Here’s what young people, #parents, peers, #teachers and co-workers need to look for, and what to do.
Summer can be especially turbulent for #highschool graduates and others in their late #teens and early 20s.
Whether preparing for higher education, starting a new job, or joining the #military, #teens are entering or navigating a new stage of life, which comes with intense emotions and feelings, often increasing the risk for #mentalhealthconcerns.
Additionally, this time of life comes with the desire to be more independent, making it a critical time for you, as a #parent, peer, #teacher and co-worker to understand what your #child, friend, #student or colleague is going through and how it may be affecting their #mentalwellness.
#James Donaldson notes: Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes. Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use. Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.#http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Here, clinical #psychologist Emily Bilek, Ph.D., and clinical social worker Natalie Burns, LMSW, both from the Michigan Medicine Department of Psychiatry and the University of Michigan Eisenberg Family #Depression Center, provide more background on the issue, tips about managing #mentalhealthillnesses, risk factors in young people to watch for and what you can do to help.
1. A #mentalhealthcondition is the result of multiple causes, not just one
Studies show that about half of all lifetime #mentalillness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24, making this a critical group for the onset of #mentalhealthproblems.
So what exactly causes this onset? According to research, 30% to 40% of #mentalhealthdisorders are related to genetic causes, and 60% to 70% are related to the environment that the individual is in from early #childhood onward, meaning everything from their physical surroundings to their relationships.
#Mentalhealthconditions are not caused by character flaws or physical characteristics of the individual, but rather because of chemical imbalances in the brain, #stress and #trauma due to early life experiences and family history.
2. There are no bad emotions
There is a wide range of emotions that are part of the human experience, and it is important to express all of them, rather than suppressing any.
It is common to place emotions like sadness, fear, anxiousness, and anger under a label that they are “bad” or suppressing these emotions because of the perceived difficulty to cope with them. While it may feel comfortable to do so at the time, selectively numbing emotions can lead to negative consequences in the future.
3. Be aware of new or sudden changes
Being human – and especially a #teenager or young #adult – comes with many ups and downs. Feelings of highs and lows are inevitable, but the key is to look for whether these feelings are affecting one’s ability to do what they want or need on a daily basis.
If you know someone is experiencing concerning symptoms, ask: is there a dramatic change in normal functioning? If yes, then professional help may be needed.
4. Understand that #socialmedia isn’t just a #teen problem
From social comparison, to biased media consumption, to procrastination, #socialmedia can lead to many negative effects on your #mentalhealth, young and older. Validating someone’s struggles with #socialmedia and recognizing their vulnerability to it is important when helping those that are struggling with balancing its use.
A resource #parents can use while navigating their #teens’ online engagement is Techno Sapiens, a blog created by Jacqueline Nesi, a #psychologist who studies the role of #socialmedia in #adolescents’ #mentalhealth and development.
5. Know that the #pandemic will continue to have lasting impacts on many #teenagers and young #adults
Research shows many negative impacts of the #pandemic on #mentalhealth in #teens, especially due to the switch to virtual learning in the early months. #Adolescents are hard-wired for connection, and losing this sense of belonging from #school can lead to lasting feelings of #isolation. Additionally, spending more time in unstable home environments can increase emotional instability.
It’s important to consider these effects when evaluating the current state of someone’s #mentalhealth, even if they are back to “normal” in-person learning and working, and #financial #stress has reduced. A young person who lost loved ones but did not have normal grieving opportunities, such as funerals during the past two and a half years, may also be affected in the long term.
6. Avoid tying self-worth to an outcome
Academic pressures and imposter syndrome are common problems that #adolescents encounter in their daily lives. Not doing well on an exam or as well as peers may induce feelings of unworthiness.
As a #parent or #adult in a young person’s life, it’s important to model self-compassion and remind them that intrinsic worth isn’t based on accomplishments.
7. Help a #teen or young #adult get care or be more involved in the care they’re receiving
About 75% of young #adults with #mentalhealthproblems are not in contact with #mentalhealthservices. Furthermore, lacking a sense of agency or self-efficacy in their care may lead to less receptiveness to getting care.
Collaborative care with both a #patient and professional’s input and involvement can lead to the best outcomes.
Though many medications are available for #anxiety and #depression, a combination of #behavioral and talk therapy is also proven to be effective treatment, alone or in combination with medication.
Staying curious and asking questions about the latest research and options for therapy or medication can help ensure the person you know is getting the best care.
9. Create more welcoming, safe spaces for those who identify with the #LGBTQ+ community
#LGBTQ+ #teenagers and young #adults are almost twice as likely as their peers to experience symptoms of #anxiety and #depression. This is primarily due to experiencing higher levels of discrimination and a lack of acceptance from society.
Providing more affirming spaces to encourage social connectedness is a prime way to help #minorities feel seen and respected.
10. Have constructive conversations around #suicide
An increase in emergency room visits for #adolescents suffering with #suicidalideation in recent years is a clear indication that new ways must be found to redirect #teenagers and young #adults from acting on thoughts of #self-harm.
Being aware of the risk factors and speaking up when you feel a friend or family member may be in trouble is vital to saving lives. The #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention has great talking points if someone is concerned about a young person’s #suiciderisk and wants to reach out.
If you or someone you know experiences a #mentalhealthcrisis, chat online with the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline or call them at 800-273-8255. For #veterans experiencing a #mentalhealthcrisis: Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat live, or text 838255. Starting in mid-July, a #suicidehotline will also be available by dialing 988 from any phone.
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James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
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