Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognise only if there is communication.
Elizabeth Andreya Features Writer
An 18-year-old Churchill Boys High student, Takudzwa Nigel Chirindo, who committed suicide at the Julius Nyerere Parkade recently, left Harare residents with many unanswered questions. Following the unfortunate event, Chirindo’s grandmother claimed that the boy ended his life due to depression over examinations and spiritual matters.
It is alleged that before he committed #suicide, Chirindo complained that he was being bullied and could not cope.
#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
According to the Mental Health Foundation, #depression is a common #mentalhealth problem that causes people to experience low mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy and poor concentration.
Mental health is central to student success and well-being. Over the past decade, schools, colleges and universities have made considerable efforts to promote how and where students can get help for #mentalhealth problems.
According to the latest World Health Organisation (WHO) data published in 2017 #suicide deaths in Zimbabwe reached 1 641 or 1,30 percent of all total deaths in the country.
A report in The Sunday Mail of August 2019 states that last year alone, five of the more than 10 university students who died were suspected to have committed #suicide.
#Healthprofessionals say #depression and #anxiety have become increasingly prevalent among today’s students, with #mentalhealthissues being the biggest barriers to doing well in school.
The revelation has left experts calling for strong counselling programmes to assist troubled students as they fear the trend might go down to secondary and primary institutions.
Recently, a local organisation, Someone Always Listens to you (SALT) Africa, in collaboration with the Department of Psychology at the Great Zimbabwe University held belated World Mental Health Day commemorations.
During the commemorations, SALT Africa founder Ms Tafadzwa Meki stressed the importance of communication and interaction in as far as #mentalhealth and #suicideprevention is concerned.
Ms Meki said group interactions and peer educators were important factors that can help people who suffer from #mentalhealth, especially youths in schools, since they usually don’t have people to share their problems with.
A group of students, S.A.L.T shakers, are more of peer educators that help other learners to solve their problems by talking to them.
Peer education groups and communication among children is important in schools as only a few people can afford seeking help from professional counsellors when they are depressed.
Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognise only if there is communication.
Pupils and parents should make use of guidance and counselling offices that are available in schools.
They should also make use of psychological services that are being provided by other organisations so that they can have people to talk to and solve their problems.
Schools and universities need to make students more aware of available resources and services, and should take steps to change the culture and attitudes around the topics of #suicide and #mentalhealth so that more learners feel comfortable and empowered to seek help when in distress.
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
