Yolanda Jenkins and Jennifer Smolowitz
Thank you for taking a moment to stop and read this piece. These days, the topic of #mentalhealth is at the forefront of many discussions in #school, at home, in the community— essentially in every space we interact. Please know that however you are feeling — whatever you are feeling — help and resources are here.
For #adult crisis intervention resources, please reach out to the Department of Health and Social Services at 1-800-652-2929 in New Castle County or 1-800-345-6785 in Southern Delaware. If your #child or a #child you care about needs crisis intervention services, call Delaware’s 24/7 #Youth Crisis Support (Mobile Response and Stabilization Services) at 1-800-969-HELP (4357). #Children and #adults can also text the Crisis Text Line by texting DE to 741741. You are not alone.
We are compelled to write this piece to shed light on a necessary, but tough dialogue about #mentalhealth and #suicide. Recently, there have been high-profile suicides in the news, including former #MissU.S.A. #CheslieKryst and Ian Alexander Jr., award-winning actress Regina King’s son. For many of us, the #COVID #pandemic has exacerbated already existing #mentalhealthchallenges and put undeniable #stress on families. Many people, regardless of age, are coping with feelings of loss and #isolation. Some are facing daily challenges at work and at #school. Some may be struggling to meet their basic needs. Our #youth often have fewer emotional resources or healthy strategies to manage distress. It can also be frightening to see stories on the news of people taking their own life, and even more impactful when this happens close to home.
A recent U.S. Surgeon General report on #youth #mentalhealth shared some staggering statistics. A survey of 80,000 #youth across the globe found that symptoms of #depression and #anxiety doubled during the #pandemic, with 1 in 4 #youth experiencing depressive symptoms and 1 in 5 #youth experiencing #anxiety symptoms.
We know that one life lost to #suicide is one too many. But we can change the narrative.
The Division of Prevention and #BehavioralHealthServices in partnership with stakeholders like the #MentalHealthAssociation in Delaware deliver #suicideprevention training to professionals in #child-serving organizations like #schools or community centers. These programs, such as Signs of #Suicide and Lifelines, educate #adults on how to talk to #youth about these tough topics and how they then can empower #youth to learn the signs of risk and how #youth can reach out to a trusted #adult for help. A trusted #adult could be a #parent, aunt or uncle, coach, or #teacher.
Some signs a #youth is struggling include feelings of helplessness or #hopelessness, changes in personality or loss of interest in once-enjoyed hobbies, and troubling statements or threats that they “won’t be around much longer.” By knowing the signs, we can provide a lifeline to someone in need. Just as important is checking on our loved ones who have the appearance that everything is OK. The death of #CheslieKryst was so shocking because to others she looked like the picture-perfect young professional — someone who seemed happy and successful, someone to look up to. We now know that the Instagram-perfect moments and the quippy #Twitter banter did not tell the whole story. There was much more under the surface. With the increased #isolation and decreased social activity that came with #COVID-19, it is even more important to authentically connect with one another, to reach out to those we care about and to allow ourselves to reach out for help when things feel unmanageable.
#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
We encourage you to check on your loved ones, your neighbors, your coworkers. Call, text, send a video message or schedule a virtual visit. Sit down with your kid and listen. Really listen. Let them know it’s okay to talk about their feelings, the uplifting ones and the ones that bring us down. They weigh less when they are shared. Encourage children to talk to a trusted adult. We can work to prevent tragedy when we start the conversation and change the narrative, together.
For #suicideprevention resources and more, visit de.gov/youthsuicideprevention
Yolanda Jenkins is the Manager of Provider Services for the Delaware Division of Prevention and #BehavioralHealthServices. Jennifer Smolowitz is the Director of #SuicidePrevention with the #MentalHealth Association in Delaware.
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
