ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. (WDBJ) – Suicide is a scary conversation for many, but experts say it does not have to be. In fact, the more people talk about it, the more chances they have to save lives.
Here in the Roanoke Valley many are heartbroken after a 10-year-old died by suicide. Her family and mental health advocates hope this tragedy can lead to more conversations and let other young people know they are not alone.
“It heals something inside of me every time I can tell someone about her,” Autumn Bushman’s Father Mark Bushman said.
The pain is still fresh, but the mission is now to help others. Autumn Bushman died by suicide March 21.
In the few weeks before her death, Autumn’s parents said they noticed changes in their bright, bubbly and colorful 10-year-old.
“She started napping more. She would come home from school and nap and I thought that was very strange,” Mother Summer Bushman said. “She told me she hated the color pink. Which came out of left field. She loved the color pink.”
#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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
In hindsight, these changes, now look like warning signs. But experts say even with the best awareness suicide still steals lives.
“You can do all the right things, you can see the signs, you can offer support, you can share 988 and unfortunately it might still happen,” Dr. Kathleen Thorell said.
Thorell is the executive Director of Tudor House. Her organization focuses on suicide prevention.
“I know the statistics and I know that in Virginia the second leading cause of death for 10- to 24-year-olds is suicide. So unfortunately for me I don’t think this is as shocking as it is to some people hearing it,” Thorell said.
One of the biggest warning signs of suicide is an abrupt change in behavior. Thorell said that can be things like a loved one is sleeping more, distancing themselves, and avoiding things they once loved. She said that’s when a conversation needs to happen.
While some children and teens might be resistant to the conversation at first, Thorell emphasized you need to keep trying to connect.
“It’s important to let them know, okay, I know you need your space right now, but I am going to keep checking on you because I care about you,” she said.
Those check-ins can be as simple as a text message or sharing mental health resources like the 988 lifeline.
“You can talk to somebody that is not your family or friend and the 988 is texting or calling,” Thorell said.
Carilion Clinic’s Emergency Psychiatry team evaluates an average of 24 patients every day. So far this year, the healthcare system has seen 700 behavioral health admissions. These data give just a snapshot of the mental health need in the Roanoke Valley.
Thorell said there are many resources on the Tudor House website and said their teen ambassador program works to educate teens about the warning signs of suicide so they can help their peers.
“I’m hopeful for the Bushmans being so open about this and transparent, it’s going to help other parents to then say ‘I really should have a conversation and get that ball rolling so that if and when I see changes that I can talk about them’, and we have already started that conversation,” Thorell said.
The 988 lifeline can be used before a crisis and is available for anyone who needs guidance about mental health. Thorell said you don’t have to be the patient going through a crisis to call. Loved ones and parents can connect with those mental health professionals to find resources.
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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 [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
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