By Jen Christensen, #CNN
An empty classroom in a junior high #school on April 17, 2020 in Jingxian County, Anhui Province of #China.
#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
(CNN) Primary school students in #China experienced more depressive symptoms and made more #suicide attempts after schools closed for the #pandemic, a new study found. When #Covid-19 hit China in January, the Ministry of Education postponed the start of spring semester to late April. That closure separated #children from their friends and their broader community network, and seems to have had an impact on their #mental well-being. The study, published Friday in JAMA Network Open, compared reports of #mentalhealthproblems in November — before the #pandemic started — to mid-May, two weeks into the new spring semester when schools had re-opened.
‘Reassuring’ study finds #children have small risk of death and severe illness from #coronavirus Researchers from Anhui Medical University got results back from surveys for 1,241 students who were in grades 4 through 8, and in junior high. The #kids lived in Chizhou, Anhui Province, an area that did not have a large number of #Covid-19 cases. Nearly 25% of the students reported depressive symptoms in May, when only about 19% did in November. #Suicide attempts more than doubled — at 6.4% in May compared to the 3% who made #suicide attempts in November. There were no similar increases seen in reports of #children who reported feeling an increase #anxiety. Researchers hope #school leaders will use this research to prepare the necessary #mentalhealthservices to help #children as they return to #school following the lockdowns. close dialog #Covid-19 Your local resource. Set your location and log in to find local resources and information on #Covid-19 in your area.
This study is consistent with others that have found that enforced #socialisolation can cause #mentalhealthchallenges for #children.
Benefits of in-person #school outweigh #virus risks
As states grappled with how to safely reopen schools earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics led a push for #students to be physically present in classrooms rather than continue in remote learning for the sake of their well-being. The group, which represents and guides pediatricians across the country, updated its back-to-school recommendations in June to say evidence shows the academic, #mental and physical benefits of in-person learning outweigh the risks from the #coronavirus.
Here’s what happened when #students went to #school during the 1918 #pandemic “The AAP strongly advocates that all policy considerations for the coming #school year should start with a goal of having #students physically present in #school,” the group said on its website.””The importance of in-person learning is well-documented, and there is already evidence of the negative impacts on #children because of #school closures in the spring of 2020. Lengthy time away from #school and associated interruption of supportive services often results in #socialisolation, making it difficult for schools to identify and address important learning deficits as well as #child and adolescent physical or sexual abuse, substance use, #depression, and #suicidalideation,” the group said.
What it looked like when schools reopened
This overhaul of the traditional #school day become reality in August, as schools in Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee and Indiana opened their doors for the first time since the #coronavirus #pandemic abruptly shuttered classrooms across the #UnitedStates — all while the #virus remained largely uncontrolled. More #students and #teachers tested positive for #Covid-19, some schools were forced to suddenly change plans, while others opted to delay the start of the #school year giving educators more time to prepare for in-person classes.
The return to remote learning this fall came with system outages, cyberattacks and other problems“What we do know is #children have a harder time #socialdistancing. And we can’t put a whole bunch of them in a classroom with a #teacher right now,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said in an August briefing announcing a delay.”Other states that have tried to open this new school year are now having to close. We don’t want to start and stop. That may be more difficult on our #children,” he said.Now, many have embraced virtual learning, which has posed its own set of challenges.close dialog
The day’s biggest stories in 10 minutes or less.Sign up and get access to videos and weekly student quizzes. Sign Me Up No Thanks By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy. Schools across the country have reported system outages, cyberattacks and other issues that prompted some districts to postpone the first day of class.If you’re experiencing a suicidal crisis, you can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text line by texting HOME to 741741 to get help.
CNN’s Nicole Chavez, Christina Maxouris and Alicia Lee contributed to this story.
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
