New research warns that the rapid rise in unemployment amid the #coronavirus #pandemic could coincide with a spike in #suicide rates in the #UnitedStates and Canada. The findings have been published in the journals Psychiatry Research and World Psychiatry.
(If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or follow this link to their online chat.)
“The link between unemployment, economic shock and #suicide is highly replicated in population health. The #anxiety of the virus with the economic shock, along with the physical distancing, is an unprecedented assault on #mentalhealth. By conducting this analysis, we are able to get ahead of the curve of #mentalillness and #suicide.”
Based on previous #suicide and unemployment data, the authors of the study were able to estimate the number of excess suicides likely to occur in the wake of increased unemployment amid the #COVID-19 #pandemic. Between 2020 to 2021, they project 418 to 2,114 excess suicides in Canada and 3,235 to 8,164 excess suicides in the #UnitedStates.
“#COVID-19 is not only a threat to your physical health, it is a tremendous threat to your #mentalhealth,” McIntyre told PsyPost. The findings also highlight that “economic security is critical to preserve #mentalhealth.”
But there are many factors that could influence the #suicide rate. While #socialisolation and #anxiety could make the situation even worse, interventions could help prevent excess suicides.
“It is critical that we not only flatten the curve of viral transmission, but also that we prevent the curve of #mentalillness. As the #WorldHealthOrganization says, health is physical health and #mentalhealth and social well-being.”
#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 studies, “Projected increases in #suicide in Canada as a consequence of #COVID-19” and “Preventing #suicide in the context of the #COVID?19 #pandemic“, were authored by Roger S. McIntyre and Yena Lee.
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
