BY SARA RIVEST
According to recent data from the #CDC, #mentalhealth emergencies and #suicide rates have increased dramatically through the #pandemic, specifically for #school-aged #children.
Per the #CDC, between March and October 2020, #mentalhealth emergency department visits for #children 5 to 11 increased by 24%. For #teens 12 to 17, emergency department visits related to #mentalhealth increased 31%.
What You Need To Know
Per the #CDC, between March and October 2020, #mentalhealth emergency department visits for #children 5 to 11 increased by 24%
For teens 12 to 17 emergency department visits related to #mentalhealth increased 31%
#Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between 10 and 24 years old
For Siena student Dan Lintz, chemistry formulas and math equations aren’t just random symbols and numbers.
“It’s cool understanding how the world works and how things hold together and why things do what they do,” says Dan.
The freshman thrives at finding his way to the answer. But when it came to his #mentalhealth, figuring things out wasn’t easy.
“About two years ago now, I had a serious mental breakdown where it just felt like everything was falling apart,” says Dan.
Constant #anxiety, pressure from #school and feeling isolated by the #pandemic, Dan had been retreating. He says he never told anyone and was putting up a front; pretending he was fine.
“I was very lucky and I had a group of friends who, when they were concerned, called the correct people and got me to see the #mentalhealthservices that I needed to, because they were worried that I was going to hurt myself,” says Dan. “Worst case situation is I would be dead. Which is a weird thing to recognize and admit, but it’s true.”
#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
#Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people between 10 and 24 years old. How did we get here? And how can we fix it? Therapist Beth Ehrichs is a co-host of the podcast “Ask! The Podcast” where she offers advice to #teens and their #parents.
“The #behavior being modeled [to #children] is self-medication and so the kids don’t know how to help themselves and #parents are so at the end of their own rope with their own stuff that’s going on, they struggle to be able to support their kids,” says Ehrichs.
For #parents, Ehrichs says having the capacity to listen is imperative. #Depression or talk of #suicide should never be discounted as dramatic.
“It can be tough,” says Ehrichs. “It’s a difficult conversation for a lot of people to have, but try and remember: if it’s choice between having a conversation or your kid dying, which do you choose?”
Ehrichs attributes the rise of #teen #mentalhealthissues to #socialmedia, gender identity, climate change and the #COVID-19 shut down.
“As a mom, it just breaks my heart because I just want to wrap my arms around these kids and be like, ‘you’re gonna be okay just hang in there,’” says Ehrichs. “’Give it another day, just one day at a time.’”
Dan’s thankful for that day his friends stepped in because now each day is an opportunity to face his feelings head on.
“I feel like it’s just important for people to understand that therapy is not just gonna be like, you go to one session and everything magically gets better. You got to work for a long time at it,” says Dan.
Unlike the equations he solves for #school, there is no one formula or solution for good #mentalhealth. For Dan, it’s the right combination of elements: a proper diagnosis, medication and therapy.
“Even though it’s a struggle, you’ve got to do it if you want to be able to enjoy the rest of your life,” says Dan.
If you or someone you know is struggling with #mentalhealth, there are many resources available to help. For those in crisis, please call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).
For tips to support those in crisis and more information on #suicideprevention and available support systems, please visit the #NationalInstituteofMentalHealth’s webpage at www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention.
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
