#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
College of Public Health researchers Kathi Harp (left) and Tyrone Borders. UK Photography | Pete Comparoni
LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 9, 2019) — Since 1999, rates of #suicide have increased in nearly every state in the United States. In 2016 alone, nearly 45,000 lives were lost to #suicide.
This is a trend that has not spared the Commonwealth of Kentucky: #suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the state.
University of Kentucky College of Public Health faculty members Tyrone Borders and Kathi Harp utilized data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health to examine trends in #suicideideation, planning and attempts. The nationwide survey is conducted through in-person interviews of 60,000 people who are 18 years and older. It is meant to provide information about the epidemiology of #mentalhealth across the United States.
When the data were organized so rural and urban rates could be compared, Borders and Harp found that rural residents experienced higher rates at all three stages. Meaning, rural communities are more at risk of dying by suicide because they are more likely to think of #suicide as an option and plan an attempt.
The study didn’t examine ‘the why’ but did evaluate protective factors and risk factors. “We consistently found more education is a protective factor,” Harp said. While this specific study didn’t have data on why a person commits #suicide there’s a wealth of research on the topic. Economic depression is a factor that increases the risk of dying by #suicide. Fewer economic opportunities exist in many rural areas of America and Kentucky, especially in rural areas with economies that are heavily dependent on single industries such as farming, logging, and minerals and have lower educational attainment, Borders said.
One issue that can lead to these higher rates includes lack of access to #mentalhealthservices. Having a co-occurring #mentalillness like #depression or substance use disorder increases the risk. Borders and Harp say this knowledge should encourage the implementation of interventions that target stigma around #mentalillness and addiction – to encourage more people to access care. However, it should be noted that many people don’t have signs or symptoms of #mentalillness at the time they die by #suicide.
Borders, an expert on rural health is the Healthy Kentucky Endowed Chair in rural health policy at the UK College of Public Health, the editor of The Journal of Rural Health and is the director of the federally funded Rural and Underserved Health Research Center(RUHRC), which supported the study on rural #suicidalideation. UK’s RUHRC is currently one of just 10 centers funded by the Federal Office for Rural Health Policy and the first and only center in Kentucky. Borders also serves as a member of the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services. It was while serving on this committee Borders got the idea to do this study. In the federal government’s report on #suicideprevention there was no mention of rural America, though rates of suicide in rural America have been higher for decades.
Harp has also established herself as an expert in rural health as well and #mentalhealth and substance use disorders. After completing her master’s and doctorate in sociology at UK, she joined the College of Public Health as an assistant professor in the Department of Health Management and Policy. For four years she has worked on research focused on assessing barriers to health care, public policies impact on health and addiction #healthservices interventions.
The full report on rural suicidal ideation may be read here.
If you’re thinking about #suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one or would like support, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States, their number is 1-800-273-8255.
If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder, FindHelpNowKY.org is a real-time substance use disorder treatment availability locator and information center for Kentucky. Additional assistance can also be provided by phone at 1-833-859-4357.
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
