- #Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for older #teens and young adults.
- The #suicide rate has been increasing from 2007 through 2017.
- The rate went from 6.8 deaths per 100,000 people to 10.6, according to the CDC report.
#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
A new report Trusted Source from the #CentersofDiseaseControlandPrevention (CDC) shows that the #teen #suicide rate in the #UnitedStates has skyrocketed in recent years.
#Suicide was recently ranked as the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24 years old.
Each year, about 7 out of 100,000 young adults between the ages of 15 and 19 die by #suicide each year — and that number only seems to be growing.
The #suicide rate had been on a steady decline between 2000 and 2007. Then, things picked up, and from 2007 to 2017, the #teen #suicide rate spiked by nearly 56 percent — the rate climbing from 6.8 deaths per 100,000 people to 10.6, according to the report, which the CDC published today.
Similarly, homicides — the third-leading cause of death among the age group — declined between 2007 and 2014, then increased by about 18 percent in 2017.
The new statistics are sobering, to say the least, but some health experts suspect the #teen #suicide rate is even higher than what’s been reported.
“Even though the study by the CDC demonstrates an increased rate of completed #suicide in the adolescent, young adult age group, I still think we need to recognize that #suicide may be underreported, and that accidents continue to be the leading cause of death and a significant number of those accidents may actually have been #suicide,” Dr. Victor M. Fornari, the vice chair of #child and adolescent psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in Glen Oaks, New York, told Healthline.
What’s causing the spike?
There are a handful of biological, psychological, and social factors at play, making it difficult to pinpoint one sole reason for the surge in #teen #suicide.
“We know there are predisposing issues, precipitating issues, and perpetuating issues — and I don’t think there’s any one single set that accounts for this,” Fornari said.
There are the common risk factors, including mood disorders like #depression, trauma, or #anxiety, along with alcohol and drug use and a family history of #suicide, as well as ongoing issues accessing #mentalhealthtreatment and care.
There are also newer pressures influencing the lives of young adults. Bullying Trusted Source is a major problem in the #UnitedStates, especially in the age of #socialmedia, where people can hurt each other through a few clicks and put people at risk for suicidal thoughts, says Fornari.
Those who opt to go to college are put under such intense levels of #stress that nearly 1 in 5 college students consider taking their life.
Many who are figuring out their sexual orientation struggle with coming out in today’s divisive political climate. Experts estimate that lesbian, gay, and bisexual kids are three times more likely than their straight peers to attempt #suicide.
And with the help of the internet and lax federal laws on firearm sales, #teens and young adults can easily access pills or guns.
“#Suicide is caused by a combination of an individual feeling like they don’t belong in society, feeling like they are a burden on others, having the means to die by #suicide, and feeling trapped by current problems without seeing a solution,” said Jennifer Weniger, PhD, a licensed psychologist and marriage and family therapist at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center.
What can be done?
Fornari advocates coming up with screening methods to get ahead of the problem and prevent it from worsening.
“In addition to #depression screening, which is already incorporated into the pediatric well visit for adolescents, we really have to do direct #suicide screening,” Fornari explained.
Fornari says we need to come up with public health strategies that can identify vulnerable #youth as early as possible.
“The greater public health question that remains to be addressed is what is the most effective screening method for #youth today so we capture as many vulnerable kids with #suicide thoughts in an effort to engage them in treatment,” Fornari said.
This isn’t an opinion shared by all public health experts, and it’s at odds with the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, which does not recommend screening for #suicide due to a lack of evidence that it would be beneficial.
In the meantime, there are warning signs Trusted Source that parents or caregivers can look for if they’re worried a #teen is thinking about #suicide. These signs include being isolated, increased #anxiety, increased substance use, increased anger or rage, extreme mood swings, expressing hopelessness, and sleeping too much or too little.
If a #teen you know starts behaving and functioning differently, it can be worth reaching out and having an open, honest conversation.
You can also set up an appointment with a #mentalhealthprofessional, who can ask them if they’re having life threatening thoughts.
“#Suicide is a public health epidemic that warrants attention, funding, and collaboration between community leaders,” Weniger added. “We all need to work together in the fight against #suicide.”
The bottom line
A new report Trusted Source from the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (CDC) shows that the #teen #suicide rate in the #UnitedStates has skyrocketed in recent years.
Between 2007 and 2017, the #teen #suicide rate spiked by nearly 56 percent — the rate climbing from 6.8 deaths per 100,000 people to 10.6.
While there are a handful of factors causing the spike, health experts suspect #bullying, access to guns, and high levels of #stress seem to have contributed to the rising rate.
If you live in the #UnitedStates, you can get help by calling the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). They have trained counselors available 24/7.
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
