by Tyler Job
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — #Suicidalthoughts affect people of all ages.
But #teen #girls seem to be feeling the most impact right now, health workers say.
“During the #adolescence, they are at the peak for #suicidalthoughts,” said Angela Barnes, an #adolescent #therapist at Gundersen Health System.
Emergency room visits have risen for #teen #girls who have attempted to take their own lives — or considered doing so — during the #pandemic, Barnes said.
Changes in family and #school, as well as #socialmedia, are contributing factors, she said.
“#Females have for a very long time engaged in self-harm more frequently and more often than #males,” Barnes said.
The trend at Gundersen mirrors what’s happening on state and national levels.
#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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Last winter, 50 percent more #girls ages 12 through 17 were admitted to emergency rooms for #suicideattempts compared with winter of 2019, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, .
A report from the Wisconsin Office of Children’s #MentalHealth also shows a similar trend.
But director Linda Hall says the #pandemic could have some silver linings for these teens.
“Their #behaviors that are indicating a #suiciderisk are being noticed,” Hall said. “We’re hopeful they’re getting help before anything more serious would happen.”
One way to get #teens help is by putting them in touch with more #adult support, she said.
“When #kids feel connected, they feel like they belong,” Hall said.
That’s why there are resources such as Great Rivers 2-1-1, where staff are available around the clock.
“It’s always safe for people to call here, no matter what,” line supervisor Amy Kuester said.
The service offers advice to people, especially young #girls, that it’s OK to seek help whenever they need it.
Calls to 2-1-1 relating to #mentalhealth and addiction are up 14 percent since the #pandemic began, Kuester said.
Local health-care provider and #school #counselors are good resources, Barnes said.
#Mentalhealthresources include:
- Great Rivers 2-1-1
- #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline
- SAMHSA
- #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness
- Wisconsin Office of Children’s #MentalHealth
- La Crosse County Human Services
- La Crosse Area Family #YMCA #Youth Center
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
