#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Factors That Increase #SuicideRisk For #CollegeStudents

by Brianna Hoge

Regardless of sociodemographic background, college #students across the country struggle with #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors. According to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, #suicide was one of the top nine leading causes of death for people in 2020.

Yusen Zhai, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Education and director of the UAB Community Counseling Clinic, emphasizes the importance of building awareness of #suicide and ways to prevent #suicide.

Leading #suicide trends

In a recently published paper, Zhai and his co-author looked at trends and prevalence of #suicide among college #students in the #UnitedStates during the #COVID #pandemic. The research found that #students who struggle with food insecurity are at elevated risk for #suicide.

UAB #students and employees have access to Blazer Kitchen, an on-campus food bank. Located at 1613 11th Ave. South, its mission is to increase food security in the UAB community by providing healthy food, resources and referrals. Those in need can register online for a time slot to minimize wait time.

“Food insecurity refers to the inability or limited ability to acquire safe and adequate nutritious food in socially accepted ways,” Zhai said. “Food, as part of physiological needs in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is vital to survival and wellness for all humankind. #Collegestudents who struggle with food insecurity may experience distress and are unwilling to seek help due to #stigma, which can lead to #mentalhealthissues and elevated #suiciderisk.”  

#Mentalhealthconditions, such as depressive and anxiety symptoms, are also strongly predictive of #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors. The findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing #suicideprevention and targeted #mentalhealthcare.  

Improving one’s health should be mindful, according to UAB experts. They recommend limiting sources and amount of news intake, setting boundaries for discussion topics, reading a book, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and stretching to help with one’s #mentalhealth.

#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

Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

During the week of Oct. 17-21, UAB will be hosting its inaugural Wellness Week, an institution-wide initiative that highlights the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of the UAB family. Throughout the week, #students, faculty and staff can attend events designed to help the UAB community prioritize rest, well-being, mindfulness, movement and good nutrition.

Being aware

Zhai says knowing the warning signs of #suicide could help save lives.

“Become aware of and stay attentive to warning signs of #suicide, such as prolonged sadness, loss of a loved one, termination of a relationship, and loss of financial security and employment,” Zhai said. “If you are experiencing #mentaldistress and contemplating #suicide, ask for help. There are resources to help you through tough situations beyond a friend or family member. Know whom to call when you are struggling.”

If someone is experiencing #mentaldistress, one can help by offering to stay with them while calling the #NationalSuicideandCrisisLifeline by dialing 988. Birmingham residents can also call a crisis line at 205-323-7777. 

Zhai says presence and support play a pivotal role.

The UAB community also can also find resources through the UAB CARES #SuicidePrevention Initiative.

Looking ahead

Although there have been concerns over the pandemic’s impact on #suicide among #collegestudents, the results from Zhai’s study revealed that the onset of the #pandemic was associated with a reduction in #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors.

“The findings suggest that certain #COVID-19 mitigation strategies might have protected #collegestudents from #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors,” Zhai said. “For example, governments and universities implemented various measures such as #mentalhealthservices, relief for federal #student loans, and academic accommodations and online instruction. It is also possible that some #students might experience less everyday stress and gain more support from families and communities during stay-at-home periods.”  

Moving forward, Zhai says, society has learned a lot about #mentalhealth during the #pandemic and emphasizes that ongoing #suicideprevention efforts are still essential due to the long-lasting psychological and socioeconomic effects of the #pandemic.