Suicide is a public health crisis. According to World Health Organization, nearly 800,000 people die by #suicide each year. That means one life is lost every 40 seconds. And while the cause of suicide is varied and complex—addiction, alcoholism, bullying, financial troubles, trauma, and #mentalillness have all been linked to #suicide—it is an issue affecting both children and adults. #Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 35 to 54.
So what can we do to prevent #suicide? We can talk about it with our family, friends, colleagues, peers, and children. Yes, children. Of course, many parents are wary about broaching such a serious and sensitive topic—and for good reason. How do you explain #suicide, especially to a young, developing mind?
#JamesDonaldsononMentalHealth –
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
There is also a common myth that talking about suicide leads to #suicide. But the opposite is true, says Alicia Raimundo, a #mentalhealthadvocate and project manager of Foundry, an online health and wellness resource for teens and young adults aged 12 to 24. Instead, these conversations help people dealing with thoughts of #suicide understand that they can find support and they aren’t alone in their thinking. “It also helps them see that they are loved and people want them to stay in their lives,” adds Raimundo.
Where do you start? Here is the best way to approach the subject with your child regardless of their age.
What to Say to Younger #Children About #Suicide
While the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychiatric Association recommend parents do not address tragedies until children are 8 years of age or older, there are exceptions. “If a child has been exposed to #suicide, you need to talk to them about it, regardless of their age,” says Lyn Morris, LMFT, senior vice president of clinical operations for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services, which provides free help for #mentalhealthissues, substance use disorder, and #suicideprevention.
For preschool- and kindergarten-aged children, it is important to stick to the basics. “I would recommend talking to them about someone passing from #suicide like you would any other disease,” says Raimundo. Use clear, concise words, like “I have some news to tell you. Uncle John died.” Avoid details, encourage questions and feelings, and accept their reaction to the news. Some children will cry while others will seem indifferent. Both reactions are okay and normal.
For children aged 8 to 11, Raimundo suggests emphasizing the sadness of the death and giving them details they will understand. “Explain the act was caused by an illness called #anxiety, #depression, or trauma,” says Raimundo. Let them know these illnesses are treatable in most cases, but for some, #mentalillness can be fatal. And as with younger children, encourage any and all questions and feelings.
Dr. Gail Saltz, M.D., a psychiatrist and associate professor of psychiatry at the New York Presbyterian Hospital Weill-Cornell School of Medicine, points out a great way to initiate a #mentalhealth conversation is to discuss emotions. “It is never too early to talk about feelings, which is really a youth-based way to talk about #mentalhealth,” says Dr. Saltz. Ask them if they feel sad, mad, or nervous. It’s important for anyone, especially children, to be able to label what they feel, and be comfortable enough to open up about their emotions.
But if a young child is displaying warning signs, such as different sleeping patterns, changes in their behavior, or increased withdrawal, a different conversation is necessary. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention also recommends asking elementary-aged children how they feel, but taking it a step further. “If it seems to you that they feel hopeless, trapped, or overwhelmed then ask if they ever think about hurting themselves or ending their life,” the organization shares on its website.
What to Say to Older Kids About #Suicide
By high school, many kids have been exposed to #suicide—whether they’ve seen it spoken about on TV, had a person close to them struggle with it, or had #suicidal thoughts themselves. The older they are, the more direct you need to be.
Ask your teen what they know about #suicide. Gather information, present facts, and dispel any myths they may have heard, including the idea that those who take their own life are selfish and weak. Answer questions they may have without shame, judgement, or fear. It’s also a good idea to help adolescents come up with a plan of what they’ll say or do if the topic of #suicide comes up in their social circles, because chances are the subject will, says Raimundo. Teach children the best way to support their friend is to ask an adult for help, even if it means going against their friend’s wishes.
Always remind them help is available if they ever find themselves in that position. Validate their feelings by saying things like “That must be hard” or “It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot.” Suggest people or places they can turn to if they are ever having #suicidal thoughts. Always keep in mind: “The best time to talk about #suicide with your kids is when they’re not in a crisis,” says Morris.
If you or someone you know is having #suicidal thoughts, please call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255, visit #SuicidePreventionLifeline.org or text “START” to 741-741 to immediately speak to a trained counselor at Crisis Text Line.
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
