woman popping pillsThe Center for Disease Control has reported a sharp rise in women’s deaths from overdose of painkillers.  The rate has quintupled since 1999 with white women affected more than black and older more than young.

With more women shouldering the responsibility of providing for their home and their family; and juggling work, parenting, community and other obligations,  women are turning to prescription pain pills to alleviate stress. Quoting from today’s article by Sabrina Tavernise in The New York Times “…women blame the changing nature of American society. The rise of the single-parent household has thrust immense responsibility on women, who are not only mothers, but also, in many cases, primary breadwinners. Some, who described feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities said they craved the numbness that drugs bring. Others said highs made them feel pretty, strong and productive, a welcome respite from the chaos in their lives.”

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/health/rate-of-painkiller-overdose-deaths-rises-among-women.html?ref=health

Photo Illustration by Jana Leon

Photo Illustration by Jana Leon

Also reported this year: The increase in drinking among women, especially binge drinking, is on the rise, bordering on epidemic statistics; in fact, also at a quintupled rate increase. A Gallup poll reported that nearly two-thirds of all American women drank regularly and at a higher rate. Much of this is related, once again, as a means to lower anxiety and bolster feelings of self-worth. Author Gabrielle Glaser addresses this topic in her new book  “Her Best-Kept Secret: Why Women Drink—And How They Can Regain Control,”  (July 2, Simon & Schuster) and in a June 21st article in the Wall Street Journal..

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323893504578555270434071876.html

According to studies “women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety and depression as men.”  Women statistically have smaller body mass than men, enabling drugs and alcohol to absorb more quickly into their system. Also, changing levels of estrogen in women can make them more susceptible to anxiety and mood disorders, according to research by Harvard and Emory Universities.

http://news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2012/08/estrogen-and-female-anxiety/

My question is not “Why is this happening but…..Why does this have to happen?” With more women breaking the glass ceiling, why we we turning to glasses of alcohol or washing down pills to relieve our pain or to feel pretty and productive? Are we striving for so much perfection, purpose and productivity in our lives that we are turning to counter productive measures to steady our nerves and boost our confidence?

Thanks to the feminist movement and changing society, women have been primed to rule the world, run the house and raise the family. But we cannot lose ourselves in the process to the point where our advancements produce diminishing returns.

There are better ways to fight anxiety. One of them is exercise. Also in today’s New York Times, journalist Gretchen Reynolds reports on a Princeton University study that states “exercise creates vibrant new brain cells….and later in the article, “physical exercise reduced anxiety in humans.”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/how-exercise-can-calm-anxiety/?ref=health&_r=0

exercising   I believe this. I credit exercise – even simple walking – as the number one way I have reduced stress in my life, followed by a healthier diet and learning to carve ten minutes here and there during the day to recharge. My energy level and feeling of well-being on the mornings I exercise are significantly better and longer lasting than the days I do not make the effort.

The last time I took anti-anxiety pills for mild depression I felt slightly euphoric and then a slump and nervousness. Though a steady wine drinker, I imbibe with food usually and never for the high. When I drink too much I feel tired and queasy. The great thing about exercise is there is no slump or downward spike or nervousness when the endorphin highs dissipate. Only calm. Exercise is free, easy and can be done alone, with a partner or in a group. Or just walk your dog or play with your kids.

I realize some women may require pills for more serious conditions, and this article is not meant to prosthelytize against taking prescription medications or drinking. It’s about not abusing them and causing more harm than good. And it’s about being a role model for the next generation of women who may wonder, “If ruling the roost is so great, and running the show so attainable and admirable, why is Super Woman popping pills to cope and numb out?”

It’s a bitter pill to swallow in the story of women’s achievements. Now it will be up to us to find better solutions to manage our happiness and attain balance.