A family man from Wisconsin. A passionate artist from Hawaii. An Ivy League graduate from Maryland. Ryan Borgwardt, Hannah Kobayashi, and Luigi Mangione. On the surface, their lives were worlds apart. Yet, each disappeared from their routines, leaving jobs, loved ones, and familiar lives behind.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults vanish in the United States, according too FBI data. Some, like Borgwardt, Kobayashi, and Mangione, leave voluntarily, choosing to abandon their lives and forge new paths. As former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe explains, “As an adult, you can just decide to leave your life and go start somewhere else, or go seek something, whatever that might be.”
The reasons for disappearances are as diverse as the individuals who vanish. “There are so many reasons why a person would run,” McCabe notes. “Pressures at work, financial troubles, health issues, romantic relationships, even social media – these things can lead to increased anxiety and stress.” He adds that for some,the simplest solution in the face of these challenges is to start anew.
Law enforcement often classifies these individuals as voluntary missing persons. Recently, Kobayashi was designated in this very way after Los Angeles police persistent she had traveled to the US-Mexico border and crossed into Mexico alone.
Missing Person Cases Shed Light on a Growing Need for Escape
Recent high-profile cases of missing Americans, including Hannah Kobayashi, a woman who vanished from Hawaii and was later found safe, have sparked widespread concern and discussion. While Kobayashi has been located, her family is still grappling with the loss of her father, who tragically took his own life while searching for her.
These events, though shocking, highlight a growing trend. Clinical psychologist Lauren Cook, specializing in anxiety, believes these cases are indicative of a broader societal issue. “It is indeed not uncommon for adults with busy lives to have passive thoughts about leaving everything behind,” she explains.
Before her disappearance,Kobayashi expressed a desire to disconnect from modern technology,according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
“While extreme, these recent stories speak to the “great level of overwhelm people are feeling,” Cook, who is not involved with any of the cases, told CNN. “They don’t always know easy solutions to their problems, and so then they do find themselves wanting to run away and escape it all.”
The Distress Behind Runaway Statistics
Running away from home, often done in anger or frustration, is a common threat many children make. With time and proper growth, most people learn to regulate their emotions, but not everyone develops this crucial skill. When life becomes overwhelming, those lacking the ability to manage their feelings may make impulsive and desperate decisions.
“When people don’t know how to self-regulate, they can unfortunately make some really dire choices,” explains expert Theresa Cook. She emphasizes that many individuals,through no fault of their own,never learn healthy self-regulation techniques during their development.
The impact of this lack of coping strategies is evident in the alarming numbers: in 2023 alone, over 563,000 missing person reports were filed with the National Crime Details Center. This FBI database houses a vast collection of criminal data, including cases involving both minors and adults.
In roughly half of these cases, optional criteria were used to determine whether a disappearance was a result of abduction or voluntary action. A staggering 95% of these categorized cases were classified as runaways, revealing a deeply concerning trend.
Why Do People choose to Go Missing?
The reasons behind voluntary disappearances are complex and varied. Some individuals may be struggling with overwhelming stress, sensory overload, or a feeling of being trapped in their lives. Dr. Cook, a mental health expert, explains that constant exposure to stimuli can drain cognitive resources, making it arduous to make sound decisions. This can lead to a sense of detachment and impaired empathy, ultimately contributing to the decision to vanish.
Dr. Cook also points out that individuals in “extreme escapism situations” are more likely to engage in risky behaviors that could harm both themselves and their loved ones.
The Legal and Investigative Process for Missing Persons
According to former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe,local law enforcement agencies are responsible for investigating missing persons cases. For those under 21, federal law mandates reporting every missing person case to the National Crime Information Center, regardless of whether they left willingly. However, when adults choose to disappear, authorities face limitations.
“Unless there’s some reason to believe that there might have been a crime involved…authorities can’t afford to take the time and effort to basically unwind all of that person’s history and movements,” McCabe explained.
Missing persons investigations are resource-intensive, frequently enough involving forensic analysis, cell phone data extraction, and search warrants. McCabe emphasized that these investigations demand important manpower and can strain public resources like police officers, forensic analysts, and judges. When a disappearance is voluntary, the allocation of these resources becomes a point of contention.
Wisconsin Kayaker Faking His Death Highlights Complexities of Missing Adults Cases
The recent case of Ryan Borgwardt, a Wisconsin kayaker who allegedly staged his own death and disappeared to Eastern Europe, has shed light on the complexities surrounding investigations into missing adults. While families grapple with the agonizing uncertainty of a loved one’s disappearance, investigators face the challenge of determining whether foul play is involved.
“There’s nothing criminal about” choosing to vanish unless a crime is committed in the process, explains law enforcement consultant John McCabe. This legal gray area often leaves authorities with limited options in cases where adults disappear voluntarily.
Last week, Borgwardt, 45, was charged with obstructing an officer after allegedly faking his own drowning during a kayaking trip. Authorities believe he left behind his wife and three children to start a new life abroad.
Borgwardt’s case highlights the emotional toll and investigative challenges posed by missing adults cases. While authorities focus their efforts on those who vanish under suspicious circumstances, cases like Borgwardt’s underscore the need for nuanced understanding and careful consideration of the individual circumstances surrounding each disappearance.
Cases Highlight the Mystery of Disappearing Suspects
In a shocking turn of events, authorities have uncovered two separate cases of individuals vanishing, each linked to high-profile crimes. One man faked his own death, while another disappeared entirely, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions.
Wisconsin Man Fakes Death to Evade Charges
Chad Borgwardt, a 55-year-old Wisconsin man wanted on embezzlement charges, vanished under mysterious circumstances in May. Investigators initially believed he had drowned himself in Green Lake, but their search turned up nothing for seven weeks.
The truth unraveled when evidence surfaced revealing Borgwardt had fled to Europe via Canada, leaving behind a web of deceit. wisconsin authorities have remained tight-lipped about Borgwardt’s whereabouts during their search, but they have stated that he faked his death for”a number of reasons.” Borgwardt, who has not yet obtained legal representation, has made no public statements about the case.
new York Murder Suspect Goes Missing
simultaneously occurring, 26-year-old Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, disappeared in July. His mother reported him missing, stating that she hadn’t spoken to him since that month. His phone went straight to voicemail,offering no clues to his whereabouts.Mangione seemed to vanish from social media as well, leaving friends and family concerned.
Mangione’s attorney has denied his client’s involvement in the New York murder and anticipates a not-guilty plea. Thompson’s killing sent shockwaves through the community and left everyone searching for answers, further elaborate by Mangione’s disappearance.
These cases serve as a stark reminder of the complexities and mysteries that can surround criminal investigations. As authorities continue their pursuit of justice, the public remains captivated by the unanswered questions surrounding these elusive suspects.
The Impact of Anxiety and Stress on Motivation
Anxiety and stress have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, affecting a significant portion of the adult population.According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2022, approximately 18.2% of adults experienced anxiety symptoms and 21.4% reported symptoms of depression within a two-week period. These mental health challenges can have profound consequences, influencing an individual’s motivation and behavior.
Unlike depression, which frequently enough leads to feelings of lethargy and a lack of interest in activities, anxiety and stress tend to have the opposite effect. As noted by Jeffrey Jensen Arnett,a developmental psychologist at Clark University,anxiety and stress can motivate individuals to take action to alleviate their discomfort.
“Depression is different,” Arnett explained. “depression usually comes with a certain lassitude. you don’t feel like doing anything. But anxiety and stress are the opposite, and they make you want to do something to relieve that condition.”
Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage anxiety and stress. Experts recommend a combination of approaches, including open communication, therapy, and, when necessary, medication. These strategies can definitely help individuals cope with the challenges posed by these mental health conditions and regain control over their lives.
Anxiety Among Young Adults: When to Seek Help and the Power of Communication
Young adults today face a unique set of stressors contributing to heightened anxiety levels. Experts like Dr. Jennifer Cook and Dr. Jeffrey Arnett point to the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the stark financial disparities between generations, and the relentless pressure of social media as key contributors.
“Young adults today are struggling to afford housing and frequently enough live paycheck to paycheck,” says Dr. Cook. “They witness their parents seemingly achieving these milestones with more ease, which can lead to feelings of defeat and overwhelm.”
Adding to the pressure cooker habitat are concerns about healthcare access, escalating living costs, pervasive gun violence, and a polarized political climate.These factors are prompting some Americans, particularly young adults, to consider drastic measures like relocating abroad.
Dr. Cook and Dr. Arnett emphasize the importance of communication when stress levels reach a boiling point. “If the distress interferes with daily functioning and relationships, and you feel like you’re on the verge of doing something extreme, it’s time to seek help,” advises Dr. Arnett.
“Talk to the people closest to you about what you’re going through,” he adds.”Withdrawing from family, friends, and social media can be a sign that something is wrong.”
Dr. Cook stresses the importance of involving loved ones in major life decisions, especially those that may seem drastic. “It’s human nature to jump to the worst conclusions when we don’t have all the information,” she explains. “Communicating your plans, even if they involve making a significant change, can prevent unnecessary worry and foster understanding.”
## Turning Anxiety Into a Powerhouse
Feeling anxious? You’re not alone. While anxiety can feel overwhelming, experts say it can actually be harnessed as a force for positive change.
Therapist, and author, says that while seeking professional support is always beneficial for managing stress and anxiety, there are also everyday practices that can make a big difference. Incorporating techniques like breathwork, exercise, and journaling, as recommended by the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), can provide consistent relief.
Dr. Arnett echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that identifying the root causes of anxiety is crucial. “Anxiety is a motivator,” she explains, “and it’s possible to use it constructively.”
She encourages individuals to reflect on what specifically triggers their anxiety and then explore ways to mitigate those stressors. “What are those things for you? And how can you relieve that sense of being oppressed by them and threatened by them?” Arnett asks,prompting introspection and empowerment.
