A study published in American #Psychologist examined the #suicide rates of #psychologists between 2003 and 2018, identifying 159 cases of #psychologist #suicide in the National Violent Death Reporting System. #Psychologists accounted for approximately 5% of #suicides among ten different #healthcareprofessions in 2018.
(If you are experiencing #suicidalthoughts, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or follow this link to their online chat.)
Globally, there are 700,000 deaths by #suicide per year – that is roughly 1 every 40 seconds. Between 2000 and 2018, #suicides increased by 65% in the #UnitedStates. Some groups, such as #healthcareprofessionals, are at greater risk of committing #suicide compared to the general population. However, there have been conflicting results with regard to #suicide among #psychologists. For example, some studies have identified higher rates of #suicide among #female #psychologists compared to the general population, and others have reported no differences, or lower rates of #suicides among #psychologists.
In this work, Tiffany Li and colleagues specifically examined #suicide rates among #psychologists as compared to other #healthprofessions by referring to 2003-2018 data in the National Violent Death Reporting System. Other #healthcareprofessions examined included #dentist, advanced practice registered #nurse, #nurse, #pharmacist, #physician assistant, nonpsychiatric #physician, #psychiatric #physician, #psychologist, #socialworker, and #veterinarian. A total of 159 #psychologists with doctoral degrees were identified, including retired or unemployed #psychologists. Related occupations, such as #counselor or #therapist, were excluded.
Half of these deaths occurred after 2014, with most (i.e., 34 deaths) occurring in the year 2018. Two-thirds of the reported #suicides were of #males, and the mean age of decedents was 56.3 years; #female decedents were slightly younger than #males, with 43% under age 50. Roughly 40% of decedents were married, in a civil union or domestic partnership, while 30% were divorced. The majority of decedents – 92% – were White. Approximately 36% of cases occurred in Southern states, while 25% and 20% occurred in Western and Midwestern states respectively.
At 34%, use of firearms was the most common method of #suicide, followed by asphyxia (28%) and overdose (26%). In 70% of cases, no #alcohol use was suspected at the time of #suicide. While 55% of decedents had #mentalhealthissues, of those individuals, 43% were seeking treatment, while 47% had treatment histories. #Depression/#dysthymia and #anxiety accounted for 43% and 12% of diagnoses respectively, while #alcohol and #substanceuse issues each accounted for 8% of reported problems.
#Psychologists accounted for roughly 5% of the 688 #suicides among all ten #healthcareprofessionals in 2018, comprising the fifth largest group, following #nurses, #socialworkers, #physicians, and #pharmacists.
#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
One limitation to this work is that the true incidence of #suicide among #healthcareprofessionals is likely underestimated. In some cases, the decedent’s occupation may have not been reported. As well, there could be confusion regarding different types of #mentalhealthprofessions, leading to incorrect occupations being entered for some decedents.
The authors conclude, “At the most basic level, the #suicide of #healthprofessionals highlights the importance of being alert, attending to, and caring for colleagues whose distress may place them in greater jeopardy than may be apparent.”
The study, “#Suicides of #Psychologists and Other #HealthProfessionals: National Violent Death Reporting System Data, 2003–2018”, was authored by Tiffany Li, Megan L. Petrik, Rebecca L. Freese, and William N. Robiner.
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
