by Vania Castillo
#Students in #school
EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14) — The #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention is reporting a 31% increase in #suicideattempt emergency room visits among people ages 12 to 25 since the start of the #pandemic.
Dr. Sarah Martin, a #child #psychiatrist and professor at Texas Tech in El Paso, said that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
“What the increase is in is not hospitalizations or suicides, but it’s actually people presenting to an emergency room for something that has to do with a suicidal thought or #suicideattempt or something related to that,” said Martin.
She explained that the data shows that people are actually getting the help they need.
“One thing I think may be happening is that people are paying attention to their thoughts, to their children’s thoughts, to their teenager’s thoughts about their own #mentalhealth, about their children’s #mentalhealth,” said Martin.
#Teenage #girls between ages 12 and 17 have seen a dramatic increase in visits, according to the #CDC.
Suspected #suicideattempt visits to the emergency room were up over 50% in #girls compared to a 3% increase in #boys in the same age range since the start of the #pandemic.
Martin attributed this to the way #women and #men are socialized differently making it easier for #girls to ask for the help they need.
“What we’re probably seeing is a difference in help-seeking #behavior and not a difference in actual #mentalhealth,” said Martin.
While emergency room visits for #suicideattempt visits are up, Martin said #suicide rates have stayed level to pre-#pandemic times.
#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
“A lot of us were worried that #mentalhealth would kind of take a backseat once #COVID hit and actually it’s really been the opposite,” said Martin.
She said it’s still important to continue to keep an eye on #children as we help them navigate these unprecedented times.
“We don’t want to wait until a #kid is suicidal to help them. We want to help them when they’re first starting to have problems,” said Martin.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of #self-harm or #suicide, help is available. Call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 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
