By County News Center, County of San Diego Communications Office
The death of #Stephen“tWitch”Boss’ by #suicide last week was a shock and heartbreaking to millions. It also serves as a sad and poignant reminder many people struggle with #mentalhealthchallenges, but often suffer in silence.
The acclaimed dancer, choreographer, actor, and producer is well-known for his time on the popular television series So You Think You Can Dance and The #EllenDeGeneresShow, as well as for his roles in high-profile films and shows, including Step Up All In, Magic Mike XXL, Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, and Modern Family. Boss, 40, is survived by his wife Allison Holker Boss and his three #children Zaia, Maddox and Weslie.
“The tragedy of Boss’ death brings visibility and attention to #mentalhealth and #suicide, which are subjects that can be difficult to talk about, especially within #communitiesofcolor, and particularly amongst #BlackAmericans,” said Andrew Strong, director of the County of San Diego Office of Equity and #Racial Justice.
“Although members of the #Blackcommunity are at an increased risk of developing #mentalhealthissues due to numerous historical, economic, social, and political factors [that systemically expose #Blacks to factors known to be damaging to psychological and physical health], many do not get connected to the #mentalhealthservices they need,” Strong added.
#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
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
The statistics are startling.
“Research indicates #Black #men who experience feelings of #anxiety or #depression are about half as likely to seek counseling as their non-#Black peers,” said Dr. Luke Bergmann, director of #BehavioralHealthServices at the County Health and Human Services Agency.
In 2019, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services found #suicide was the leading cause of death for #AfricanAmericans between the ages of 15 and 24 and the death rate was four times greater for #Black #men than #Black #women. They are also more likely to experience symptoms:
- #AfricanAmericans are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress, such as major depressive disorder, than other #racial groups, according to the National Institute on Minority Health and Disparities.
- #Black #adults are more likely than #white #adults to experience persistent symptoms of emotional distress, such as sadness, #hopelessness and feeling that they must dedicate extra effort to everything they do, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.
- Between 2015 and 2018, rates of major depressive disorder in young #Black #adults—ages 18 to 25—increased by more than 3%, yet #Black #Americans of all age groups were less likely to seek treatment than #white #Americans, according to the #SubstanceAbuse and #MentalHealthServices Administration.
#Psychologists and other #behavioral #healthprofessionals are making great strides towards developing more tailored programming to support the #mentalhealth of #Black #men specifically, but there is still much work to be done. Dr. Howard Stevenson, Director of the Racial Empowerment Collaborative at the University of Pennsylvania and a national expert on #racial #stress and #racial #trauma, perhaps discussed this best.
“We should place less emphasis on whether #Black #men are resistant to therapy and more on understanding the contexts in which they already feel comfortable talking about their feelings and #traumas. If a #Black #man is able to find a treatment that is culturally responsive, that he understands, and that embraces the uniqueness of his difference, he is more likely to use that service,” Stevenson shared.
#MentalHealthTreatment is Available
“#Mentalhealthconditions are deeply stigmatized, and sometimes seen as personal weakness or even moral failing,” said Bergmann. “And the persistent #stigma that surrounds #behavioral and #mentalhealthissues can make it challenging for people to seek out and get help. But culturally responsive treatment and supports are available and can be life-saving.”
It’s important to recognize everyone responds differently to #suicide and that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach to coping in the wake of a tragedy.
It is also vital to remember that #suicide is preventable, and there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of #suicide.
These steps may include:
- Increasing access to #mentalhealthresources
- Promoting a culture of openness and acceptance around #mentalhealth
- Knowing the signs of #suicide and how to get help
If you or someone you know is struggling, dial #988 or 888-724-7240 to speak with an experienced #counselor who can help. They are available seven days per week, 24 hours per day.
More Information and Resources:
#MentalHealthResources for #Black #Men
- #MentalHealth in #BlackCommunities: Challenges, Resources, Community Voices – #NAMI California
- #Black #MentalHealth Alliance
- Brother, You’re on My Mind
- Brother, You’re on my Mind Toolkit for Communities
- #Black and #AfricanAmerican Communities and #MentalHealth | #MentalHealth #America (mhanational.org)
- Get Help Now – #Black Emotional and #MentalHealth Collective
- The Association of #Black #Psychologists
#MentalHealthResources for #BIPOC Communities
- #BIPOC #MentalHealthResources & Information in San Diego (up2sd.org)
- #BIPOC #MentalHealth (thementalhealthcoalition.org)
Resources to Support #MentalHealth During the #Holidays
- Preparing for the #Holidays with a #MentalIllness – Alvarado Parkway
- Taking Care of Your #MentalHealth Around the #Holidays | MHC (mentalhealthctr.com)
- Maintaining #MentalHealth During the #Holiday Season – #NAMI California
- Looking for support during the #holidays? Check out these free resources – #MentalHealth #America
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
