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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Alarming rise in US Hispanic suicides sparks concern
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Hispanics in the US are facing increased rate of suicides
By Web Desk
A representational image showing a sad woman
The suicide rate among Hispanic people in the United States has risen dramatically in recent years, with a particularly sharp increase among children.
Community leaders and mental health experts are joining forces to understand why more people are taking their own lives and what can be done to prevent the disturbing trend.
“We couldn’t wait for research,” said Gruner, founder and president of the Coalición de Líderes Latinos. “We wanted to do something about it.”
?Factors that are causing the suicide trend include cultural differences, language barriers, and the extra stress Hispanic youth can face.
The number of Hispanic people in the United States who die by suicide has been going up quickly, especially among young people. The situation has caused concerns to health professionals and community leaders alike.
There are a few reasons why this might be happening. Some Hispanic families have trouble getting mental health care because they don’t speak English fluently, or because there aren’t enough therapists who speak Spanish.
Kids in such families may also have extra stress because they’re expected to translate for their parents or help take care of the family.
“Being able to talk about painful things in a language that you are comfortable with is a really specific type of healing,” said Alejandra Vargas, a bilingual Spanish program coordinator for the Suicide Prevention Center at Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services in Los Angeles.
“When we answer the calls in Spanish, you can hear that relief on the other end,” she said. “That, ‘Yes, they’re going to understand me.’”
Suicides among Hispanics in Georgia have risen sharply in recent years. The state Department of Public Health reports a 55% increase from 2018 to 2022.
“Our kids are interpreters, they pay bills, go to medical appointments,” putting additional stress and anxiety on them, said Belisa Urbina, CEO of Ser Familia.
#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
On top of that, some Hispanic families worry about their immigration status, which can make them feel anxious and uncertain.
There are things being done to help. A new national phone number, 988 has been issued by the US authorities. The helpline can connect people in crisis with counselors, and it now has a text and chat option in Spanish.
Some community leaders are also starting support groups where people can talk openly about their problems.
Experts say it’s important to talk about suicide honestly, even though it can be scary. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, there is help available. You can call or text 988.
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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