Talk Topics
Disenfranchised Grief: Buried Within
This talk provides educational information of grief types while focusing on Disenfranchised Grief, a grief defined as unaccepted by society's belief. Disenfranchised grief which goes unrecognized impacts the risks of mental health including depression, anxiety, and suicide. This talk will identify and bring awareness to the college student the importance and need to understand the complexities of Disenfranchised Grief, the potential mental health complications associated with grief, the ability to identify disenfranchised grief vs "normal" college life, and necessary coping mechanisms.
Tomorrow Never Came
The CDC reported that in 2021, there was 107,622 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Opioids accounted more than 75%. Psychostimulant overdose deaths, which include methamphetamines, ecstasy, and prescription stimulants, increased by 37% from 2020 to 2021. Fentanyl, an extremely powerful and deadly synthetic opioid is the cause of an estimated 68% of these total deaths.
Young adults aged 18-25 years are at 33.7% for mental health illness, this is the the highest prevalence of all age groups. Researchers also estimate that 50% of all chronic mental illness begins by age 14, and hits 75% by age 24. More than one in four adults with serious mental health problems also suffer with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Young adults are at a particularly vulnerable time in their cognitive development and often believe they are “grown up” after high school. As this group enters a new time in their lives, many entering college, becoming independent, and living alone, it is important to know and understand the risks of continued cognitive development and growth, and being aware of life’s challenges.
This presentation is the true-life story and unexpected death of a of young adult who suffered with mental health resulting in SUD. Although mental health disorders and SUD are becoming more recognized with awareness promotion, there remains a stigma within society for those that truly suffer and struggle every day. Through the life of another, this presentation discusses recognizing risk factors and behaviors of developing dangers and provides foundational awareness to protect their lives.