The message from #NationalSuicidePreventionAwarenessWeek is especially important this year.
#Mentalhealthissues have increased considerably during the #coronavirus #pandemic, according to a recent report released by the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, and young adults and racial minorities are among those disproportionately affected.
“This #pandemic has created not only the fear of the #virus and so much grief and loss, surrounding us with the death and illness of so many people in the #UnitedStates and around the world, but also the #isolation that happens with quarantine,” Sarah Harte, a clinical social worker, told the Daily News. She’s also director of The Dorm, a treatment community for young adults in New York and Washington.
In a survey of 5,412 adults in late June, 40.9% reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, the #CDC said in its Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report released Aug. 14.
#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
Those conditions include symptoms of #anxiety, #depression and “increased substance use to cope with #stress or emotions related to #COVID-19.”
Nearly 11% reported having seriously considered #suicide in the 30 days before completing the survey compared with about 4% in a 2018 survey who said they’d considered #suicide in the past 12 months.
#NationalSuicidePreventionAwarenessWeek, which began Sunday, seeks to inform and engage people about prevention and the warning signs of #suicide.
“In the era of #COVID-19, as we all try to protect our #mentalhealth and cope with uncertainty, it’s more important than ever that we be there for each other and take steps to prevent #suicide,” the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention said in a statement.
The worrying #CDC data found that certain groups were shown to be even more susceptible to #suicide: 25.5% of young adults, aged 18 to 24; 30.7% of self-reported unpaid caregivers for adults; 21.7% of essential workers; as well as racial minorities —18.6% of #Hispanic respondents and 15.1% of #Black respondents.
Even before the #pandemic hit, #suicide has been a growing concern among #healthprofessionals in the U.S.
According to the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention, there were an estimated 1.4 million #suicide attempts in the U.S. in 2018, which included 48,344 deaths — or an average of 132 per day.
Some experts see the silver lining in the current crisis.
Dr. Isaiah Pickens, a Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and author, told The News the #pandemic can help with the #stigma surrounding #suicide by normalizing conversations about #mentalhealth.
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“Given that all of us have dealt with such a difficult and even, for many, traumatic, issues over the course of this past year, part of what we’ve seen is an uptick in people reaching out and seeking #mentalhealthservices,” which is something that helps with #suicideprevention, he said.
The #pandemic has created #socialdistancing, #isolation and an increase in unemployment — all contributing factors to #suicideideation.
“But also, on the flip side of it, there’s just so many people who said, ’You know, this is a lot,’ and ’it’s OK if I need to get some help,’” said Pickens.
“This moment has actually opened up a new space for us to talk about #mentalhealth,” he added.
If you or someone you know is going through a crisis, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at (800) 273-TALK (8255). LGBT youth are encouraged to call TrevorLifeline at (866) 488-7386, or text ’START’ to 678-678.
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
