We have personal protective equipment — PPE — for physical protection from the #coronavirus. What about mental protection?
The word is out: The #coronavirus #pandemic is linked to increased risk of #depression, #anxiety, #PTSD and #suicide. Every day in the media we read about more deaths by #suicide — a doctor, two nurses, a finance minister.
At a recent virtual meeting of the #AmericanPsychiatricAssociation, Joshua Morganstein, chair of the committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disaster, said the crisis is shaping up to be “a marathon, not a sprint,” and that once the #pandemic passes, “if history is any predictor, we should expect a significant ‘tail’ of #mentalhealth needs that extend for a considerable period of time.”
This #pandemic has touched us all. We have experienced heightened #anxiety, grief, sadness, sleep disturbance, irritability, fatigue. These can be normal responses to a crisis. #Suicide is an extreme response, not a “normal” one. Some of us are barely hanging on by a thread.
Those likely to be at highest risk of #suicide related to the #pandemic include health care workers, especially those on the front line, essential workers, people who get sick with the #virus and those close to them, and people with pre-existing #mentalhealth or addiction conditions. All of us, not only those trained in a #mentalhealth field, can work together to prevent #suicide.
#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
What can we do when concerned about someone’s risk of #suicide?
Ask. And tell.
Ask.
Ask directly. Are you feeling hopeless? Are you thinking about ending your life? Are you thinking about #suicide?
When I was in medical school, I worried that by asking, I might hear, “no, I haven’t thought of #suicide before, but now that you mention it …” In my years of experience, I have never heard that response. In fact, people are relieved to be asked, even if the answer is no.
Keep in mind that if someone is serious about #suicide, you might not get a direct answer. Still, we ask.
Another option is to ask indirectly. Thomas Joiner, a leading researcher in the field of suicidology, identified characteristics common to people who die of #suicide.
First, the person might feel that people would be better off without them, or what Joiner calls “perceived burdensomeness.” The #pandemic’s toll of unemployment, health problems, financial distress, increase the risk of someone feeling burdensome to others. We can ask: Do you feel people would be better off without you? Do you feel I would be better off without you?
Another characteristic associated with likelihood of #suicide is feeling that one doesn’t belong or, Joiner’s term, “thwarted belongingness.” The #pandemic’s toll of #socialisolation, #loneliness, reduced connection with others through “#socialdistancing” are a set-up for feeling disconnected. We can ask: Do you feel a part of any group? Of your family? Of your work? Your neighborhood? Of an online group?
While posing questions, ask whether the person has a gun. The sale of guns is on the rise and guns are the No. 1 means of #suicide. Enough said.
Then tell.
If you are still worried about a person’s #mentalstate, tell. Tell the person that you are concerned. Ask the person to tell someone else — a family member, #healthcareprofessional, friend, pastor. And tell someone else yourself — a family member, a friend, a professional, a pastor, anyone.
For those of us who have lost someone to #suicide, the current media focus on this topic might increase the intensity of our remembrances. This is a time to be gentle and kind to ourselves. Remind yourself that you did not cause the #suicide and could not have prevented it.
We all do the best we can.
For those of us who are worried now about someone, be gentle with yourself. Know that even if you ask, the person might not answer.
We are all doing the best we can.
As I write this, Congress is considering a bill to institute a #suicide #mentalhealth emergency number, 9-8-8, the #mentalhealth equivalent of calling 9-1-1 for an emergency. Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., a supporter of this bill, quoted a letter to congressional leadership prepared by members of Congress: “As our country is facing an unprecedented challenge in responding to #COVID-19, this three-digit hotline would play a critical role in saving the lives of many vulnerable #Americans who are facing #mentalhealth emergencies during this period of #isolation and uncertainty.”
We are fortunate that there is an abundance of resources for #suicideprevention. Beyond these resources, simple interventions can be powerful. Research has shown that a daily phone call or card from a #mentalhealthcounselor can reduce the risk of #suicide.
It follows that a regular connection with anyone, not just a #mentalhealthprofessional, can potentially reduce a person’s sense of the world being better off without them and their sense of not belonging.
Each connection is a thread. Together, these threads make a lifeline. A strong rescue line can save a life.
Diane Roston is a physician and medical director for West Central Behavioral Health, the nonprofit community #mentalhealthcareprovider for Sullivan County and the Upper Valley with offices in Claremont, Lebanon and Newport. More information is available at www.wcbh.org. If you or a loved one is in need of support, the #NationalSuicideHotline can be reached at 1-800-273-8255 (TALK).
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
