In conjunction with a post-pandemic national child mental health crisis, rates of suicide are increasing among early adolescent Black youth populations. This study investigated data from the 2019 Middle School Youth Risk BehaviorSurvey with a sample of 7,643 self-identifying Black youth to understand suicide prevalence rates and risk factors. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and associations between seven variables, including sex, weapon carrying, weight perceptions, grades, grade level, school bullying, cyberbullying, suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts, were examined.
Findings revealed prevalence rates of about one in four Black middle school students for suicidal thoughts, one in six for suicidal planning, and one in ten for attempting suicide. Students who identified as female, victims of cyberbullying, carrying a weapon, or being very overweight experienced significantly higher odds of suicidal thoughts, planning and attempts.
Co-authors Sonyia Richardson, assistant professor of social work and psychiatry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Laura Gunn, professor of epidemiology and community health and affiliate faculty in the School of Data Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, emphasized the urgency and need for cultural approaches to identifying and screening for suicide risk and protective factors among Black middle school adolescents to support prevention efforts.
#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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Richardson highlighted that suicidal behavior in youth is an emergency: “It is important to proactively ask adolescents about suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts. Some adolescents may exhibit risk factors or conditions that increase their likelihood of suicidal behaviors, as highlighted in our study. For youth displaying any suicidal behaviors, further assessment is essential. It is unacceptable to wait until adolescents have developed a suicide plan or attempted to die by suicide to link them to resources. Instead, every family should be informed about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free resource available to help those in distress.”
Given the high rates of suicidality among adolescents, experts believe a targeted approach is crucial to identify and address the root causes and predictors of suicide risk. Study researchers say policies should focus on the specific risk factors relevant to Black middle school adolescents, such as bullying (both in school and online), weapon carrying, and sex, while assessing feelings of safety. They also suggest that medical providers screen youth for acute suicide risk, including assessing ideation, planning, and previous attempts.
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 [email protected] 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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