-aged white Americans saw a significant rise, with rates for those with a high school education or less being exceptionally high.

Drug Overdose: The opioid crisis has contributed dramatically to deaths of despair, with drug overdoses doubling from the early 2000s to 2017, hitting a peak not seen since data recording began.

Alcohol-Related Liver Disease: Alcoholic liver disease and alcohol-related accidents resulting in deaths also increased, particularly among less-educated people.

In light of these interconnected challenges, creating specific strategies and resources that can help your family improve their mental health and foster resilience in the face of hard times is essential.

Here's what we've learned from other countries with less mental health problems who also live longer and healthier lives.

Coming back from the brink of despair

European countries generally have more comprehensive social safety nets and distinct community structures compared to the United States. Here are some of the key differences.

• Universal healthcare funded by taxes, providing access without financial ruin. However, people report long wait times and frequent disapproval of treatment plans.

• Generous and longer unemployment benefits, like Germany's, up to 24 months. Implementing a strategy like this in the U.S. would require a major shift in how American employers view time off.

• Extensive parental leave and subsidized childcare, exemplified by Sweden's 480 days. I've often said that background cleared folks receiving public assistance could train to work at state-sponsored, free childcare facilities in the U.S. A plan like this could put more people to work using a free childcare system for middle and low-income earning households.

• Highly subsidized or free higher education reduces student debt. I propose an additional program in America. The U.S. Navy takes 18-year-old high school graduates, trains them to become nuclear engineers, and allows them to operate submarines far out in the ocean without incident for months. Free and low-cost civilian programs like these could create a well-trained workforce for less money than a college degree.

• Pension systems aimed at maintaining a near-working-life standard of living.
• And a focus on affordable housing, including price-controlled rent, tiny homes, and RV living.

European community structures emphasize strong local governance and social cohesion, fostering a collective approach to societal issues, in contrast to the U.S.'s reliance on private insurance, limited unemployment support, lack of federal paid leave, high education costs, less generous pensions, and fewer housing options, reflecting historical, cultural, and political differences that impact outcomes in poverty, health, and social mobility.

However, Americans want to help people more.

Still, there are some big problems, like the dollar isn’t worth as much. The threat from the BRICS' nations new settlement currency, a gold-back currency called "the Unit," which could crash the American economy. More than 120 countries, including many in Europe, have signed on to adopting the new standard. Our high national debt, the failing economy, and many folks thinking the government is too involved in their lives already.

Here's how we can still make things better.

Blue Zones: Longevity and happiness

Blue Zones are regions where people are happier and live significantly longer than average. These include places like Okinawa (Japan), Sardinia (Italy), Ikaria (Greece), Nicoya (Costa Rica), and Loma Linda (California, USA). In these areas, how long you live is linked to:

• Social engagement: Strong community and family ties.
• Purpose: A clear sense of purpose in daily life.
• Healthy lifestyle: Eating natural, unprocessed foods, drinking plenty of clean water, avoiding toxic chemicals, getting plenty of physical activity, spending time in nature, close relationships with friends and family, and natural stress-relievers like social interactions during meals.

The happiness and health in Blue Zones are often due to these cultural practices that promote well-being and a sense of community members helping and supporting each other. The feeling of being part of something bigger than yourself and your family goes a long way toward good mental health.

The bottom line on your mental health

In conclusion, the mental health challenges faced by American families are deeply intertwined with economic, social, and cultural factors.

Addressing issues such as economic strain, lack of access to mental health services, social isolation, divorce, and cultural polarization requires a comprehensive strategy that includes not only individual and family support but also wide-ranging changes at community and policy levels.

However, the changes begins with you!

Prioritizing mental health is essential for fostering resilience, enhancing quality of life, and building stronger, more connected families and communities.

Your good mental health begins with you taking daily steps to improve your mental and physical health.

It's also crucial to remember that good mental health is not just an individual concern; it's a collective responsibility that, when addressed, can lead to a fairer and thriving society for all.

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