In a recent survey, 25 percent of #young #adults reported having “seriously considered #suicide” due to #COVID-19 — and they’re not the only group at increased risk.
It’s no secret that #COVID-19 has taken a toll on just about everyone’s #mental and emotional well-being — even celebrities. Ask any therapist and they’ll tell you they’ve been busier than ever, both with new and existing clients grappling with unprecedented levels of #anxiety and grief. What’s also become crystal clear is that certain groups are at higher risk of experiencing serious #mentalhealth consequences as a result of the #pandemic.
In late June, the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (#CDC) conducted a survey of 5,000 adults to “assess #mentalhealth, substance use, and #suicidalideation during the #pandemic.” What they found: 25% of young adults ages 18-24 reported having “seriously considered #suicide” in the previous 30 days due to the #pandemic. (By comparison, this dropped to about 11% when looking at all survey respondents under 65.)
#JamesDonaldson 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
The study authors note that the percentage of respondents who reported having seriously considered #suicide was also significantly higher among unpaid caregivers and essential workers, as well as certain racial groups — including #Hispanic and #Black respondents. (Confirmation that in all regards, #coronavirus has never been color blind.)
Unsurprisingly, the survey also concluded that “symptoms of #anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably in the #UnitedStates during April–June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.” Of all participants surveyed, 31% reported experiencing symptoms of #anxiety and #depression, with 26 percent experiencing symptoms of trauma or #stress-related disorders. (As InStyle previously reported, while anyone can be diagnosed with #PTSD, it’s #women who face a greater risk of developing the condition.)
RELATED: We’re All at Risk of Developing #PTSD from the #COVID-19 #Pandemic
Although the study method has its flaws (the web-based survey results were self-reported), the researchers concluded that identifying these groups “at increased risk for psychological distress and unhealthy coping can inform policies to address health inequity, including increasing access to resources for clinical diagnoses and treatment options.”
They also noted that expanded use of telehealth (check out our list of low-cost or completely free inclusive #mentalhealthresources) “might reduce #COVID-19-related #mentalhealth consequences.”
If you or someone you know is contemplating #suicide, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text Crisis Text Line at 741-741.
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
