For the first time in recent history, #suicide is higher for #Black #children than for white peers.
The #Black community’s resources to reduce #suicide significantly include mentoring, broaching the topic, and destigmatizing #mentalhealth.
The most important thing we can do for young people is to take the time to be a consistent presence in their life.
Source: Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels
The tragedy of #ReginaKing’s son, Ian Alexander, Jr., dying by #suicide has sent waves of sadness and fear through the nation. Reading about the close relationship they shared, knowing the deep bond that is often present between #Black mothers and their sons, made this news particularly painful.
Learning of #CheslieKryst’s death by #suicide was another tragic blow, reminding us that professional success does not protect us from deep pain. This has only heightened our fear. The thought of losing one of our young people scares us, and we are seeing a staggering increase in suicides among our #Blackyouth.
Increase of #Suicide in #BlackYouth
Recently the attorney general reported that #mentaldistress and #suicide of young persons has significantly increased during the #pandemic. Before the #pandemic, in 2019, one in six #adolescents reported making a suicidal plan in the previous year, an increase of 44 percent since 2009.
For #Blackyouth, it was even worse, with an increase of 80 percent during the same 10-year period. Since the #pandemic, the number of #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors of #Blackyouth has increased. For the first time in recent history, #Black #children are nearly twice as likely to die by #suicide than white #children.
Anytime a #suicide occurs, family, friends, and those in the community want to know why it happened and what can be done to prevent it from happening again. But the reasons for #suicide are not fully understood. There is a range of causes that include brain chemistry, environment, and situational factors that are far too complex for us to pinpoint a single cause.
#Parents silently fear they may be to blame, friends feel guilty they did not reach out more, #teachers and #youth pastors question what they missed. Like Job’s friends in the Old Testament, perhaps if we can lay blame, we can assure ourselves that this won’t happen again.
#SuicidePrevention
We can’t know why a particular person committed #suicide. But thankfully, we know that there are things we can do to help reduce the chances that our young people will take their lives.
The first thing we must do, as #adults, is intentionally work to build relationships with the young people in our community. The #CenterforDiseaseControl has found that the #childhood experience most likely to foster resilience in young people with high rates of #AdverseChildhoodExperiences, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, is a positive relationship with one or more #adults outside of their home. This means we have the resources in our communities to increase the general well-being of many of our #youth.
We know that people who are suicidal are likely to suffer from two prevailing thoughts, “I am alone” and “I am a burden.” We know that #socialisolation increases the likelihood of #suicide. The most important thing we can do for young people is to take the time to be a consistent presence in their life. Mentoring has proven to have multiple benefits for young people, increasing their #self-esteem and self-worth and improving their #mentalhealth.
The second thing we must do is be willing to broach the topic. As we build close relationships with young people in our community, we have to be willing to ask direct questions such as “Have you thought about taking your life?” Or “Do you ever wish you weren’t alive?” Or “Do you ever wish you would go to sleep and now wake up in the morning?” The thought is so terrifying for #parents that they often do not ask. But it is important for #adults who can serve as a non-anxious presence in the life of young people to inquire about #suicidalthoughts once a good relationship has been established. By asking direct questions, we then know when we need to advocate for a #child or #adolescent to get the professional help they need.
#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, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
We know that suicides are often committed by people with diagnosable #mentalhealthdisorders. I’ve been encouraged to see many more #Black people entering into the #mentalhealthprofessions. As a result of this increase in representation, we see a rise in #Black individuals and families seeking #mentalhealthcare. The #stigma and shame around therapy are decreasing as many #Black people in positions of fame and power speak out on their #mentalhealthstruggles.
The #pandemic has been devastating for the #Blackcommunity in so many ways, and we are seeing that our #children and #adolescents may be taking it the hardest. Loving and affirming our #youth is critical to the future of our people.
If you or someone you love is contemplating #suicide, seek help immediately. For help 24/7 contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. To find a #therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.
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:
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
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