A View From Above on Things That Make The World Go 'Round
James Donaldson on Mental Health – Addressing suicide
Posted on by
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
Nafew Sajed
EVERY 40 seconds, someone dies by suicide. According to the World Health Organization, over 700,000 people take their own lives every year. While suicide is often the result of untreated mental health conditions such as depression, schizophrenia, or addiction, it is not inevitable. It is preventable. Yet, for many, suicide appears to be the only escape from despair, even as it leaves behind a legacy of grief and unanswered questions for those left behind.
Alarming reality
IN BANGLADESH, suicide has become an unspoken epidemic. Tragic stories frequently make headlines: a Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology student ending his life over academic stress, a Jahangirnagar University student succumbing to despair after disputes with peers, and individuals overwhelmed by financial burdens, such as a garment trader or a microfinance worker, taking their own lives. These stories are not isolated incidents but part of a growing crisis.
Statistics reveal a grim picture. Every year, an estimated 10,000–14,000 people die by suicide in Bangladesh, making it the second leading cause of injury-related deaths after road accidents. Data from 2021 recorded over 11,000 suicides, a startling figure. Among university graduates, societal expectations and relentless pressure push many to the brink. Students, expected to excel academically while juggling personal and social responsibilities, often crumble under the weight.
Adolescents are particularly vulnerable. Suicide is the leading cause of injury-related deaths among 10- to 19-year-olds in Bangladesh. Research reveals alarming rates of suicidal ideation among young people, with 4.4 per cent of boys and 5.8 per cent of girls aged 13 to 17 reporting suicide attempts. Rural adolescent girls are at a disproportionately higher risk, with suicide rates up to 17 times higher than their urban counterparts. This vulnerability is often driven by relationship issues, academic pressure, and the pervasive influence of social media.
The Aachol Foundation’s data highlights the gravity of the situation. Between January and August 2023, 361 students took their own lives, 60 per cent of whom were female. Dhaka division recorded the highest number of incidents, with emotional distress, relationship problems, and academic failure cited as primary factors. These figures underscore the urgent need for intervention.
Flawed legal framework
DESPITE the growing crisis, Bangladesh’s legal framework surrounding suicide remains outdated and counterproductive. Under Section 309 of the Penal Code, attempting suicide is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment, a fine, or both. This colonial-era law, rooted in stigma and misunderstanding, deters individuals from seeking help. Families often face shame and ostracization if a loved one dies by suicide, perpetuating a cycle of silence and inaction.
Decriminalizing suicide attempts is not merely a legislative necessity but a moral imperative. Punishing individuals for their mental health struggles only deepens their despair and alienation. Instead, policies should focus on rehabilitation, compassion, and support to help those in crisis find a way forward.
Recognizing warning signs
ONE of the most effective ways to prevent suicide is by recognizing its warning signs. People contemplating suicide often display certain behaviors: expressing feelings of hopelessness, shame, or guilt; withdrawing from loved ones; acting recklessly; or giving away prized possessions. These signs are cries for help; timely intervention can make all the difference.
Public awareness campaigns are crucial in educating communities about these warning signs. Friends, family, and colleagues must feel empowered to offer support, create safe spaces for open dialogue, and encourage individuals to seek professional help. By breaking the silence surrounding suicide, we can foster a culture of understanding and empathy.
Path forward
BANGLADESH’S mental health infrastructure is woefully inadequate. According to the WHO, the country has only 0.49 mental health professionals per 100,000 people, far below the global average. Stigma and lack of awareness further exacerbate the issue, discouraging individuals from seeking help. To address this gap, comprehensive mental health programs must be implemented at both national and community levels.
Healthcare professionals need specialized training to identify and address mental health challenges. Schools and universities should integrate mental health education into their curricula, equipping students with coping mechanisms and resilience. Community-based initiatives, such as counselling centers and support groups, can provide accessible resources for those in need. Digital platforms can also play a transformative role, offering helplines, teletherapy, and awareness campaigns to reach a wider audience.
Society and media play a significant role in shaping perceptions of suicide. Unfortunately, sensationalist reporting often does more harm than good. Graphic descriptions, insensitive language, and a lack of emphasis on preventive measures can glorify or stigmatize suicide, leading to copycat behavior or further marginalization of those struggling. Media outlets must adhere to guidelines that prioritize sensitivity, avoid sensationalism, and highlight stories of hope and recovery. Public figures and influencers can also use their platforms to challenge stigma and promote mental health awareness. By normalizing conversations about mental health, we can create an environment where individuals feel safe seeking help.
Preventing suicide also requires a holistic approach that addresses the root causes of despair. Poverty, unemployment, domestic violence, and substance abuse are significant risk factors that must be tackled through targeted interventions. Strengthening community bonds, fostering social support networks, and creating safe spaces for vulnerable groups can help mitigate these risks.
Adolescents, in particular, need tailored support. Schools should implement peer counselling programs, mental health workshops, and extracurricular activities that promote emotional well-being. Parents and teachers must be educated on the importance of active listening, empathy, and non-judgmental communication. By empowering young people with the tools to navigate life’s challenges, we can reduce the prevalence of suicide among future generations.
#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
SUICIDE is a complex issue that demands a multifaceted response. It is not enough to address the symptoms; we must confront the underlying causes and dismantle.
As Christine Caine once said, ‘Sometimes when you’re in a dark place, you think you’ve been buried, but you’ve actually been planted.’ With the right support, even those in the depths of despair can find hope and healing. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no one feels alone in their darkest moments.
Bangladesh must rise to the challenge, not just with words but with action. The time to address this silent epidemic is now. Together, we can build a society where every life is valued, and every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
Please follow and like us:
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
Related
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
