No can do. On FR we deal only with facts, not theory or opinion. :-)
My analysis of the long article is different from the poster's and the data do support your theory indirectly. The data destroy nearly all the left's pet theories about the environment, smoking, drinking, and national healthcare. I was amazed that this came from the Baltimore Sun but perhaps they saw it the same as the freeper who posted it.
My conclusion, as well as the author's and the researcher's to a degree, was that attitude had the most to do with their conditions. The author and researchers blame the deaths of middle age men, the largest group with the most dramatic reduction in life expectancy, on depression and hopelessness due to the inability to get jobs and care for their families. They gave vodka drinking its due but showed that had only a minor effect. They also skewered the health care system but noted that also had a negligible effect on the death rate. The same with smoking, pollution, etc.
My theory is the dearth of spirituality and the concentration on the here and now, the emphasis on the obstacles they faced, and the feelings of hpelessness, lack of self worth, and the attending attitudes brought all this about. Casting their futures to the wind, after years of state support no matter how meager, leads naturally to a feeling of despair and depression. It is the old optimism, pessimism scenario and in such bleak circumstances it is easy for pessimism to get the upper hand.
Circumstances are what they are. Attitudes toward them are internally controlled. In turn, attitudes affect health, even life span and birthrates.
I think a good dose of spirituality, in any form but Islam, would do wonders for Russia and get them back on the right track. A proper and reasoned relationship with a Supreme Being is the ultimate form of freedom and the feeling of freedom is what they lack most. Some still long for the prison of security but that is about all they know.
Oh well, this is about to get out of hand length wise so I had better stop but I am sure you understand my theory.
LOL - I like your post. Good one.