New federal data shows that nearly 60% of teen girls are experiencing record levels of sadness.
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — We’re days away from the start of the new school semester for thousands of students across Wake County.
Experts shared that parents can help set their children up for a successful start to the new year by helping create a strong mental health foundation. That comes after a challenging year with heightened mental health concerns for young people.
Dr. Anthony Smith, a psychologist and owner of Alase Center for Enrichment said children and their mental health should be a priority for parents in the new year.
Smith said to start with creating a safe space for kids to feel comfortable expressing themselves.
We really, really need to be quite aware of as parents that we are monitoring and looking at what it is that our young people are taking in.
Dr. Anthony Smith
“If you’re paying attention to what your child is doing, you’re asking them questions, and you’re keeping those lines open, then you’re more likely to keep them in a positive space where they’re doing things that are creating a positive mental health,” he explained.
#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
The most recent national poll of 12-17-year-olds by the National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 1 in 6 report experiencing specific negative emotions often or all the time.
Smith said social media and technology are contributing factors.
“That is one of the largest things and then that trickled down to some of the peer fighting, some of the social pressure to fit in, which created some instances of students self-harming and even going as far as to commit suicide in some cases. These are things that we definitely don’t want to see happen,” Smith said.
He said parents can help their children find healthy ways to process stressors by encouraging young people to cut down on screen time and enjoy the in-person moments
“We really, really need to be quite aware of as parents that we are monitoring and looking at what it is that our young people are taking in,” Smith said. “We tend to put more emphasis on the technology rather than enjoying the moment that we are engaged in. And it’s always important to enjoy our moments.”
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 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
Related
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
