Introducing Carla Mckean

An observation I have made includes, the attempted solution by government, related to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) mandates, which have infiltrated the US. In my opinion, DEI was an attempted solution by the government to fix the problem of harassment, discrimination and violence. I discern that, this was not the actual problem, therefore, DEI mandates, as a solution, have not been successful. 

Lets explore DEI efforts. In the DEI philosophy, there is identification of victims being in need of help, the problem. The government has essentially said, these poor victims of racism, discrimination and harassment need saving. This required the degradation of men, particularly white straight men, in an attempt to lift up the victims. When I see a person who is a "perpetrator", I do not see a person who needs to have their ego knocked down. Addiction treatment centers tried this approach in the 80's and it was quickly seen as abusive. 

When I think of the person who acts on being a bully to others, I see a person who has low self-worth and fear and needs to be lifted up. Not in a narcissistic or grandiose way, but, in a nurturing way. By history we have looked to men to protect and support. They have had to go to war, work long hours to "bring home the bacon," and somehow not have emotions and not be sensitive. Can we lift up men and maintain fairness to minority populations? Maybe the problem is the governmental and economic systems that leave the majority and minority populations in poverty, uneducated and lacking courage. Ironically, I believe that the problem for men and minorities is nearly the same. 

Aren’t we supposed to be leading by example? Be the person you want to see in the world! Can we lift up men and minorities at the same time? Of course! I teach cultural diversity at a college and many of my students have responded with anger and hurt when going through traditional curriculum. The results of the DEI approach is leaving men and minorities, that would otherwise have courage and the ability to solve their own problems, with anger and sadness. So, we still have the problems we had 20 years ago when DEI efforts began, in addition to, a group of individuals that have found it psychologically beneficial to victimize themselves and others. It has become a virtue to notice people or oneself as a victim to other's perpetration and to loudly announce it and demand tax dollars be spent on fixing it. 

Potential Root Problem: White men and minorities feel discouraged by the education, governing bodies and the economic opportunities in the US AND the USA has a new culture that contributes to the problem where it has become a virtue to notice people or oneself as a victim to other's perpetration and to loudly announce it and demand tax dollars be spent on fixing it. Perhaps the love and logic approach to governing? Helping citizens realize their own potential and find courage, self-worth and determination to actualize their potential energy. 

When I think about gun violence, it is important to note that gun violence has various sources of motivation.  For example, a mass public shooter has a very different internal motivation than a drive by or domestic violence related shooting. As a mental health therapist as I think about and explore mass shootings, I discover, all (besides one) mass shootings in the US has been carried out by a male. So, if we can figure out the difference between why men are more likely to complete a mass shooting, we may be able to determine what the problem is. Let's not confuse mass shootings with war, the US government has granted itself permission to categorize war as an act of heroism, rather murder.

Mass shootings are generally an act of suicide (defensive in nature), rather than an offensive act. The mass shooter seems to think of themselves as a victim of the injustices of society, rather than the "bad guy" who is out to kill for sport.  When I was in grad school for mental health, I learned a wise statement that I think rings very true, "Suicide is the greatest act of revenge and courage at the same time". Since courage is good, I think focusing on revenge might be helpful. When I think of the word revenge, I think about how resentments toward others often lead to revengeful thoughts and feelings. Rather than looking at why people have resentments, I want to focus on things that are effective in treating resentments because I think resentment is part of human nature. It seems like people that tend toward resentful thinking, often feel wronged by others. They may struggle with letting go of resentments and finding forgiveness. Therapeutic tools in mental health therapy that seem to really help people with resentments include: practicing forgiveness, applying gratitude, seeing your own role in the resentment, spending time in nature and practicing and living by the 4 Agreements or 12 steps of AA. 

Besides mass shootings, gun violence also includes: suicidal shootings, domestic disputes, gang-related conflicts, acts of self-defense, accidental discharges, and retaliatory attacks. Domestic violence often stems from unresolved grievances, which can be detected early on. It's noteworthy that men exhibit a 167% higher tendency to resort to firearms in violent situations compared to women, as per the FBI (2024). Comparatively, gang-related shootings may be influenced by various factors, including limited access to education and resources within a community. This deprivation may lead individuals to believe that joining a gang is their sole path to success. Ultimately, gang membership may provide a sense of worth and foster a feeling of connection and inclusion.  

Potential Root Problem: Men with unresolved resentment and a history of trauma are at risk of being perpetrators of mass shootings. Lift men back up, while maintaining and also lifting up everyone else.

Potential Root Problem: Challenges may arise for men who lack a sense of belonging, education, resources, and struggle to release pent-up resentments.  

Source: Information retrieved on 11/8/2024, from: https://ucr.fbi.gov/crime-in-the-u.s/2019/crime-in-the-u.s.-2019/tables/expanded-homicide-data-table-6.xls 

Oh, Chronic Disease, my new frenemy! Chronic Disease encompasses a wide range of health issues. To gain clarity, let's focus on where the most resources are allocated and where the greatest loss of life occurs due to chronic diseases. 

• Heart Disease/Stroke (CDC) claims the lives of 944,800 Americans annually, with a cost of $254 billion per year and $168 billion in lost productivity. 
• Cancer results in 600,000 American deaths each year, and by 2030, the CDC predicts an annual cost of $240 billion. This includes various types such as breast, cervical, colorectal, and skin cancer. 
• In 2022, $413 billion was expended on Diabetes, a condition that often leads to fatal complications. 
• While obesity itself may not directly cause death, it significantly contributes to other chronic diseases that can be fatal. According to the CDC, the annual cost of obesity to the U.S. healthcare system is nearly $173 billion. The CDC reports that 20% of children and 42% of adults in the US are affected by obesity. 
• Regarding Alzheimer's and dementia, the CDC highlights a significant increase in deaths due to Alzheimer's disease, with a 141% rise from 2000 to 2021. Caring for individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias is estimated to cost $360 billion in 2024. In 2021, 119,399 people lost their lives to Alzheimer's. It's noteworthy that symptoms of dementia can also be triggered by medications, vaccines, and viruses, making it a complex and multifaceted condition. There are several potential factors believed to be linked to these types of cognitive disorders. These include an excess of protein in brain cells, disorders during REM sleep, as well as various viruses such as influenza, herpes simplex, HPV, and others. Additionally, the presence of co-existing diseases that weaken the immune system may exacerbate the impact of these viruses. Furthermore, certain medications are under suspicion for either causing dementia or increasing the risk of developing it. These include anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines such as diphenhydramine and chlorpheniramine, tricyclic antidepressants like doxepin and amitriptyline, medications for irritable bowel syndrome and overactive bladder, proton pump inhibitors, opioid medications, and NSAIDs. It's important to be aware of these potential factors and to consult with healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about our health and well-being. The world of benzodiazepine medications encompasses a variety of options such as Lorazepam (Ativan), Clonazepam (Klonopin), Diazepam (Valium), and Alprazolam (Xanax, Niravam). 
• Epilepsy, a condition affecting 3 million adults and around half a million children and teens, incurs substantial healthcare costs, totaling $13.4 billion in 2019, with $5.4 billion directly linked to epilepsy. Despite the prevalence, the causes of epilepsy and dementia remain elusive, calling for further research. 

Potential Problem: Again, men die from chronic disease at a higher rate. Besides self-worth, mental health, addiction treatment, etc, lets explore other root causes for obesity. The correlation between obesity and serious health conditions like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and cancer is well-documented.  

Potential Problem: Medicare law needs a complete overhaul. It is archaic, insensible, cumbersome and confusing. Insurance and medicaid systems usually follow medicare, so starting with medicare change, should have a broader impact across all payer systems.
 

Sources: 

Obtained on 11/7/24, url: https://www.cdc.gov/chronic-disease/data-research/facts-stats/index.html

Coupland, C. A. C., et al. (2019). Anticholinergic drug exposure and the risk of dementia. JAMA Internal Medicine.

Dublin, S., et al. (2015). Prescription opioids and risk of dementia or cognitive decline: A prospective cohort study. Journal of the American Geriatric Society.

Edinoff, A. N., et al. (2021). Benzodiazepines: Uses, dangers, and clinical considerations. Neurology International.

Gomm, W., et al. (2016). Association of proton pump inhibitors with risk of dementia: A pharmacoepidemiological claims data analysis. JAMA Neurology.

Gray, S. L., et al. (2015). Cumulative use of strong anticholinergics and incident dementia. JAMA Internal Medicine.

Jatoi, S., et al. (2020). Low vitamin B12 levels: An underestimated cause of minimal cognitive impairment and dementia. Cereus.

Joyce, G., et al. (2022). Benzodiazepine use and the risk of dementia. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions.

Lam, J. R., et al. (2013). Proton pump inhibitor and histamine 2 receptor antagonist use and vitamin B12 deficiency. Journal of the American Medical Association.

Whitlock, E. L., et al. (2017). Association between persistent pain and memory decline and dementia in a longitudinal cohort of elders. JAMA Internal Medicine.

Although suicide is not a hot political talking point, the latest data from the CDC reveals that in 2022, over 49,000 individuals in the US took their own lives. Certain groups show higher rates of suicide: men have a suicide rate four times higher than women, while teens and those aged 65 and older also have increased rates. Moreover, Native American/American Indian/Alaska Natives, exhibit a higher suicide rate compared to other populations. Unsurprisingly, the use of firearms as a method of suicide is notably elevated. Addressing this issue requires focusing on at-risk populations and considering the varied reasons behind suicide. 

According to Freeman (2017), men exhibit a stronger inclination towards achieving death by suicide. Considering that firearms are one of the most commonly used methods of suicide, and that they often result in death, it can be inferred that more men have access to firearms than women. This may be due to their roles as hunters or protectors. Moreover, the research indicates that women tend to make suicide attempts earlier in the process of depression, using less effective methods, which leads to earlier hospitalization and treatment. The tendency for women to seek help sooner, may also be an underlying factor to women having lower rates of chronic disease, heart attacks, and longer life expectancies. Again, this highlights the potential problem of men neglecting early intervention. 

According to Stephenson (2022), the suicide rate among Native American/American Indian/Alaska Natives increases after experiencing a loss or death. This suggests that the threat or actual loss of a relationship can lead to suicide and can also be a consequence of suicide. The journey of Native American/American Indian/Alaska Natives is marked by challenges, where the impact of addiction intertwines with mental health and contributes to the alarming rates of suicide. It's essential to recognize the significance of addressing addiction, untreated mental illness and unresolved grief to break this cycle. 

Interestingly, among the elderly population, the rates of suicide take a different trajectory for men and women. As men age, the rates increase, while for women, the rates decrease. This highlights the need to focus on early intervention for men, to prevent unnecessary death. Furthermore, understanding the reasons behind elderly suicide is crucial. Factors such as physical and cognitive changes, mental health shifts, and the emotional toll of aging alone, play  significant roles. It's imperative to ensure access to mental health support, whether through medicare or living arrangements, and to foster social connectedness to mitigate these potential problems. Embracing these challenges with compassion and proactive solutions can pave the way for a brighter future.

Potential Problem: Men and Native men die by suicide, at vastly higher rates than everyone else. While, all others also need help, men need to be the priority.  Focus topics include: lack a sense of belonging, education, resources, and difficulty releasing pent-up resentments.
Sources

-https://www.cdc.gov/suicide/facts/data.html

-Freeman A, Mergl R, Kohls E, Székely A, Gusmao R, Arensman E, Koburger N, Hegerl U, Rummel-Kluge C. A cross-national study on gender differences in suicide intent. BMC Psychiatry. 2017 Jun 29;17(1):234. doi: 10.1186/s12888-017-1398-8. PMID: 28662694; PMCID: PMC5492308. 

-Stephenson J. High Suicide Rates Among American Indian or Alaska Native Persons Surging Even Higher. JAMA Health Forum. 2022;3(9):e224179. doi:10.1001/jamahealthforum.2022.417 

-Garnett MF, Spencer MR, Weeks JD. Suicide Among Adults Age 55 and Older, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2023 Nov;(483):1-8. PMID: 38051033.

Eliminating censorship not only offers various benefits, but also plays a role in reducing chronic diseases, preventing premature deaths, resulting in cutting costs. When others recognize our intelligence and capabilities, it boosts our self-esteem and inspires us to uplift those around us. This positive cycle can help alleviate mental health issues and ineffective coping mechanisms that can contribute to chronic illnesses, such as overeating. Believe it or not, as Americans we are trained to trust our government. The government is to citizens as a parent is to a child. 

It's essential to educate our children about analyzing evidence-based research, navigating the internet for accurate information, and cross-referencing sources. Equipping them with the skills to follow the trail of money and make informed decisions, based on facts, empowers them to become critical thinkers and responsible decision-makers. The government's role is not to censor the information about the effectiveness of vaccines, for example. Instead, they should ensure that all information is accessible and based on sound scientific research, allowing people to form their own opinions, while educating the public to disseminate facts, apply variables and pass into solutions that advance the people in our country.

Potential Problem: Lack of trust in individuals' decision-making abilities. It's important for the government to have faith in the intelligence of the citizens who elected them and provide educational tools to foster effective information gathering, critical thinking, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and life skills at all levels of education and life. This will empower individuals to make informed decisions and contribute positively to society.