Pro golfer Grayson Murray’s death by suicide at the age of 30 has shocked the sports community. Murray, a two-time PGA Tourwinner, died on Saturday, May 25, a day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
Suicide is a leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 years. Nearly 50,000 people in the U.S. took their own lives in 2022, up 3% from the previous year. If you or someone you know is having a suicidal crisis or experiencing emotional distress, the national suicide and crisis lifeline is available by calling or texting 988.
SUDs and Mental Health Issues Often Go Hand in Hand
Murray was always open about battling depression and anxiety, and his bouts with alcohol. “Everyone has their battles,” Murray said a year ago. “Sometimes people are able to hide them and function, and sometimes you’re not. I think our society now is getting better about accepting that it’s OK to not be OK. I’ve embraced that mentality. I’m not ashamed that I go through depression and anxiety.”
Murray’s death is a reminder of how fragile life is for those battling alcoholism and mental illness. As we commemorate Mental Health Awareness month in May, let us reach out to our friends who are suffering from mental illnesses. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 US adults live with a mental illness. Mental illnesses are often accompanied by substance use. Millions of Americans have a substance use disorder (SUD): in 2022, more than one in six Americans aged 12 or older reported experiencing a SUD. According to CDC, about 178,000 people die from excessive alcohol use each year in the United States.
If mental illness and substance abuse prevent you from living the life you deserve, Greenbranch Recovery can help
Breaking The Stigma
Despite its prevalence, mental health conditions and substance use disorders remain shrouded in stigma, preventing many people from seeking help. Early intervention and access to quality care are crucial for managing men
tal health conditions and improving quality of life. In recent years, many celebrities have courageously shared their struggles with mental health and alcoholism, helping to destigmatize these issues and encouraging others to seek help.
Here are a few notable figures who have spoken out about their experiences:
Alcoholism: Tom Holland, Alec Baldwin, Anne Hathaway, Liam Payne, Demi Moore, Brad Pitt, Demi Lovato, Cara Delevingne, Winona Ryder, Jon Hamm, and Lucy Hale
Substance Use Disorder: Selena Gomez, Lily Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Drew Barrymore, Justin Bieber, Bradley Cooper, Adele, Lady Gaga, Elon Musk, and Owen Wilson
Depression: Billie Eilish, Lili Reinhart, Dan Reynolds, David Arquette, Amanda Beard, Michelle Obama, Gwyneth Paltrow, Brooke Shields, and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Everyone responds to mental illness and substance use disorder differently. Research shows that men are less likely than women to have conversations about their mental health or seek out services that could help them; the gap is even wider for men of color. Younger people are more forthcoming about mental health. According to the Deloitte Global 2021 Millennial and Gen Z Survey, nearly half of millennials report feeling more stressed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Stress and anxiety levels remain high and 40% of millennials are afflicted with a mental health condition. According to the Mental Health Foundation, millennials have seen an increase in major depression and alcohol use disorders in the past year.
Reach Out For Help Today
Greenbranch Recovery stands at the forefront of substance abuse programs in New Jersey, offering a holistic approach to addiction recovery in a caring and supportive environment. We believe that long-term recovery is achievable, and we are committed to helping you every step of the way.
We offer a variety of rehabilitation programs to help people struggling with drug and alcohol addiction take control of their lives. What makes Greenbranch Recovery different from other treatment centers is that most programs are tailored to professionals to meet your individual needs and demanding schedules, making it easier to address your drug addiction while continuing to work
All programs are flexible and discreet to protect your privacy and ensure you can take full advantage of everything Greenbranch Recovery has to offer. You’ll have access to individual therapy, group therapy and other addiction services to help identify your addiction triggers and develop the coping skills you need to abstain from substance use.
If you or your loved one is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, there is no time like the present to seek help. Call 609-622-5101 today to learn more about our addiction treatment programs in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey and how they can help you or a loved one recover from addiction.
