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
More young adults in the U.S. are experiencing #mentalhealthissues, and digital media usage might be partly to blame, said a new study.
Between 2005 and 2017, the rate of adolescents reporting symptoms consistent with major #depression in the last 12 months jumped 52 percent, according to the study published Thursday in the peer-reviewed Journal of Abnormal Psychology, run by the #AmericanPsychologicalAssociation.
The study found a 63 percent increase in young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 reporting symptoms of #depression between 2009 and 2017. It also showed significant increases in the rates of young adults who reported serious psychological distress and #suicidal thoughts or #suicide-related outcomes during similar time periods.
Researchers also note there is no similar increase among older adults during corresponding time periods.
Jean Twenge, the lead author of the study and professor of psychology at San Diego State University, said digital media might play a role in the increase among young adults.
“Cultural trends in the last 10 years may have had a larger effect on mood disorders and #suicide-related outcomes among younger generations compared with older generations,” Twenge said in a statement.
Ian Gotlib, a professor of psychology at Stanford University and director of the Stanford Neurodevelopment, Affect, and Psychopathology (SNAP) Laboratory, said genetics can be ruled out as a potential factor because the increase in reports of #mentalhealthissues happens too quickly.
“It’s correlational, but what’s increased with #depression is the use of social media with kids,” said Gotlib, who was not affiliated with the study. “And I don’t think that should be underestimated.”
A Pew Research survey released last month revealed 70 percent of teens believe #anxiety and #depression are critical issues among peers, even more than bullying or drug and alcohol use.
Several other studies have found a rise in depression among teens and young adults, leaving many experts to wonder how big a role social media might contribute.
“These results suggest a need for more research to understand how digital communication versus face-to-face social interaction influences mood disorders and #suicide-related outcomes and to develop specialized interventions for younger age groups,” Twenge said.
Gotlib said having conversations with your kids is a good starting point, as well as paying attention to their digital media habits. “I would just watch for what looks to be an inability to not be with your phone,” he said. “It doesn’t necessarily mean #depression but it has that potential.”
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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:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
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
