Kathy Coppola and Susan Racher
It’s expected that, after two years of multiple disruptions caused by the #COVID-19 #pandemic, there would be repercussions on our collective #mentalhealth. As recent research has shown, it is heavily impacting #children and #teens.
Since 2009, #youth and young #adult rates of #suicide have been on the rise. #Depression, #hopelessness and #suicideideation among our #youth are alarmingly widespread, a trend that is challenging families across the country, including in Miami-Dade County and the Keys.
#MayisMentalHealthAwarenessMonth. It is more important than ever to become educated about #mentalhealth and warning signs of ill #health and #suicide risk. The #isolation, #stress and loss of #parents and family members resulting from the #COVID-19 #pandemic exacerbated a worrisome trend. The statistics are alarming.
In 2020, the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention reported that #suicide was the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34, and ninth among all age groups. In 2021, a #CDC survey showed that about 20% of #highschoolstudents and 40% of #LGBTG #youth said they had contemplated #suicide.
Although #children and #teens are disproportionately affected by this #mentalhealthcrisis, #adults, particularly #peopleofcolor, are also feeling the effects. Most #mentalillness goes untreated, especially in #communitiesofcolor. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned, in an advisory issued in December 2021, that young people are facing “devastating” #mentalhealth effects as a result of the challenges experienced by their generation, including the #pandemic.
Resources are available
We know that people do not know where to turn for help. The psychological and financial blows of the past two years have increased the urgency of outreach and education efforts at the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness in Miami. We also know that resources to help people who need support are stretched thin. But it is imperative that we work together as a community to raise our literacy about #mentalhealth, substance use and #suicideprevention.
#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
There are resources to help those in Miami-Dade and the Florida Keys, including those who are uninsured. Thriving Mind South Florida, funded in part by the Florida Department of Children and Families, is an outstanding organization that oversees an extensive network of #mentalhealth and substance use providers, including facilities for those in crisis operated by Banyan Health Systems (Miami-Dade) and by Guidance Care Center (Monroe County).
In addition, #NAMI Miami-Dade, the local affiliate of the largest peer led #mentalhealthorganization in the U.S., offers #mentalhealthprograms, such as support groups, peer mentoring, educational classes and outreach. From #suicideprevention training for families and peer education and support, #NAMI has a broad portfolio of programs to help us gain #mentalhealth literacy. These programs are always offered at no cost to participants, led by trained peer-leaders and confidential.
#Mentalhealth is essential to our well-being. Individuals can recover from a #mentalhealthcondition and lead a gratifying and balanced life. Let’s work together to end the silence about #mentalhealth and help all who are struggling realize that they are not alone.
For more information and to learn about #NAMI and community #mentalhealthresources, join us on May 21 for the Miami-Dade Walk for #MentalHealthAwareness. More at NamiMiami.org. The #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is 800-273-8255.
Kathy Coppola is the executive director and Susan Racher is the board president of #NAMI Miami-Dade.
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
