Gun violence survivors experience increased risk of mental harm
Many survivors of gun violence are prone to post-traumatic stress disorder, increased alcohol and drug abuse, and unemployment up to years after their physical wounds heal and even when the injuries are minor, a JAMA study released on Wednesday illustrates.
Why it matters: Far more people in the U.S. survive gunshot wounds than those who are killed by firearm injuries.
The big picture: Gun violence has been on the rise, affecting Americans in the form of #suicides, homicides, unintentional deaths and law enforcement killings, according to the most recent data between 2007–2017. More than 1.2 million Americans were shot in that 10-year stretch, the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention reports.
What they found: Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania tracked a decade’s worth of medical records to find the 3,088 gunshot wound patients. 183 responded and were surveyed on their lives before and after their injuries.
- Almost half of the patients screened positive for probable #PTSD years later. 33% discharged with minor injuries screened positive for #PTSD.
- Though the study is one of the first to track survivors of gun violence, limitations in this study include a small sample size. The study authors recognize the possibility of selection bias.
What to watch: Researchers say a different approach to treating victims of gun violence may be needed. Those hospitalized for gun injuries are typically released quickly and without any #mentalhealth check or follow-ups.
- They add that there is growing evidence that gunshot trauma is harder to recover from than other types of injuries.
#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
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
