A new national study highlighted by the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health shows that 90 percent of sextortion victims are boys between the ages of 14 to 17. It also shows that boys are 2 to 4 times more likely to die of suicide compared to girls.
MADISON (WKOW) — A new report from the Wisconsin Office of Children’s Mental Health is shedding light on the growing mental health crisis among boys.
According to the report, four in 10 boys have thought about suicide in the past two weeks. The report also shows that 90 percent of sextortion victims are boys between the ages of 14 and 17, and boys are two to four times more likely to die by suicide than girls.
That troubling statistic became a reality for the Ellefson family, who lost their 14-year-old son, Jacob, to suicide.
Teri Ellefson, Jacob’s mother, says there were no clear signs at the time, but looking back, she remembers him spending more time alone in his room.
“Maybe we could have asked more questions back then. But we also know that after we found out, after Jake passed away that he had talked to one or some of his friends about, you know, having some really bad thoughts and maybe wanting to hurt himself,” Ellefson said. “Those friends didn’t know what to do with that, and so they just kept it to themselves,” she said.
#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
Linda Hall, Director of Wisconsin’s Office of Children’s Mental Health, says societal expectations placed on boys can make it harder for them to express emotions and ask for help.
“In our society, boys are encouraged to not speak about their emotions, to just as you say, bottle them up, and that means that they’re not communicating about their thoughts and their feelings, and they’re not getting help adjusting with them,” Hall said.
Part of their work is to provide resources to help parents build stronger emotional connections with their children and break down that stigma.
“It’s really important for parents to model, understand talking about feelings and how they cope with them, and model coping skills,” Hall said.
Ellefson urges everyone, even kids, to speak up if they see or hear something concerning. It could have helped save Jacob.
“Your friends may be mad at you for a while, and that’s okay, but you know what, they’re still going to be here, hopefully,” Ellefson said.
The Ellefsons are keeping Jacob’s legacy alive through Jacob’s Swagg Foundation, which is dedicated to helping families and preventing similar tragedies. But she says it takes everyone doing their part.
“Have the conversations, you know. Don’t make it such a big presentation. You know, when you’re sitting driving to a sporting event or sitting picking up from a sport or a supper, just talk about it. ‘Hey, how are you doing?’ Like, truly, you know, ‘How are you feeling? Are you feeling tired?’ You know, ‘what’s going on?'” she said.
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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