#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – #Youth #MentalHealth And #Loneliness In Focus This Summer

By AHTRA ELNASHAR

WASHINGTON (TND) — A growing share of America’s #youth is fighting an internal battle with #mentalhealthstruggles.

The number of #kids and #teenagers with #anxiety and #depression has shot up by about 30% in recent years, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, but many do not get the care they need.

Persistent feelings of sadness and #suicideattempts reported at higher rates among #girls and #LGBTQ #youth, which groups like the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness are drawing attention to this Pride month.

Political polarization, spending years apart during the #pandemic and more time online may be contributing to an existing trend of #teens spending less time together observed by researchers at the University of Michigan’s continuing study of #American #youth called Monitoring the Future.

#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
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org                            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

Last month Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy called attention to what he called an “epidemic of #loneliness and #isolation” and later issued an advisory about effects of #socialmedia on young people, but says more research is needed to understand it fully.

#Children are exposed to harmful content on #socialmedia, ranging from violent and sexual content, to #bullying and harassment. And for too many #children, #socialmedia use is compromising their sleep and valuable in-person time with family and friends. We are in the middle of a national #youth #mentalhealth crisis, and I am concerned that #socialmedia is an important driver of that crisis – one that we must urgently address,” Murthy said.

In recent months, dozens of lawmakers from both sides of the aisle and both chambers of Congress have introduced legislation to require #socialmedia companies to take more steps to protect #kids, limit harmful content and give #parents more controls and rights to take legal action against a platform. Though many aren’t waiting; hundreds of lawsuits have already been filed.

Medical experts are hard at work, too, to prevent crisis scenarios.

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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