Pro golfer Grayson Murray’s death by suicide at the age of 30 has shocked the sports community. Murray, a two-time PGA Tour winner, 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 every 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 mental 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

There’s no need to feel helpless if you suffer from addictions. You may feel alone, but you’re not. Many types of drug and substance abuse treatments are available near Lakewood, New Jersey, and we can be by your side every step of your recovery journey.

Overcome 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. Our experienced professionals can develop a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs to help you get clean in the most effective way. They can closely monitor your progress, make necessary adjustments, and provide the crucial support you need in your recovery process.