By Erica Simon
The latest studies show an uptick in suicides in this demographic. Now, advocates are hoping we can ban together and put an end to the silent suffering.
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — We all know life has taken a toll on #Americans in the last 20 months. But there is a group experts say is really going through it – young, #Black #boys.
The latest studies show there’s been an uptick in suicides in that demographic, and now, advocates are hoping we can ban together and put an end to the suffering in silence.
“There’s something going on in our #AfricanAmerican communities and we are not talking about it,” Angelina Hudson said.
Hudson works day and night to help families impacted by #mentalillness, and the signs and symptoms associated with them. As interim executive director of the #NationalAllianceonMentalHealth Greater Houston or #NAMI, she has seen a lot.
#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
“Our young #AfricanAmerican #boys, ages 5-12, the uptick in #suicide is really grotesque,” she continued.
According to the latest data, #Black #children ages 5 to 12 are two times more likely to attempt #suicide than their white counterparts. #NAMI, the #CDC, and other #mentalhealth agencies said there are a number of factors contributing to #hopelessness nowadays. Bullying, grief over losing a loved one, losing the lifestyle they were used to pre-#pandemic, and #socialmedia pressures all play a part.
“I got to meet this standard. I got to meet that standard. This person is doing x, y, z, so I have to do that,” Ebony Scott explained about the way his children have felt.
Scotts is very hands-on with his three kids, and has noticed when they’ve struggled. His advice to other #Black #parents? Walk the walk.
“Are we willing to go get the counseling we’re encouraging our #children, or we should be encouraging our #children to go and get it? So it starts with us as #parents, as #adults, by leading by example, but then also taking our #children to go through the counseling or the therapy they may need to get through what they’re going through,” he said.
Hudson says oftentimes #Black #boys who act out in #school are miscategorized and overly disciplined. She believes all of us have to get to the root of the problem, so that every child – #Black or not – feels seen, valued, and has space to process trauma or whatever they’re feeling.
“Far too often when we see a child, I call it ‘coloring outside the lines,’ they’re punished. They’re placed in separate classrooms, in-school suspension. Alternative education programs, when really it’s not what’s wrong with them. The question is, what happened to them?”
#NAMI Greater Houston provides free help and resources. You can call them day or night, insured or not at 713-970-4419.
If you or someone you know is considering taking their life, you can contact the #NationalSuicideHotline at 1-800-273-8255.
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
