Stephanie Harlow, MD and Ravi Shah
1. In a recent survey, runaway and #homeless #youth reported significantly higher rates of #depression, self-injury, #suicidalideation, and #suicide attempts as compared to stably housed participants.
2. Of the #mentalhealth outcomes assessed, #youth who reported a history of both unaccompanied #homelessness and running away had the highest prevalence of each outcome, followed by those who had run away and then those who had experienced unaccompanied #homelessness, with the lowest prevalence being among stably housed #youth.
Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good)
#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
Study Rundown: #Homelessness and running away are experiences common to many pediatric patients, and both have previously been associated with significant adverse outcomes. Few studies have investigated how each of these unique challenges may impact the #mentalhealth of the #youth who experience them. In this study, researchers reviewed data from the 2016 Minnesota Study Survey which included questions about students’ history of #homelessness and running away as well as their history of discrete #mentalhealth outcomes, including #depression, #suicidalideation or attempts, and self-injurious behavior. Researchers found that #youth who reported a history of both running away and recent #homelessness also reported the highest rates of each of the #mentalhealth outcomes assessed. Moreover, #youth with just a history of running away consistently had the second highest rate of each domain assessed, and #youth with a history of just #homelessness having the third highest rate, all compared to the baseline of stably housed youth. Overall, the study demonstrates the distinct needs of each population and particularly highlights the uniquely increased risks of youth with a history of running away. Further research is required to determine best practices for screening for this at risk population.
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
[email protected]
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 [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
