Teen suicide trends have long shown differences between the sexes: While girls have been more likely to attempt suicide, boys have died by #suicide at higher rates. This disparity, however, may be getting smaller.
#Suicide rates among both #girls and #boys ages 10 to 19 had been on a downtrend throughout most of the 1990s until 2007, when they began increasing. However, they rose at a higher pace among #girls compared to boys, a new study has found.
The authors of the study from Nationwide Children’s Hospital explained that the narrowing of the gap was related to changes in the method of suicide. Whereas #girls had been more likely to die by #suicide from poisoning in the past, the study’s findings suggested they had shifted to more lethal means, including suffocation and hanging.(MORE: Teen suicide by poisoning on the rise, especially among girls: Study)
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
“One of the potential contributors to this gender paradox is that #males tend to use more violent means, such as guns or hanging,” said Jeff Bridge, co-author of the study and director of the #CenterforSuicidePrevention and Research at Nationwide, in a press release. “That makes the narrowing of the gender gap in #suicide by hanging or suffocation that we found especially concerning from a public health perspective.”
The researchers discovered the trend after looking at data on over 85,000 teen #suicides that occurred between 1975 and 2016.(MORE: ’13 Reasons Why’ study finds bump in teen suicide following season 1 release)
Bridge emphasized the importance of parents speaking to their kids and noticing the signs of #suicidalthoughts and behavior.
“Parents need to be aware of the warning signs of #suicide, which include a child making #suicidal statements, being unhappy for an extended period, withdrawing from friends or school activities or being increasingly aggressive or irritable,” Bridge said. “If parents observe these warning signs in their child, they should consider taking the child to a #mentalhealthprofessional.”
If you or someone you know is having #suicidalthoughts, contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) where you’ll be put in touch with a local crisis center.
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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
