CBS News
#Parents across the country know first-hand how the #pandemic has been affecting their children’s #mentalhealth. But a new survey released Tuesday found that those challenges are also affecting parents’ work lives.
The survey — from the #child advocacy group On Our Sleeves — found that 53% of #parents have missed work at least once a month to deal with their children’s #mentalhealth while 54% have interrupted their work day at least once a month to address a child’s #mentalhealth needs.
The survey also found that even when #parents are at work, 30% to 50% of them say they worry about their child’s #mentalhealth and wellbeing.
“#Parents are missing work and interrupting work, and even when they’re at work, this is on their mind all the time,” Marti Bledsoe Post, executive director of On Our Sleeves, told “CBS Mornings” co-host Nate Burleson.
Many #parents also say their concerns about their #children’s #mentalhealth increased during the #pandemic, when working from home and homeschooling disrupted the lives of both #kids and #adults.
“#Parents are used to multi-tasking but the last couple of years have been [an] extra, extra multitasking effort,” Bledsoe Post said.
#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
#Behavioralhealthexperts with On Our Sleeves have found that children’s health issues and parents’ concerns have been rising for years and may continue to do so, Bledsoe Post said.
“So if we look back to look forward, we have to be ready for new adjustments as life after the #pandemic continues to change,” she said.
But to remove the #stigma around #mentalhealth, Bledsoe Post encouraged #parents to have candid conversations with their #children and seek resources at work.
“#Children have #mentalhealth needs just like #adults,” she said, noting that half of all lifetime #mentalillnesses start before the age of 14. “So if we can start to have this conversation with each other, with coaches, with #counselors, with #teachers and in the workplace, then employers can join us in finding solutions and helping their employees be more focused and productive when they’re on the job.”
The full On Our Sleeves report can be found on the group’s website. Additional #mentalhealthresources can be found on this page.
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
