More than a quarter of US adolescents experienced poor mental health and about 40% felt persistent sadness and hopelessness, according to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The survey also found that 20% of students had seriously considered attempting suicide, with about 10% reporting acting on these feelings.
#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 data, collected from a nationally representative sample of more than 20?000 high school students, showed that female and LGBTQ+ students experienced higher levels of all mental health and suicide indicators than their respective male and heterosexual peers. Suicide risk indicators were particularly high for LGBTQ+ adolescents: 41% had serious suicidal thoughts and 20% had attempted suicide, compared with 13% and 6% of their heterosexual peers, respectively.
A higher percentage of White students indicated poor mental health than Black or Hispanic students. But Black and Hispanic students were more likely to have attempted suicide than White students. Asian students were least likely to have seriously considered attempting suicide.
Additionally, the authors identified protective factors that were associated with lowered mental health–related risk factors, including getting frequent physical activity and 8 or more hours of sleep, having a household adult who “always tried” to meet their basic needs, and exhibiting high levels of school connectedness. Playing on a sports team was linked with lower risk indicators except attempted suicide.
“The high prevalence of poor mental health and suicide risk indicators among female students and LGBTQ+ students and differences by race and ethnicity underscore the urgency for comprehensive research to explore factors that contribute to these disparities,” the authors wrote.
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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 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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