MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – Former Miss USA and Extra correspondent #CheslieKryst and Actor and Director Regina King’s son Ian Alexander Junior both died recently by #suicide. Kryst and Alexander were both young, in the spotlight, and #peopleofcolor.
Their deaths have shown a tragic trend in the #AfricanAmerican community, one that’s become worst since the #pandemic.
“The #pandemic wasn’t just a physical health issue; it also became a #mentalhealthissue,” said Uduak Afangideh.
A #therapist in Montgomery, Afangideh, has seen an increase in #patients of color. Many of her clients, she said, are afraid to tell their family that they see a #therapist.
“Our culture, our people, we don’t talk about #mentalhealth, and it’s interesting to me because I am Nigerian, and I see the roots of that in Africa. Even though it’s been years since the #AfricanAmericans came over, they still have that as part of them,” she said.
Statistics show this #mentalhealthstigma needs to change immediately. According to the #SuicidePrevention Resources Center, #suicide rates have decreased with #Americans. But, #black #suicide rates have gone up, and young #adult #suicide is highest among #AfricanAmericans. Some reports cite #mentalhealthissues, #racism, and #bullying as contributing factors.
“Those of us who are #therapists, especially #therapists of color, we have a lot of work to do talk about it, to normalize it for our people,” Afangideh said.
Changes in the world of therapy, including virtual sessions, insurance coverage, and more, have made therapy more accessible, and therapists hope it will continue to lead to change.
“Going to talk to a #therapist should be as normal as going to the #doctor if you have a headache or flu,” she said, “and people who have #therapists need to tell others and spread the word.”
To learn more about Afangideh Therapy, visit https://thealabamatherapist.com/.
#James Donaldson 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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
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
