ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – The Rochester community is in mourning after a 15-year-old student died following a mental health crisis on Monday, when she fell from the roof of the School of the Arts building.
The tragedy is sparking a wider conversation about the ongoing teen mental health crisis, with additional supports being made directly available to students, family, and staff impacted by the death.
Leaders with the Rochester chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) tell News 8 many of the ‘traditional’ social challenges for teens remain the same from when adults were all in that era: questioning their identity, having a greater care about what they look like, if they ‘fit in,’ and of course, while their bodies are going through incredible change; but in this modern age, which has been prevalent for some time, there are added complexities that come with having access to the entire world via the internet.
“At the end of the day, if it’s impacting you, we need to be able to talk about it,” said Haley Amering, the Director of Youth and Community Engagement at NAMI Roc.
Amering, specifically, is talking about the topic of suicide, which is still considered, generally, taboo, and is still stigmatized. But the national rate of this happening, especially among teens and young adults, is growing.
According to the most recent Monroe County data, in a 2023-2024 Youth Risk Behavior Survey Report (see below), there has been greater focus from school districts and the community, at large, to address mental health, however, there is still a significant proportion of youth experiencing mental health challenges.
#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 report notes that female, Black, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ students continue to be disproportionately affected. For this survey, a new question also asked students who attempted suicide during the past year (’23-’24) if they sought help from someone like a doctor or counselor, before the attempt – only 38% said they did.
“It seems like such an extreme that a lot of people feel the need to remove themselves – like that could never be me, yea mental illness and mental health – we can talk about that – but suicide, no. We don’t need to talk about that, that’s not happening that frequently. At the end of the day, it’s not necessarily the quantity, because even just one person is too many to lose,” Amering said.
“You never know what someone’s thinking, you don’t know what’s on their mind – they may look like the happiest person on the face of this earth but when it comes down to it, you don’t know – you don’t know that they may be struggling internally,” said Donna Leigh-Estes, Executive Director & CEO of NAMI Rochester.
Leaders added that it is not possible to give a ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to address mental health issues; there are things to keep in mind.
“I would say the three R’s to really focus on when it pertains to the party that you’re concerned about, the responsibilities; so maybe it’s certain chores that they have a regimen for, maybe it’s getting their homework done on time. And then we go from responsibility – we think about relationships; relationships are very important, especially at that age – maybe they’re not hanging out with their best friend as much as they used to and then lastly and what I feel is most important – their recreation, are they doing the things they still love? Are they listening to the music they once listened to? Are they going on their walks?” Amering said.
The Roc NAMI chapter will also be starting a counseling group for teens and young adults.
As a reminder: you are not alone. If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis, the national hotline for confidential care is 988.
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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 [email protected] 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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