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Rheeda Walker, University of Houston
#JamesDonaldson 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
(THE CONVERSATION) #Teen #suicide rates among black youth are increasing. In 2016 and again in 2018, national data revealed that among children age 5-11, black children had the highest rate of death by #suicide. For the years 2008 to 2012, 59 black youth died by #suicide, up from 54 in the years 2003-2007.
Also, the 2015 #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention’s biennial Youth Risk Behavior Survey reported that, compared to non-Hispanic white boys, black high-school age boys are more likely to have made serious #suicide attempts that require medical attention.
I am a professor of psychology and also director of the culture, risk and resilience research laboratory at the University of Houston, and I recently co-authored a study that suggests that new risk profiles may be needed for better suicide prediction in #AfricanAmericans in particular.
Comprehensive #suicide awareness
#Suicide has become a leading cause of death in the U.S. among all age groups, but particularly in youth and young adults. It is the second leading cause of death among 10- to 34-year-olds. Parents, teachers and professionals must be able to both talk about it and understand the risks for vulnerable children of any race. But those of us who work with black youth may also need to address some myths about #suicide in the #AfricanAmerican community.
For example, one such myth has its start almost three decades ago, Kevin Early and Ronald Akers’ interviews with #AfricanAmerican pastors concluded that #suicide is a “white thing” and that black people are accustomed to struggling through life challenges without succumbing to #suicide. those authors concluded that #black people see #suicide as a “white thing” but it is a myth that #black people do not die by #suicide.
Based on anecdotal conversations that many others and I have heard in day-to-day conversations and that sometimes emerge in popular media, this opinion about #suicide in the black community has shifted relatively little.
More importantly, black youth at risk may even be more difficult to identify than non-black youth. One study referred to college age racial/ethnic minority people, including #AfricanAmericans, as “hidden ideators” who are less likely than other youth to disclose thoughts of #suicide. Because #suicide is occurring and at shockingly young ages, comprehensive efforts are needed to address this public health problem.
Studies suggest that #stigma about #mentalillness and the feeling that one will be outcast further or ignored may keep #black youth from sharing their thoughts. Also, public health and #mentalhealth experts may be unaware that #suicide risk factors could show up differently depending on ethnic group.
Simply put, a one-size-fits-all approach does not work for identifying #suicide risk. And little or no action has been taken to address the increasing crisis. As an #AfricanAmerican psychologist, I find this frustrating when children’s lives are lost – lives that could be saved.
Unique needs in #AfricanAmerican #mentalhealth
Most #mentalhealth services are not designed with cultural and #social nuances in mind. My research team has found consistently that the challenges that #black kids face in navigating dual cultural contexts may increase their risk of #suicidal thoughts.
In research on adults, we found that #black men and women who used more Eurocentric or individualist approaches that was more self-focused rather than managing stress via the belief in a Higher Power were more likely to consider #suicide. This was not true for those who used more culturally meaningful, spiritual coping.
When there are cultural differences, therapists must be willing to “think outside of the box” to fully evaluate risk for #suicide. As an example, the racism that #black Americans encounter increases stress for many. Thus, their stressors and #mentalhealthissues will need different solutions and approaches than treatments that work for white people.
In another study published in Comprehensive Psychiatry, we observed different patterns of risk for black adults compared to white adults who were admitted for psychiatric care. We examined sleep-related problems, which are elevated among black Americans, and #suicide because sleep issues are a serious but understudied risk factor for #suicide crisis. It turns out that inadequate sleep can escalate an emotional crisis. Our research found that problems staying awake for activities such as driving or engaging in social activities, which reveal inadequate sleep, were associated with a four-fold greater risk for #suicide crisis compared to non-suicide crisis in #black adults who were admitted for psychiatric treatment.
We have also found that experiencing racism is associated with thoughts about #suicide for #black youth and adults.
How to find help
Caring adults are a child’s first line of defense. If a #child discloses that he is thinking about dying, it is important to ask him to share more about his ideas and if he knows he might die. If a #child has a #suicide plan, it is time to get professional help. The Crisis Text Line at 741741 could be an option for teens who need help to cool down in a crisis.
When it comes to finding a #mentalhealthprofessional, parents need an expansive list of referral options, including university-affiliated #mentalhealth clinics that offer evidence-based services on a sliding scale and federally qualified health centers for the uninsured. Regardless of the setting, a well-trained therapist may be of a different race.
Parents and caregivers must be willing to sit, listen and try to fully understand what is most upsetting for a #child who is experiencing a difficult situation and a lot of emotions.
For those who believe that the alarming statistics will eventually reverse course without any action, this may be true. In the meantime, saving one life is worth the effort.
Thoughts of #suicide do not mean that a child or teen needs to be hospitalized. It means they are in emotional pain and want the pain to end. Adults can investigate the problem and remove it or help the #child deal with it. Online resources such as Stopbullying.gov include interactive videos that are useful to parents, educators and youth. Suggesting to a #child that she “get over it” is less than helpful. A #child who is already in a vulnerable state cannot problem-solve without meaningful support from the caring adults in charge.
If you are having thoughts of #suicide, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK). The website is #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline.
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This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here: http://theconversation.com/black-kids-and-suicide-why-are-rates-so-high-and-so-ignored-127066.
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
