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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Youth at risk of suicide show early warning signs that adults often miss
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Study finds emotional distress is often overlooked in childhood, suggests need for earlier mental health support in schools
Drawing on a landmark 25-year study that followed Quebec children into adulthood, McGill University researchers have identified two distinct patterns in how suicidal thoughts emerge and the early signs that are often missed.
Suicidal thoughts are increasingly common among youth, but how they begin and what mental health symptoms often precede them are poorly understood, the researchers said.
The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, analyzed data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development,one of only two studies in the world to follow a large group of young people over time and repeatedly track suicidal thoughts.
While most of the 1,600 youth in the study never or rarely reported suicidal thoughts, there were two clear pathways among those who did: about seven per cent began experiencing suicidal ideation in early adolescence (ages 12 to 13), while another five per cent first reported such thoughts for the first time as young adults (ages 20 to 25).
In the early-onset group, many had shown signs of mental health struggles in childhood. These included symptoms like disruptive behaviour, which tend to be more noticeable (external symptoms), and depression and anxiety, which are often harder to detect (internal symptoms).
“A striking finding is that parents and teachers often noticed the behavioural problems but overlooked the internal emotional distress,” said lead author Marie-Claude Geoffroy, associate professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry, researcher at the Douglas Research Centre and Canada Research Chair in Youth Suicide Prevention.
In contrast, those whose suicidal thoughts began in young adulthood typically showed only internal symptoms, starting in their teen years.
“When taken seriously, these warning signs can lead to early interventions that could help safeguard children’s development,” said co-author Charles-Édouard Notredame, a child and youth psychiatrist at Lille University Hospital.
Age-appropriate support, including mental health programs in schools, could be especially effective in reaching children and teens at the right time, before suicidal thoughts take hold, he added.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth and young adults in Canada, according to national data.
“Suicidal ideation in youth is still too often dismissed as a ‘phase’ that will pass,” said Geoffroy. “Our findings highlight the need to start suicide prevention early.”
#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
This research was supported by Quebec’s ministries of Health, Families, Education and Higher Education, the Lucie and André Chagnon Foundation, the Institut de la statistique du Québec, the Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In Canada, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide Crisis Helpline, available 24/7 in English and French. For youth-specific support, contact Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868, or visit kidshelpphone.ca.
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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
