By ABRAHAM GUTMAN | The Philadelphia Inquirer
Do #suicide deaths really spike during the winter holidays, as is so often claimed in the media?
To the contrary: Historically, December has the lowest suicide death rate. Yet the myth that #suicide deaths increase in the “jolly season” persists — potentially putting people who are vulnerable at risk, #psychologists say.
Researchers at the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania found close to 900 media references to the “holiday-#suicide myth” over the past 23 years. And in only nine of those 23 years were there more stories debunking the myth than supporting it.
The latest analysis, released Monday, found that during last winter, only 25 stories made the connection between the holidays and rise in #suicide, but more than half portrayed it as true.
The holidays and the end of the year can be an emotional time for people, said Dan Romer, a #psychologist and research director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center. Some people might feel anxious taking stock of the past year, while others might struggle with the shorter days and #SeasonalAffectiveDisorder. The holidays can be especially difficult for people who don’t have family to spend the occasion with.
Romer said that the holiday-#suicide myth might come from a place of good intentions, wanting to help and shed light on a problem. But it can be harmful when #suicide is portrayed as a popular way to solve a problem.
“It can have a contagious effect,” he said.
#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
#Suicide is a leading cause of death of young people in the U.S., according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention. The overall number of #suicide deaths increased by 35% between 1999 and 2018. The #suicide rate declined in 2019 and 2020, but rose again in 2021, when nearly 48,000 people died by #suicide.
The #suicide death rate does vary throughout the year, and it is actually the lowest in December. In 2021, there were 15% more #suicide deaths in August than there were in December, according to provisional estimates from the #CDC.
Romer sees some progress toward ending the myth: Large publications rarely make the false claim that #suicide death increases during the holidays anymore. But the myth remains common at smaller, local media outlets, he said.
And while there could be harm in repeating the holiday-#suicide myth, that should not discourage anyone from reminding others to reach out to people in their lives who might be lonely or having a hard time during the holiday season.
“We should, of course, be reaching out to people who are in crisis,” Romer said.
If you or someone you know is thinking of #suicide, call or text #988.
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
