by Sam Sherwood
Increasing mental health problems and suicidal ideation have been linked to cannabis use, which has prompted a coroner to urge parents and caregivers to educate themselves on the risks.
Coroner warns of increased mental health problems and suicidal ideation after 14-year-old boy killed by cannabis.
Cannabis use and suicidal ideation have been directly linked in adolescent studies since 2014.
An 18-year-old who had used cannabis daily before the age of 17 was seven times more likely to commit suicide than a 17-year-old who had not used cannabis.
People who smoked cannabis weekly or more were four times more likely to attempt suicide. People who smoked cannabis monthly or more were over twice as likely to attempt suicide.
Studies such as these contribute vitally to suicide prevention, said Coroner Borrowdale.
Despite the fact that we do not know what the influence of the young boy’s cannabis use may have been on his mental health or suicide, I am not ready to assume that it did not play a role in his tragic death.
As well, the coroner endorsed the Ministry of Health’s advice to anyone who might be feeling suicidal:
The advice can be found below.
You can get help if you are struggling and contemplating harming yourself, or if you are concerned another individual in your family might be thinking the same way.
Here’s information on how you can support someone who is considering harming themselves.
Whenever someone tells you they have attempted suicide, or if you are worried about their immediate safety, take it seriously. Thank them for sharing; invite them to keep talking. Ask questions without judging them.
#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
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
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:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
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
