Some of the youngest and most vulnerable #children – who are still in early primary #school — have thought about #suicide, according to shocking research.
The paper, by Professor Brett McDermott from James Cook University and commissioned by the Queensland #Child Death Review Board, provided insights into the drivers of #suicide among #children and young people known to the child protection system.
Professor McDermott, who examined data over the past 20 years, found a new concern was the age when suicidal ideation began in #children.
A paper from 2013 found very low prevalence of #suicide attempts or planning before the age of 12, but more recently, in 2018, researchers reported #suicidalideation in four and six-year-olds who had been maltreated.
#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
“Childhood trauma … includes verbal, physical or sexual abuse and physical and emotional neglect, with the research indicating a direct link between the experience and suicidal thinking,” she said.
“Sadly, many #children known to Queensland’s child protection system are exposed to, or have experienced, one or many of the factors that can contribute to #suicide, which increases their risk significantly.”
Ms Vardon said the research showed some groups were at a higher risk than others, with rates of #suicide up to four times higher in young people in out-of-home care and between four and 12 times higher in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander #children.
“Some concerning trends reported in the research include more lethal means being used to complete #suicide, particularly among #girls, and #children experiencing suicidal thoughts at younger ages, with primary #school #children reported to have thought about #suicide,” she said.
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
