by: Sally Jaramillo
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Another reminder tonight of a hard truth — many #teens have struggled during this #pandemic.
Tonight, a #mentalhealthexpert says we need to remember to keep a close eye on our kids’ well-being.
Some say it’s the price of the #pandemic. The #CDC reports a 48% increase over the past year of emergency room visits for #teens who have attempted #suicide. And unfortunately, some do, sadly, die by #suicide.
#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
The principal of Centennial Hills #HighSchool sent a letter home to #parents Tuesday, indicating a 16-year-old #student at the #school died.
Dr. Sheldon Jacobs, licensed marriage and family therapist said, “I think whenever someone takes their life it’s just very difficult.”
It will be a hard road for students at Centennial #HighSchool.
“When I heard that, I was heartbroken of course. My heart goes out to the family and the peers of that #student,” Jacobs added.
Unfortunately, it’s not an isolated incident.
“Emergency rooms for #suicideattempts in #boys only rose 3.7%, it jumped 51% for #girls,” Lisa Durette, a #child, and #adolescent #psychiatrist and assistant professor at the Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV said.
“We just have to be alert and aware right now that our kids have been struggling for a couple of years,” Durrette adds.
Durrette says one of the main culprits is #socialmedia.
#Parents should be aware of the #socialmedia accounts kids are following. And watch for signs they may be in trouble.
Durrette says they start to sell their possessions give away their possessions. If you see a #child who is starting to hurt themselves on purpose who’s having withdrawal from friends and peers.
Dr. Sheldon Jacobs reminds #parents to have open conversations with their kids.
“Be in tune with your kids make sure you are listening to them,” Sheldon adds.
We’ve been working on an entire series of how to help your #children — just click on the “Cyber Safe #Parents” tab of our website.
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
