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Young adults who had higher levels of connectedness (feeling engaged, supported and cared for at home and at school) when they were teens were as much as 66% less likely to have mental health problems, to experience violence, to take sexual risks, and to engage in substance use (n = 14,800).
Feeling Intimidated? You Can Overcome It
“There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.” – Jane Austen
When you walk into a room where you know you’ll interact with, or be amongst, others whom you find to be intimidating, it’s not always easy to quash your fears and adopt the most appropriate behavior. After all, feeling intimidated is uncomfortable. It is, however, rooted in fear. Whether the intimidation is internal and has to do with your own thought processes, or external, having to do with the actions/behavior of others, you can learn to overcome it.
Prepare yourself ahead of time — so you’re not at a loss when dealing with an intimidating person.
Steeling yourself to be mentally tough can seem like good preparation for an upcoming interaction with someone who intimidates you, yet how do you do that effectively? An article in Inc. offered sound advice for just what to do in such a situation, keying in on several pertinent tips (which I’ve embellished a bit from personal experience):
- You’re different from the other person. That doesn’t make him/her better than you.
- Everyone is human, and we all make mistakes. While you may not know those of the intimidator, he/she has them.
- Mentally go through your own positive attributes, accomplishments, traits and beliefs. You are not inadequate. You have much going for you.
- Recall people who’ve reinforced your self-confidence in the past, as this can help lower your present stress level and give you the mental resolve to embrace this encounter.
- Maybe this individual is not portraying who he/she really is at this moment. Perhaps another persona or attitude has taken over. If you get to know the person better, your perception of how intimidating he/she is may change.
How developing a keen mental edge can protect you from intimidation.
Research from the University of Lincoln that was reported in Science Daily on successful Premier League soccer players revealed that they developed their rare mental attributes — not being intimidated by others, dealing with criticism, confronting challenges after repeated failures — early. According to the research, those players who were mentally toughest were also more independent and took greater personal responsibility for their development. In addition, these highly successful young soccer players showed a fierce desire to learn, were strongly trusting of their coach, eagerly followed instructions, and constantly strived to improve.
A salient point about not being intimidated is to never fear making mistakes. Instead, readily accept challenges and challenging (often uncomfortable or difficult) situations, for when you learn to cope with personal limitations and work on overcoming weaknesses while playing to your talents, abilities and strengths, you’ll boost self-confidence in the process.
Countering public humiliation (“teaching by humiliation”) still needs work.
Medical school is extraordinarily difficult, and the environment is rife with instances of “teaching by humiliation.” A study published in Medical School Online used focus groups of medical students undergoing clinical rotation at the University of Washington School of Medicine and identified emergent themes from qualitative analysis of their responses. Students defined “public humiliation” as that which was “negatively, purposefully induced embarrassment.” Risk factors for public humiliation included the teacher’s tone and intent, in addition to the situations occurring publicly to patients and during surgical/medical procedure. The purpose of the study was to investigate and define public humiliation in the setting of medical student mistreatment, which researchers said is an “enduring problem in medical education.”
A 2015 study published in the Medical Journal of Australia sought to obtain a contemporary understanding of the experience of “teaching by humiliation” that Australian medical students underwent. Students reported experiencing or witnessing teaching by humiliation (74 percent and 83 percent, respectively) during adult clinical rotations. They said the behaviors that were humiliating and intimidating were “mostly more subtle than overt and included aggressive and abusive questioning techniques.” Researchers noted that such practices need to be eradicated, given evidence of how detrimental they are to both the students’ ability to learn and their mental health, not to mention dissonance with the formal professionalism curricula.
While most people aren’t necessarily subjected to public humiliation by teachers, those of us who have this kind of experience are keenly aware how much it erodes belief in yourself and your abilities, as well as hampers your desire to continue to seek knowledge. That said, if you do become humiliated by a teacher — or a supervisor, co-worker, family member, neighbor or friend — do your best not to internalize the humiliation. It isn’t you that’s at fault, but the one perpetrating the humiliation. In medical, academic and other rigid, bureaucratic institutions, such outdated behavior often goes unchallenged, even though it urgently needs changing.
5 Key Takeaways
Well-meaning advice on what to do when you’re being humiliated is good to review, although finding the courage to be assertive and put some of it into practice may still be an uphill battle. After all, who hasn’t suffered the bitter sting of rebuke from a person of authority, whether by a parent or teacher or someone else generally held in high esteem? These tips may offer some solace and serve as a go-to guide on how to keep your sanity and your sense of motivation.
- Stop worrying (or caring) about what others think — and what they say about you to your face. Here, it’s important to acknowledge your own ego, for you’re likely afraid other people will see your flaws and call you out on them. You simply cannot keep this up, because accumulated worry will drag you down, sap your energy and cloud your decision-making.
- Never give others permission to intimidate you. No one can intimidate you unless you allow it to happen. They may bluster, shout, criticize and complain, even tell you that you’re worthless, but unless you accept this assault, you won’t be intimidated.
- Eliminate (or drastically curtail) saying “I’m sorry” for everything. You have nothing to apologize for (unless you do, in which case a heartfelt apology is likely enough to get you past the incident, along with a fervent resolve not to repeat the transgression).
- Remember that you have value – always. This is vitally important for you to keep in mind, for others may not acknowledge your value. As often happens in the case of intimidators, they refuse or fail to recognize your value. You are the one who knows your true value, so hold onto that recognition.
- When you enter a room where you’ll be in the presence of intimidating others, act like you belong there. It may feel like you’re putting on a show, yet standing tall and striding forth with confidence will help you navigate this awkward and potentially embarrassing situation. By standing tall, you’re also helping yourself breathe, which helps quell butterflies and bolsters self-confidence.
- You are always enough. In any circumstance or situation, no matter who you interact with, how long or why, there is nothing missing from you as a human being. You are not deficient or stupid or incompetent, no matter what others who seem intent on ill-will may say.
- Practice being assertive, as this skill will go a long way towards giving you the self-confidence to deal with any situation where you feel intimidated.
Psychology Around the Net: June 29, 2019
Time to dive into this week’s Psychology Around the Net, where we’ve got the latest on responding to teen emotional outbursts, whether the bystander effect is real, why being judgmental is harder on you than your target, and more.
How to Respond to Teens’ ‘Emotional Eruptions’: During a panel hosted by the Aspen Institute and The Atlantic earlier this week, clinical psychologist and author Lisa Damour explained that the same parents who calmly reassure their toddlers they’re going to be fine after skinning their knees often forget to offer the same reassurance to their teenagers — teens who often feel “completely swamped” and confused by their emotions.
Bystander Effect: Famous Psychology Result Could Be Completely Wrong: The “bystander effect” (sometimes called “bystander apathy”) states that individuals are less likely to try to help a victim when other people are around; the more people who are around, the less likely it is that one of them will try to help. Proposed reasons for the bystander effect include feeling less responsibility when others are around, fear of acting inadequately when being observed, and not seeing the situation as an emergency if no one else is taking action. Now, Richard Philpot at Lancaster University and colleagues question whether the bystander effect is actually real. After reviewing surveillance footage of violent situations in the UK, the Netherlands, and South Africa, they found that at least one person (but usually several people) intervened and tried to help in 90% of the cases. They also found that the likelihood of people intervening increased with the number of bystanders, which contradicts the definition of the bystander effect.
People’s Motivations Bias How They Gather Information: New research reported in PLOS Computational Biology suggests people will stop gathering evidence earlier once the data supports the conclusion they want than when the data supports the conclusion they want to be false.
Can Facebook Improve Your Mental Health? That’s a question that doesn’t often have a positive answer. However, a new study out of Michigan State University finds that regularly using the internet, and social media, could improve mental health among adults, as well as fight off psychological distress like anxiety and depression. Keith Hampton, professor of media and information at Michigan State University, says that an explanation for this surprising result could be that, until now, much of the research on the subject has been on youth and college students — not adults. The effects could be explained by life stages and not technology use.
For the Judgy Among Us: 6 Things That Happen Every Time You Judge Someone: Unless it comes with a black robe and gavel, being judgmental isn’t a good look for anyone — especially when it steals your opportunity to experience joy, keeps you focused on the past, and is basically a coward’s move.
Austerity and Inequality Fueling Mental Illness, Says Top UN Envoy: During an exclusive interview with the Guardian, Dr. Dainius Pūras, Special Rapporteur on Health for the United Nations, states taking measures to address inequality and discrimination would go a much longer way toward combating mental illness than the emphasis on therapy and medication we’ve had over the past 30 years. Says Dr. Pūras: “This would be the best ‘vaccine’ against mental illness and would be much better than the excessive use of psychotropic medication which is happening.” This comes on the eve of the doctor’s report on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.
How to Manage Anxiety During Periods of Transition
We might find ourselves going through a transitional process when we are traveling, moving homes, in-between careers, in-between relationships or simply searching for greater meaning or purpose in our lives and if this transitional process is acknowledged and navigated correctly it can result in significant growth and the transformation of our whole Self.
There is a period in which something has come to end, yet the “new” has not yet begun. During this space we may experience discomfort, a sense of chaos, disharmony and intense emotions such as fear and anxiety. This is because the structures in our environment and our usual routines which stabilized us and helped us to feel grounded have dissolved away. This have left a void and an expansive space of the unknown.
Within this void we fear not knowing where we are and what is going to happen next. We want to quickly ground ourselves and find a sense of security or comfort. We may rush into the next career, the next relationship or try and “fix” what we feel is in turmoil before us. Yet, it is important not to rush into the next stage of our transition or to try and “fix” this stage we’re in. We also shouldn’t turn away from the fear or anxiety that comes with this period of time as there is a huge amount of learning that can take place when we sit with the discomfort we are facing.
We experience change every day. Nothing in life is static and nothing ever stays the same. However, a significant life transition is a process that goes beyond these usual day to day changes. A transition is an internal psychological and spiritual process which may be caused by shifts in our external environment, but it may also be triggered by an indescribable and intuitive need to transform our entire way of being. As Psychosynthesis Coach Barbara Veale Smith states in “Seeing through Separation & Embracing Unity”:
a dawning awareness of the need for change arises, either suddenly or over time, which becomes known…through an impulse or desire, a thought, feeling, intuitive understanding, sensation or image
If you are going through period of transition where you feel fearful and anxious, here are some techniques and mindful exercises you can try to stabilize and feel more grounded during this time.
First, make sure to take care of your needs during this time. You might need to spend more time alone to process and reflect on the transition and changes that are going on. If this is the case, make space for this and don’t force yourself to be “OK”. You probably need to be more gentle with yourself than usual. Do things which you consider to be acts of self-care — such as going for walks in nature, attending yoga classes, exercising, having massages or simply take part in the hobbies and activities that you know fulfill you.
Find ways to form structures around yourself that ground you. If you are seeking connection rather than being alone then reach out to friends or make connection with people which will help you to feel a sense of belonging. Form a routine and find activities or events to go to which will also nourish you.
Stay with the sense of fear you are experiencing and don’t try and force it away. Make time each day to meditate so you can sit with your emotions. A mindful exercise I find really helpful is locating the fear in your body. What is the physical sensation of this fear? Communicate with it and ask it why it is present. Be compassionate towards it and welcome it into your body. Every emotion you experience is trying to support you in some way, and this is also the case with the fear and anxiety you might be experiencing now.
You can also meditate and work to ground yourself using a guided visualization. For the visualization you connect with the energy of the earth to help ground and support you during this transitional time. You imagine roots going into the earth from the base of your spine or the area of your body that is in direct contact with the ground. Notice how these roots create a strong energetic connection with the earth and also become aware of how you are being fully supported and held by the physical ground below you.
With this practice you are able to maintain a centered and firm presence despite external events that might be challenging.
When you’re going through a transition it might feel like so many things in your life have come to an end, and there is even a tendency to question your very sense of self. Remember that although there have been many shifts, there are still many constants running throughout your life — friends, family and your core Self that are supporting you through this time.
Look for the deeper meaning behind your experience. Even if you can’t make sense of it right now remember that every period of transition is a catalyst for growth and healing. Perhaps your transition is giving you the space to sit, to rest and heal. It might feel like you need to rush forward, but if you have been given an opportunity to take “time out” then make the most of this time and know it is OK to rest.
If you feel the opposite and that everything is actually in a state of chaos, then perhaps you’re still in the earlier stages of your transition and things have not calmed down yet. Know that things will begin to settle and this time of turbulence is allowing things to come to the surface and break open, so that deeper healing and transformation can take place.
Try the mindful exercises mentioned here and make sure to establish a routine for yourself. Remember that every day is different and this is especially the case during times of transition — so connect with what you need on each day and be guided by the intuition of your body. Stay present with each moment, and you will soon reach a new stage on your journey.
Avocado Egg Burger (Plus a Giveaway!)
There’s just something about an egg burger. The runny yolk and savory taste of beef together feel about as rich and decadent and satisfying as it gets. Add avocado with the typical burger fixings, and you’re looking at the king of keto burgers.
This might not become your everyday burger, but we’d call it one of those must-have burger experiences. The fresh tastes, the creamy textures, the sheer audacity of it—few burgers inspire the way this one does.
Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of grass-fed beef
- 4 eggs fried in avocado oil
- 4 firm avocados
- 3 tsp. sesame seeds
- 8 slices of red onion
- 4 slices of tomato
- 3 Tbsp. Primal Kitchen® Chipotle Lime Mayo
- 2/3 cup microgreens
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Form hamburger into 4 patties. Grill for 8-10 minutes on medium heat. Sprinkle salt and pepper on finished burgers as desired.
Fry eggs on high heat for 2 minutes to get crispy edges and a soft, runny, yolk.
Peel avocado and discard pit. Cut beefsteak or vine-on tomatoes into slices. Cut red onion slices. Wash microgreens and dry.
Stack burger with bottom of avocado, then onion, tomato slice, burger, microgreens, egg, and Chipotle Lime Mayo. Then top with other avocado half. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information (per burger):
- Calories: 398
- Total Carbs: 3.5 grams
- Net Carbs: 2.9 grams
- Fat: 29.4 grams
- Protein: 27.7 grams
Now For the Giveaway…
Enter to win: $100 in keto staples from Primal Kitchen (including the keto starter kit + collagen + protein bars), a copy of the Keto Reset book and Keto Reset Cookbook, PLUS a month supply of Vital Farms Eggs and Butter (in coupon form) and some Vital Farms swag!
To Enter:
1. FOLLOW @vitalfarms, @primalkitchenfoods, @marksdailyapple & @theprimalblueprint
2. TAG a friend below that would love this Avo Burger just as much as you!
3. BONUS entries for signing up for our Keto newsletter: https://www.primalkitchen.com/pages/keto-reset
Open to U.S. only. The giveaway will close on Monday July 1st, 2019, at 11:59 pm (PST), and winners will be announced and contacted via IG direct message on Tuesday, July 2nd.
The post Avocado Egg Burger (Plus a Giveaway!) appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple.
Weekly Link Love — Edition 35
Research of the Week
In a study paid for by Impossible Foods, a novel yeast product used in the meat-less Impossible Burger was found to trigger weight gain and raise blood markers related to kidney disease in rats.
Researchers discover DMT-making neurons.
Smoking cigarettes is associated with negative changes in personality.
Antidepressant usage linked to an increase in suicide.
Giving elite runners’ gut microbes to mice made the mice more athletic.
Type 2 diabetics who lower their cholesterol may suffer more diabetic polyneuropathy.
New Primal Blueprint Podcasts
Episode 350: Endurance: Dr. Craig Marker: Host Brad Kearns talks with Dr. Craig Marker about the right way to do high intensity interval training.
Episode 351: Palmer Kippola: Host Elle Russ chats with Palmer Kippola about treating and overcoming autoimmunity.
Episode 352: Keto Q&A: Host Brad Kearns answers listener questions.
Each week, select Mark’s Daily Apple blog posts are prepared as Primal Blueprint Podcasts. Need to catch up on reading, but don’t have the time? Prefer to listen to articles while on the go? Check out the new blog post podcasts below, and subscribe to the Primal Blueprint Podcast here so you never miss an episode.
Media, Schmedia
Certain anticholinergic drugs linked to dementia.
Interesting Blog Posts
Do LDL particles cross the endothelium?
A look inside the sports fan’s brain.
Social Notes
Everything Else
First steps for a baby gorilla. Brings me back.
Which creatures do we find scariest and most disgusting?
Everest as mountain of human fecal matter. Sad to see.
Things I’m Up to and Interested In
Podcast I enjoyed: Dr. Jason Fung talks fasting on Dr. Peter Attia’s podcast.
Article I found interesting: LDL and the Immune System.
I found another reason to avoid hospitals unless necessary: Hospital flies that carry antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Another good podcast: George Henderson on Human Performance Outliers.
Great point: Why are we subsidizing our own disease burden?
Question I’m Asking
If there’s a problem with GMO, is it something inherent to the “GMO-ness” or is it whatever trait they’re inserting?
Recipe Corner
- Crispy garlic-stuffed chicken.
- Cantonese roast duck. Get ready to fight over the skin.
Time Capsule
One year ago (Jun 23 – Jun 29)
- Find Your Tribe, Find Your Health – Why we need tribe.
- Staff Pick Tuesdays: Relaxation Routine – How my staff likes to relax.
Comment of the Week
“New, Limited Release from Primal Kitchen: Collagen with Ground Placenta
New Recipe: Collagen Cord Blood Smoothie
Chock full of essential amino acids and stem cells, this tasty smoothie can …”– Way ahead of you, Paleo Bon Rurgundy.
The post Weekly Link Love — Edition 35 appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple.
Best of Our Blogs: June 28, 2019
I have a theory. I think the thing that makes us thumb through our pantry, stand staring into our fridge and scroll through social media are all coming from that deep well of emptiness and an overriding need to fill it.
Just because we’ve been working on our stuff for years doesn’t mean there won’t be times when it’ll trigger that pain. Maybe it’s something on the news or a conflict with a friend. But there we are again empty and numb as ever wanting to temporarily fix that pain.
I’m telling you this because this is my last post and if there’s anything I want to leave you with it’s this. Self-growth is a lifelong process. Falling down doesn’t mean you can’t get back up again. Losing your temper. Being full of rage. Eating a little too much. Spending too long on Instagram. Shopping more than you can afford. These are stumbling blocks. These are not signs that you are a failure or that your recovery didn’t mean anything.
It’s just what it is-normal.
The mountain just gets higher the more we climb. Those of us who read blogs like Psych Central may feel the pain and struggle more than others because we care so much about our emotional wellness. We don’t want to just live a superficial life. We want to heal and healing takes lots of winding turns and falls. So if you’re reading this, know this truth. You are brave. You are courageous because you’ve already survived what you’re most afraid of. And because of that you can get back up again.
I started here almost ten years ago. In that time, I’ve grown, took steps back, sidestepped and moved forward ever so slightly. Reading these posts have been like guideposts, validating my own personal path and reminding me that I’m not alone.
I don’t know your specific stories, but I like to think you’ve been here with me. First as a newbie grad student and freelance writer, and now with all the knowledge and experience that these posts bring. Signing off dear readers. Much love, peace and healing.
How to Feel Your Feelings When You Were Never Really Taught
(Weightless) – You feel disconnected from your emotions. These seven creative prompts will invite you to tune back into yourself.
10 Cognitive Restructuring Techniques For Greater Happiness
(Reaching Life Goals) – If you’re struggling right now, this post will give you the tools to transform your thinking and consequently change your life.
Crafting Provides Cross-Body Therapy Which Helps Mental Health
(Crafting to Heal) – People coping with physical and mental illness can benefit from creating new pathways in the brain. This surprising craft may be a short and long-term solution.
“Why Am I So Angry About My Childhood?”: A Key Question for the Unloved Daughter
(Knotted) – Anger is one of the things you’ll feel on the path towards mourning the mother you never had.
What is Verbal Abuse?
(The Exhausted Woman) – Here are seven ways verbal abuse can appear in your life.
Colorectal cancer screening before age 50?
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Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States. There is strong evidence that screening for CRC with colonoscopy, other visual exams, or stool-based tests can reduce CRC mortality. As a result, several expert organizations have long recommended regular CRC screening for US adults ages 50 to 75.
In 2018, the American Cancer Society (ACS) became the first major organization to recommend CRC screening starting at 45.
Why did the ACS recommend CRC screening starting at 45?
The incidence of CRC and mortality from the disease has declined over the last several decades among adults over 50, which may reflect the effectiveness of screening in this age group. In contrast, since the early 1990s, there has been an increase in CRC incidence and mortality among individuals younger than 50.
The absolute risk of any given individual younger than 50 developing CRC remains substantially lower than in older adults. But due to delays in diagnosis, younger patients are often diagnosed at later stages, when the disease is more challenging to treat. And they tend to experience greater loss of high-quality and productive years of life due to premature death from CRC.
The ACS recommendation was based, in part, on a prediction model that considered the trend of increasing CRC incidence in younger individuals. Theirs was a “qualified” recommendation, by which the ACS indicates that “there is clear evidence of benefit of screening but less certainty about the balance of benefits and harms or about patient’s values and preferences, which could lead to different decisions about screening.”
What accounts for the increase in early-onset CRC?
The bottom line is that we still do not know why more people are being diagnosed with CRC before 50. There are established genetic risk factors for CRC, including hereditary syndromes that increase the risk of developing CRC at a young age. However, the vast majority of early-onset CRCs occur among individuals with no family history.
Thus, recent trends in early-onset CRC are likely due to changes in environmental exposures. Initial epidemiologic studies point to risk factors such as childhood obesity, dietary habits, and antibiotic usage early in life.
Will starting screening at an earlier age reduce early-onset CRC?
It is still too early to tell. Modeling studies, like the one considered by the ACS, rely on assumptions and are limited by inherent uncertainties. For example, the ACS model assumes that screening will have a similar level of benefit in those younger than 50 as it does on those 50 to 75. But there are no direct clinical data to support this. In addition, the potential harms of screening in those younger than 50, such as false positive results that could lead to additional testing, are not well quantified.
Other organizations with established expertise in assessing the risks and benefits of CRC screening have yet to modify their recommendations. Thus, for the time being, individuals between 45 and 50 should discuss with their doctors whether to begin screening at 45 or wait until 50.
What else can people do to prevent CRC?
In addition to screening, quitting smoking, maintaining a high level of physical activity, avoiding overweight and obesity, and consuming alcohol in moderation are all known to reduce the risk of CRC. Limiting consumption of processed meats and red meat, particularly those that are prepared at high temperatures (such as through grilling and charring) is also prudent.
Finally, there are strong data supporting the use of aspirin to prevent CRC. The US Preventive Services Task Force has recommended regular aspirin use for the prevention of CRC. However, given potential risks associated with aspirin, such as bleeding, anyone considering aspirin for disease prevention should discuss this with their doctor.
The post Colorectal cancer screening before age 50? appeared first on Harvard Health Blog.
In a new study, researchers collected flies and other flying insects from seven hospitals in the United Kingdom to analyze their potential for carrying harmful bacteria. The conclusion? These insects carry enough bacteria to cause infections — even some drug-resistant ones.
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The policy that bans foreign aid groups from getting US assistance for family planning unless they promise not to "perform or actively promote abortion” may have increased the rate of abortions by about 40% in countries studied, due to reduced access to contraception and more unwanted pregnancies.
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Suicide Rates Are Rising, But Nobody Really Knows Why
Suicide rates appear to be at all-time highs, with the latest research suggesting rates are one-third higher than they were in 1999.
Among people ages 16 through 64, the rate of suicide climbed from about 10 per 100,000 to 14 per 100,000 people. That’s a significant increase during a period of time where, by all outward measures, stigma about mental health issues and depression has been significantly decreasing. More than ever, it is safe and people are encouraged to talk about — and seek help for — a mental health concern.
So why this significant rise in the suicide rate?
Thoughts of suicide are usually a serious, often un-diagnosed symptom of clinical depression. For some, these thoughts turn into devising a plan and even making an attempt. People who die by suicide are usually suffering from depression and aren’t getting adequate — or in some cases, any — treatment for it. People who have been unsuccessful in dying by suicide say they usually immediately regretted having tried, because it really is a permanent solution to a transient emotional state.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, 54% of Americans who died by suicide had no known mental disorder diagnosis. It could be that the person simply never saw a healthcare or mental health professional in order to be diagnosed. It could also be indicative that not all suicidal thoughts occur in the context of a mental illness.
Experts are hard-pressed for scientific data that could explain the rise. Instead, we have to turn to hypotheses and correlations. But these are really nothing more than educated guesses.
The latest data come from the CDC in a study released earlier this month. It built upon data from a similar CDC report released last year that showed rates for suicide had climbed 25% from 1999 to 2016.
In response to that study released last year, the BBC had this to say, suggesting that perhaps the lack of access to timely, adequate mental health care might explain some of the rise:
Prof Julie Cerel, president of the American Association of Suicidology, noted that having better reporting standards could account for some of the increase, but also pointed to a lack of adequate funding for mental health research and preventative care.
“Our mental health systems are just really struggling across the country,” Prof Cerel says. “In terms of training mental health professionals, we’re not doing a great job.”
As of 2018, only 10 states mandate suicide prevention training for health professionals.
Others have suggested that perhaps it’s also due to the economic downturn which began in 2008 and lasted through most of 2016. If true, however, such an explanation doesn’t really help us understand the rise in suicide rates during the period before the economic downturn.
A study in early 2019 of over 85,000 youths found an even more disturbing trend. Those researchers found that from 2007 through 2016, the increase in the rate of suicide for girls ages 10 to 14 was highest, rising by nearly 13% since 2007. The rate also rose for boys, but only by 7%.
The researchers concluded:
Following a downward trend in suicide rates for both sexes in the early 1990s, increasing rates of youth suicide since 2007 have been associated with an accelerated narrowing of the gap between male and female rates, with the largest percentage increase in younger female individuals. These trends were observed across all regions in the United States.
Tween and teenage girls are especially at risk. And this, to me, tells us something important.
Why Are Suicide Rates Going Up?
In this era of being able to talk far more freely about mental health issues than ever before in the history of humanity, it’s unimaginable that this openness hasn’t translated into more people seeking help for suicidal thoughts.
If I’d have to guess — since that seems all that we’re capable of doing right now — I’d say it was a combination of factors that has led to this increase. One factor is that while stigma has reduced around mental health issues, access to adequate mental health care has arguably actually declined since 1999. Despite laws trying to protect people’s access to such care, I believe the declining population of psychiatrists and others interested in going into the mental health profession has contributed to significant challenges in most parts of the country in actually obtaining care and services.
Second, the specific increase in young girls attempting suicide is concerning. Young girls are particularly vulnerable to social pressures during this age period (10 to 14 years old), as they are developing their own sense of self, worth, and self-identity. Combined with an increased use of social media compared to boys, technology may actually be playing a more harmful role in their lives than anyone has yet realized.
Third, political divisions in our country have never been more rancorous or stronger. Combined with a weak economy during much of this time period, we may not yet be seeing the positive effects of a recovering economy fully playing themselves out in families. The opioid epidemic may also be partially to blame for this increase in rates, since it was in full swing when data in 2016 and 2017 were collected.
In short, I wouldn’t be surprised that there is a complex multitude of factors that contribute to this increased rate of suicide among Americans. We can hope that many of these factors — such as the reduction of the opioid epidemic, a recovering economy, and efforts to increase recruitment of new mental health professionals — are heading in the right direction and may impact future suicide rates.
At least we can hope.
Suicidal? If you’re thinking of suicide, please call toll-free the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741 any time, day or night. Afraid that someone you know may be contemplating suicide? Talk to them — talking about it doesn’t increase the risk of it occurring.
References
National Center for Health Statistics. (2019). Suicide Rates for Females and Males by Race and Ethnicity: United States, 1999 and 2017.
Ruch DA, Sheftall AH, Schlagbaum P, Rausch J, Campo JV, Bridge JA. Trends in Suicide Among Youth Aged 10 to 19 Years in the United States, 1975 to 2016. JAMA Netw Open. Published online May 17, 20192(5):e193886. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.3886
Image: BBC
19 Keto Ground Beef Recipes
A special thanks to Courtney Hamilton at Paleohacks.com for today’s keto recipe roundup.
There are so many comfort foods that use ground beef in a starring role. Think meatloaf, meatballs, cheeseburgers, chili—you get the gist. It may feel too indulgent to keep on your keto diet but rejoice! Ground beef is an easy protein to use in low-carb recipes, especially those of the comfort food variety. On this list, you’ll find hearty fare like keto meatloaf with a tomato-y topping (without the sugar found in standard ketchup), a variety of low-carb chili options for any night of the week, and even innovations on carb-laden classics, like cheeseburgers and tacos. If you crave lighter options, try the crunchy romaine salad with taco toppings or veggie-filled Thai beef bowls served atop cauliflower rice.
It’s worth mentioning that grass-fed, organic ground beef will offer you the best nutritional bang for your buck, as well as ensure you’re enjoying ethically and humanely-sourced meat. It’s better for the environment, and affordable to boot. It’s a win-win all around.
#1 Cook Eat Paleo | Easy Keto Meatloaf
Meatloaf often contains sugar hidden in the ketchup, but this keto version uses fresh salsa instead.
#2 Tasteaholics | Meatballs in Coconut Broth
Beefy meatballs simmer in a rich lemongrass coconut broth for a Thai-inspired dinner.
#3 Wholesome Yum | Keto Low Carb Chili
Skip the beans with this keto and low-carb chili. You can make it in either your slow cooker or Instant Pot!
#4 I Breathe I’m Hungry | 10-Minute No-Chop Low Carb Chili
If you want all of the flavor of chili without any of the time, this 10-minute recipe is for you.
#5 The Healthy Foodie | Keto Ground Beef and Spinach Skillet
Get a super dose of iron in this one-pan recipe, thanks to the spinach, capers, and, of course, the beef.
#6 Low Carb Yum | Low Carb Korean Ground Beef
You can swap out the molasses in this Asian-inspired recipe to keep it 100 percent keto-compliant. It’ll still be sweet, savory, and spicy!
#7 Keto Summit | Keto Hamburger Soup
When cooler weather strikes, this hamburger soup warms the soul, sans carbs.
#8 PaleoHacks | Keto Tex Mex Casserole
Load up on keto-friendly, spicy deliciousness with this creamy avocado-topped casserole.
#9 Real Simple Good | Easy Curry Beef Bowls
Channel Indian flavors with these ground beef curry bowls, packed with curry powder, ginger, and garlic.
#10 Ketogasm | Low Carb Keto Breakfast Burrito Bowl
Enjoy ground beef for breakfast with this hearty, low-carb breakfast burrito bowl loaded with cauliflower rice, cilantro, and scrambled eggs.
#11 Tastes Lovely | Keto Ground Beef Taco Meat
You don’t have to give up your beloved tacos on a keto diet! You can use this taco-spiced meat to stuff into keto-friendly wraps or tortillas.
#12 Thyme and Joy | Paleo Hamburger Skillet with Thousand Island Dressing
This tangy beef skillet is topped with red onions, avocado, lettuce, dill pickles, and a homemade keto Thousand Island dressing. It’s like a burger without the bun!
#13 Tastes Lovely | Whole30® Ground Beef Burrito Bowl
Burrito bowls are a great way to enjoy ground beef on a keto diet. Load yours up with fatty avocado or guacamole to fuel ketosis!
#14 Paleo Running Momma | Instant Pot Paleo Beef Chili with Bacon
It’s a proven fact that bacon makes everything better, and this beef chili with peppers, onion, and garlic is no exception.
#15 Tasty Yummies | Grain-Free Thai Beef Bowls
We recommend topping these Thai-inspired ground beef bowls with carrot ribbons, cucumber slices, red chiles, and fresh lime juice for best results.
#16 40 Aprons | Instant Pot Beef with Peppers
If you’ve got 10 minutes, you’ve got time for this quick Instant Pot beef with peppers—the perfect keto weeknight meal!
#17 Beauty and the Foodie | Easy Hamburger Pie
It’s everything you love about a hamburger, baked into a crustless pie!
#18 Savory Tooth | Beef Picadillo
Think of picadillo as a Cuban type of chili with lots of briny green olives. Serve with cauliflower rice for a complete meal.
#19 Primavera Kitchen | Ground Beef Taco Salad
This bright and hearty salad boasts plenty of fresh ingredients, like spicy salsa, creamy avocado, and crunchy romaine.
Thanks again to Courtney Hamilton from Paleohacks.com. Interested in seeing a certain recipe or roundup of a certain category—Primal or Primal-keto? Let us know below!
The post 19 Keto Ground Beef Recipes appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple.
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