A total 11,396 #children died by #suicide in 2020 in #India according to NCRB data. There is an 18 percent rise from 9,613 such deaths in 2019 and 21 percent rise from 9,413 in 2018.
New Delhi: #COVID-19 #pandemic has also adversely affected the #mentalhealth of people across age groups. While #adults are burdened with the uncertainty of the deadly #virus, keeping their families safe, trying to earn a living in a new world order – people often take for granted the #mentalhealth of their kids. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, an average of 31 #children died by #suicide every day in 2020 in India. A total 11,396 #children died by #suicide in 2020, an 18 percent rise from 9,613 such deaths in 2019 and 21 percent rise from 9,413 in 2018. The #pandemic is blamed by experts as an important factor in the surge of the death rate among #children.
“While #COVID-19 #pandemic has been difficult on most #adults, not many have spoken about how the uncertainty of the #pandemic impacted children’s mental wellbeing,” asserts Anita Atgamkar, Remedial Therapist at Mpower Foundation.
She further elaborates how kids lives turned topsy turvy during the #pandemic. “#Children were forced to stay indoors, not allowed to go to #school, not allowed to meet their friends, not allowed to go to parks or for parties. They were also subjected to the emotions their #parents and caregivers felt, which weren’t always positive sentiments. As a result, children too were affected, and their #mentalhealth took a turn for the worse.”
Many #children also lost their near and dear ones during the #pandemic.
“All of this can lead to deterioration in social skills, motor skills, and the ability to concentrate among #children,” shares Atgamkar.
With the outbreak of infectious #Omicron #COVID-19 variant and fear of another lockdown, below are some activities suggested by Anita Atgamkar that you can make your kids do at home to promote their mental wellbeing.
#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
Gardening: Taking care of plants can be a fun activity for #children, and will also help them learn a lot, as well as take responsibility for a living thing.
Family game time: The family that eats together stays together is a well-known fact, but in today’s day and age, the family that plays together, is equally important. Make the most of the time at home to connect with #children over board games, team games, or activities that can be undertaken at home.
Cooking: Cooking is a great skill to have, and involving #children in the cooking process can be a good way to engage with them.
Art and craft: Explore your child’s creative side through different mediums. Whether it is painting, or sculpture, or even making wealth out of waste, such activities will keep children engaged in wholesome activities, which will be good for their #mentalhealth.
However, if you notice that your #child has suddenly lost interest in activities they would earlier enjoy, has socially withdrawn, there is a sudden drop in their academic performance and they are constantly hopeless and talk about death and #suicide, then it is a sign of worry. Your kid might be having suicidal thoughts and it is very important that you take cognizance and immediate steps to help them.
#Psychologist Sanjeev P Sahni shares below the steps that #parents should take in such a situation:
Voice your concern: Don’t be afraid to mention the word ‘#suicide’, as opposed to false beliefs, it does not plant the idea in the mind of your #child. In fact, it acts as a means for them to understand the gravity of your concern and helps them realise that help is available from a trustworthy source.
Listen with sincerity: Make sure you don’t dismiss your child’s opinions with the lens of your own judgement, or indulge in jumping to conclusions about their #behavior. Establish your bond with them as a safe space, and allow them to open up.
Encourage connecting: #Socialisolation can act as a catalyst to surge #suicidalideation. Ensure that your #child is in touch with their friends, mobilise their friends to be there for them in this critical hour of need, by educating them on the condition of your #child. As a #parent, spend extra time with your #child. Even an act as simple as watching a film together can go a long way.
Express affection: Declare your love and adoration for your #child, make them feel heard and give them the confidence that they will heal from their current state, and that you will ensure they get the help they need.
Take safety measures: Make sure that any weapons or harmful objects are not within the reach of your #child, and connect them with a #mentalhealthprofessional as soon as possible.
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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
