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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Living Alone With Depression, Anxiety May Up Suicide Risk
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Edited by Anushree Chaphalkar
TOPLINE:
Living alone and having both depression and anxiety was associated with a 558% increase in risk for suicide compared with living with others and without these conditions, a new population-based study showed.
METHODOLOGY:
Researchers assessed data for more than 3.7 million adults (mean age, 47.2 years; 56% men) from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) from 2009 through 2021 to determine the associations among living arrangements, mental health conditions (depression and anxiety), and risk for suicide.
Living arrangements were categorized as either living alone (for ? 5 years) or living with others. Depression and anxiety were determined using NHIS claims.
The primary outcome was death by suicide, identified using national death records; the mean follow-up duration was 11.1 years.
Suicide cases were identified on the basis of International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (10th Revision) codes.
TAKEAWAY:
Overall, 3% of participants had depression, 6.2% had anxiety, and 8.5% lived alone. The mortality rate was 6.3%, with suicide accounting for 0.3% of all deaths.
Compared with individuals living with others and without either depression or anxiety, those living alone and with both conditions had a 558% increased risk for suicide (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 6.58; 95% CI, 4.86-8.92; P < .001).
Living alone and having depression only was associated with a 290% increased risk for suicide (AHR, 3.91), whereas living alone with anxiety only was associated with a 90% increased risk for suicide (AHR, 1.90).
The association between living alone and risk for suicide was greater among middle-aged individuals (age, 40-64 years) with depression (AHR, 6.0) or anxiety (2.6), as well as in men (AHRs, 4.32 and 2.07, respectively).
IN PRACTICE:
“These findings highlight the importance of considering living arrangements in individuals with depression or anxiety, especially for specific demographic groups, such as middle-aged individuals and men, in suicide risk assessments. Targeted interventions addressing these factors together are crucial to mitigate risk,” the investigators wrote.
SOURCE:
The study was led by Daa Un Moon, MD, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany. It was published online on March 26 in JAMA Network Open.
#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 observational design prevented the establishment of causality among living arrangements, psychiatric conditions, and risk for suicide. Although living arrangements were assessed annually, researchers could not track dynamic changes during follow-up or assess the period of living alone between assessments. The group living together included diverse arrangements that may have had different associations with the risk for suicide. Psychosocial factors, including previous suicide attempts and stressful life events, were not included in the study. Additionally, reliance on the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (10th Revision) codes for psychiatric conditions may have led to potential underreporting or misclassification due to the lack of systematic mental health assessments. Cultural and healthcare system–related differences in South Korea may have limited the generalizability of the findings to other populations.
DISCLOSURES:
This study was funded by grants through programs supported by the Ministry of Science and Information and Communication Technology. The investigators reported no relevant conflicts of interest.
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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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