Depression and Drugs are to blame for falling US life expectancy rates.
We live in a country where we are crippled by student debt, we cannot afford to own our own homes, more and more are deciding not to have children and many can barely afford to feed themselves.
Homeless rates are sky rocketing, the Millennial generation is blamed for everything and people are literally dying because they cannot afford their insulin. #Gofundme does more for medical expenses than insurance these days and mental health is still stigmatized.
Not to mention that we have had as many "mass shootings" as we have days in the year so far. And of course the #metoo movement, showing the world how rampant sexual abuse is.
Just here in my hometown of Duluth alone, over 600 rape kits sat untested for 15 years. Imagine being violated physically, emotionally, being scared to your core, and nobody cares.
Just in the news was a 17-year-old rape victim, forced to hold her panties up in court, humiliated and belittled by the prosecution, yelling at her if her arms slipped and she didn't hold them high enough.
That girl has committed suicide, like so many others.
Is it any wonder so many are turning to drugs as a coping mechanism? Is it any wonder that Suicide is seen as the way out?
In 2017 over 10 million Americans reported having thoughts of suicide. With the stigma surrounding it, how many more didn't report it?
And drug over doses? Nearly 200 people died every single day in 2017.
What does this mean for life expectancy? While the rest of the world is averaging a life span of 88 years, we here in the US are sitting at a decade less. 78 years.
So much is wrong with this country we cannot depend on our government to help. It is time to engage, people. Research your local youth groups, find the people in your community that can be your tribe.
Refuse to allow your child to be a part of the indoor generation, go outside, take them with you!
Reconnect with nature, volunteer at your local rescue or sanctuary, start something totally new!
No more sitting around and waiting while others are dying.
"If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make the change!"
~Micheal Jackson
I remember as a kid having adults at different times in my life say small but profound things that made me think about decisions I was making good or bad.
I remember one geometry teacher in particular that said, "I know you can do this." That's all the encouragement I needed to excel in that class. A good word can go a long way with a child that might not get that encouragement at home.
I never had a lot of money but I always tried to make time to volunteer where I thought I was needed. I still do. We can take care of each other, we just need to see others fully. Not as "the enemy" as portrayed in the various medias but as an equal.
Stop believing what you see on the screen and start talking to people older than you. People who remember what it was like before social medias. They once were called our elders and were sought out for knowledge and advice. We need their wisdom now more than ever.
God bless!!!
Absolutely love what you have to say here, yes! I too had a few memorable instances of an adult that gave confidence and totally feel like that is a positive step anyone can take. And it costs nothing!
Exactly! It was a gift that I try to pass on whenever and wherever I can.