James Donaldson on Mental Health - To curb surge in deaths by suicide among Black youth, NCDHHS launches action plan

By Sean Coffey 

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There are renewed efforts by state mental health experts to get potentially life-saving resources to those who need them most.

According to the NCDHHS, rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts in Black kids are surging across the state, leading them to release a new action plan with hopes of reversing that trend.

Recent NCDHHS analysis found that around 16.9% of Black high school students and 36.6% of Black middle school students reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide, and that Black kids are overrepresented in suicides and attempts but underrepresented in calls to the 988 Lifeline.

The agency's six-objective plan lays out specific goals to combat suicide and suicidal ideation in young Black people, including strengthening mental health resources, reducing access to firearms and lethal weapons, and improving awareness.

I'm so happy that they're taking mental health seriously.

Missy Wright

"The urgency is now," said the NCDHHS' Kelly Crosbie, who helped author the plan. "We don't want one more child to harm themselves, or one more child to think about not being here anymore. So I think it's a pretty assertive plan."

Missy Wright knows well the pain associated with suicide. Wright's daughter, 18-year-old Asia Babbitt, died by suicide in 2015 while in her freshman year at Bennett College. That ordeal left her family shaken but determined to raise awareness, including through Missy's foundation, "Forever My Asia."

"As soon as my daughter passed away, I prayed to God. And what he wanted me to do, he said, he wanted me to bring awareness to mental health," Wright said on Wednesday.

ABC11 spoke with Wright about the new efforts from state mental health leaders and how they hope it might make a difference.

#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
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Asia BobbittEdnitta Wright, Asia's Mom

"I'm so happy that they're taking mental health seriously. I see it every day. Every single day is not a day that doesn't go by that someone don't call my phone either, apparently, or, you know, young adult and wanting to take their life," she said.

The new plan also seeks what's called COPE -- The Community of Practice and Education -- that champions suicide prevention efforts in Black kids. According to Mark Simon, Executive Director of NAMI Wake County, part of the struggle on this issue surrounds the major barriers to care for Black children and the stigma around it.

"There's lack of culturally competent care that is important for Black and POC youth. There's systemic racism, identity-based biases that may cause stress and things like that," Simon said.

Simon told ABC11 he's encouraged by the action plan.

"There's a lot of uncertainty around the world right now, which is really affecting people of color. So to see and to see the state taking interest and making recent, you know, investments in this work is really important," he said.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-to-curb-surge-in-deaths-by-suicide-among-black-youth-ncdhhs-launches-action-plan/

By Sean Coffey 

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- There are renewed efforts by state mental health experts to get potentially life-saving resources to those who need them most.

According to the NCDHHS, rates of suicide and suicidal thoughts in Black kids are surging across the state, leading them to release a new action plan with hopes of reversing that trend.

Recent NCDHHS analysis found that around 16.9% of Black high school students and 36.6% of Black middle school students reported experiencing serious thoughts of suicide, and that Black kids are overrepresented in suicides and attempts but underrepresented in calls to the 988 Lifeline.

The agency's six-objective plan lays out specific goals to combat suicide and suicidal ideation in young Black people, including strengthening mental health resources, reducing access to firearms and lethal weapons, and improving awareness.

I'm so happy that they're taking mental health seriously.

Missy Wright

"The urgency is now," said the NCDHHS' Kelly Crosbie, who helped author the plan. "We don't want one more child to harm themselves, or one more child to think about not being here anymore. So I think it's a pretty assertive plan."

Missy Wright knows well the pain associated with suicide. Wright's daughter, 18-year-old Asia Babbitt, died by suicide in 2015 while in her freshman year at Bennett College. That ordeal left her family shaken but determined to raise awareness, including through Missy's foundation, "Forever My Asia."

"As soon as my daughter passed away, I prayed to God. And what he wanted me to do, he said, he wanted me to bring awareness to mental health," Wright said on Wednesday.

ABC11 spoke with Wright about the new efforts from state mental health leaders and how they hope it might make a difference.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Asia BobbittEdnitta Wright, Asia's Mom

"I'm so happy that they're taking mental health seriously. I see it every day. Every single day is not a day that doesn't go by that someone don't call my phone either, apparently, or, you know, young adult and wanting to take their life," she said.

The new plan also seeks what's called COPE -- The Community of Practice and Education -- that champions suicide prevention efforts in Black kids. According to Mark Simon, Executive Director of NAMI Wake County, part of the struggle on this issue surrounds the major barriers to care for Black children and the stigma around it.

"There's lack of culturally competent care that is important for Black and POC youth. There's systemic racism, identity-based biases that may cause stress and things like that," Simon said.

Simon told ABC11 he's encouraged by the action plan.

"There's a lot of uncertainty around the world right now, which is really affecting people of color. So to see and to see the state taking interest and making recent, you know, investments in this work is really important," he said. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-to-curb-surge-in-deaths-by-suicide-among-black-youth-ncdhhs-launches-action-plan/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Why has there been a rise in the number of suicides among people in their 30s in Singapore?

People in their 30s often form what is called the “sandwich generation”, where they are stretched on both ends for caregiving

SINGAPORE: Financial commitments, being stretched by caregiving on both ends and career pressures - this is why some people in their 30s become overwhelmed and suffer burnout, said experts.

In some cases, people take their own lives. According to provisional data released on Saturday (Jul 19), 75 people in their 30s killed themselves in 2024, up from 66 the year before. It was the age group with the highest number of suicides last year.

People in their 30s experience a range of complex pressures, said the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), including family issues, job stability and mental health challenges.

Suicide is rarely due to a single cause. It results from an “interplay of biological, psychological, social and cultural risk factors”, coupled with a lack of resilience factors, said Dr Sharon Lu, principal clinical psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

“It is often assumed that depression is the cause of all suicides, but suicide is often due to the interaction of a myriad of factors and life circumstances,” she added.

“Depression may be one of the many stressors an individual is struggling with, but someone who is not depressed can still be suicidal.”

“SANDWICH GENERATION”

People in their 30s often form what is called the “sandwich generation”, where they are juggling many responsibilities – building careers, raising young children, supporting ageing parents, while managing financial commitments.

People in this age group also face other “distinct stressors” that can significantly impact their mental health, said Dr Lu.

These include concerns about job security coinciding with substantial financial responsibilities, such as a housing loan and family expenses.

“Many are simultaneously managing parenting responsibilities, maintaining relationships, and caring for ageing parents,” she added.

“The pressure to meet societal expectations and perceived life achievements can further compound these stresses and create social isolation.”

Dr David Teo, psychiatrist and deputy medical director of Connections MindHealth, said some people may feel disillusioned if life had not turned out as they hoped.

“Goals and dreams from their 20s that remain unfulfilled can lead to a sense of failure or hopelessness,” he added.

Comparison is a big stressor, especially with social media, where people “constantly measure their lives against others’ and feel left behind”.

Dr Teo also pointed to potential chronic physical health conditions or mental health issues cropping up in this age group.

SOS’ senior manager and lead counsellor Chan May Peng said many people in their 30s are “at crossroads”, questioning career choices, navigating relationship commitments, or adjusting to caregiving roles, sometimes while managing these responsibilities alone.

“These overlapping stressors can take a toll on their emotional well-being and may contribute to increased distress or suicidality.”

DEALING WITH HIGH STRESS

The experts pointed to several signs that someone is highly stressed: changes in sleep and appetite patterns, physical fatigue, increased irritability and high anxiety. Some people may have feelings of guilt and self-blame.

One way to build strong social support is by staying connected with trusted friends, family or faith communities, said Dr Teo.

“Prioritising self-care is also key – setting healthy boundaries, ensuring adequate sleep and rest, and making time for activities that recharge them,” said the psychiatrist.

“Practising self-compassion can help too, by setting realistic expectations and understanding that setbacks are a normal part of life and opportunities for growth.”

He added: “I think it’s important for us to create a culture of safety where we can feel safe to share with others and to be human … We all have bad days and that is part and parcel of the human experience.”

Dr Lu said: “Sometimes, people may feel like they don’t have enough time for self-care, but it is not something to be done only when it’s convenient.

“Furthermore, maintaining clear work-life boundaries and building strong social support networks through family, friends, and community can provide crucial emotional support.”

Besides regular exercise, healthy sleep habits and stress-management activities such as meditation are useful. Developing financial literacy can also help with economic pressures. Ms Chan advised having “simple but intentional” strategies to better manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

Set aside short pockets of time each day to take a walk after work, spend 10 minutes in a park before heading home or listen to music. These can serve as a “mental reset” after a long day, she said.

“Journalling has also been helpful for some, especially when it includes reflections on daily experiences and ends with noting something they’re grateful for.

“This practice can shift focus away from overwhelming thoughts and foster a sense of perspective.”

She added: “While these steps may seem small, when practised consistently, they create space for emotional recovery and reduce the mental load that many in this age group carry.”

If people are experiencing persistent low mood, anxiety, hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, they should seek help early by consulting a professional, said Dr Teo.

#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
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

A way to handle stress is to a build strong social support

WHAT IF A LOVED ONE IS SUICIDAL?

“Have you been thinking about suicide?” Asking this simple and direct question is key to creating a safe space for someone to open up, said SOS’ Ms Chua.

Dr Teo said that many people worry that asking this question may “plant the idea”, but it actually shows that you care and opens the door for help.

“Encourage them to seek professional help immediately, and if possible, offer to accompany them. Check in with them regularly to remind them that they are not alone in their struggles,” he added.

There are warning signs to look out for: talk of death or suicide, expressions of hopelessness or feeling trapped, withdrawal from family, friends or activities.

They may also unexpectedly get their affairs in order, such as giving away possessions or writing a suicide note.

Social media posts can also offer clues.

“Pay attention to their online behaviours - what they like, comment on, follow or post. If you see someone posting status updates, photos or videos that suggest emotional distress or reacting to posts that promote negative behaviours, these may be some warning signs,” said IMH’s Dr Lu.

If someone does not want to talk, encourage them to seek help.

“Let them know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness and everyone deserves support,” said Dr Lu.

“You can offer practical support, such as offering to accompany them for their appointments, if necessary. You can also explore what coping resources they have tried so far and what they found helpful.”

But don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret, she added.

“Tell them you would like to be there for them, but you need to involve others, like a trusted adult.”

Even with the best intentions, trying too hard to give advice can be counterproductive. It is also unhelpful to tell people they are being selfish if they take their own lives.

“People who are suicidal are often already struggling with guilt and being a burden to others, and adding to their guilt will not be helpful,” she explained.

“Instead, let them know that you care for them, are interested in understanding them and invite them to communicate with you.”

Ms Chan said it is important to remain non-judgmental and patient, while showing genuine concern.

“You do not need to have all the answers. What matters most is being there, to listen without judgment, validate their pain, and encourage them to seek help,” she added.

People who want to be better prepared can be trained in SOS’ Be A Samaritan programme, where they learn to be a first responder.

“Even if you’re not a mental health professional, your support can be a turning point for someone in distress.”

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-why-has-there-been-a-rise-in-the-number-of-suicides-among-people-in-their-30s-in-singapore/

People in their 30s often form what is called the “sandwich generation”, where they are stretched on both ends for caregiving

SINGAPORE: Financial commitments, being stretched by caregiving on both ends and career pressures - this is why some people in their 30s become overwhelmed and suffer burnout, said experts.

In some cases, people take their own lives. According to provisional data released on Saturday (Jul 19), 75 people in their 30s killed themselves in 2024, up from 66 the year before. It was the age group with the highest number of suicides last year.

People in their 30s experience a range of complex pressures, said the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS), including family issues, job stability and mental health challenges.

Suicide is rarely due to a single cause. It results from an “interplay of biological, psychological, social and cultural risk factors”, coupled with a lack of resilience factors, said Dr Sharon Lu, principal clinical psychologist at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH).

“It is often assumed that depression is the cause of all suicides, but suicide is often due to the interaction of a myriad of factors and life circumstances,” she added.

“Depression may be one of the many stressors an individual is struggling with, but someone who is not depressed can still be suicidal.”

“SANDWICH GENERATION”

People in their 30s often form what is called the “sandwich generation”, where they are juggling many responsibilities – building careers, raising young children, supporting ageing parents, while managing financial commitments.

People in this age group also face other “distinct stressors” that can significantly impact their mental health, said Dr Lu.

These include concerns about job security coinciding with substantial financial responsibilities, such as a housing loan and family expenses.

“Many are simultaneously managing parenting responsibilities, maintaining relationships, and caring for ageing parents,” she added.

“The pressure to meet societal expectations and perceived life achievements can further compound these stresses and create social isolation.”

Dr David Teo, psychiatrist and deputy medical director of Connections MindHealth, said some people may feel disillusioned if life had not turned out as they hoped.

“Goals and dreams from their 20s that remain unfulfilled can lead to a sense of failure or hopelessness,” he added.

Comparison is a big stressor, especially with social media, where people “constantly measure their lives against others’ and feel left behind”.

Dr Teo also pointed to potential chronic physical health conditions or mental health issues cropping up in this age group.

SOS’ senior manager and lead counsellor Chan May Peng said many people in their 30s are “at crossroads”, questioning career choices, navigating relationship commitments, or adjusting to caregiving roles, sometimes while managing these responsibilities alone.

“These overlapping stressors can take a toll on their emotional well-being and may contribute to increased distress or suicidality.”

DEALING WITH HIGH STRESS

The experts pointed to several signs that someone is highly stressed: changes in sleep and appetite patterns, physical fatigue, increased irritability and high anxiety. Some people may have feelings of guilt and self-blame.

One way to build strong social support is by staying connected with trusted friends, family or faith communities, said Dr Teo.

“Prioritising self-care is also key – setting healthy boundaries, ensuring adequate sleep and rest, and making time for activities that recharge them,” said the psychiatrist.

“Practising self-compassion can help too, by setting realistic expectations and understanding that setbacks are a normal part of life and opportunities for growth.”

He added: “I think it’s important for us to create a culture of safety where we can feel safe to share with others and to be human … We all have bad days and that is part and parcel of the human experience.”

Dr Lu said: “Sometimes, people may feel like they don’t have enough time for self-care, but it is not something to be done only when it’s convenient.

“Furthermore, maintaining clear work-life boundaries and building strong social support networks through family, friends, and community can provide crucial emotional support.”

Besides regular exercise, healthy sleep habits and stress-management activities such as meditation are useful. Developing financial literacy can also help with economic pressures. Ms Chan advised having “simple but intentional” strategies to better manage stress and maintain emotional balance.

Set aside short pockets of time each day to take a walk after work, spend 10 minutes in a park before heading home or listen to music. These can serve as a “mental reset” after a long day, she said.

“Journalling has also been helpful for some, especially when it includes reflections on daily experiences and ends with noting something they’re grateful for.

“This practice can shift focus away from overwhelming thoughts and foster a sense of perspective.”

She added: “While these steps may seem small, when practised consistently, they create space for emotional recovery and reduce the mental load that many in this age group carry.”

If people are experiencing persistent low mood, anxiety, hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, they should seek help early by consulting a professional, said Dr Teo.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

A way to handle stress is to a build strong social support

WHAT IF A LOVED ONE IS SUICIDAL?

“Have you been thinking about suicide?” Asking this simple and direct question is key to creating a safe space for someone to open up, said SOS’ Ms Chua.

Dr Teo said that many people worry that asking this question may “plant the idea”, but it actually shows that you care and opens the door for help.

“Encourage them to seek professional help immediately, and if possible, offer to accompany them. Check in with them regularly to remind them that they are not alone in their struggles,” he added.

There are warning signs to look out for: talk of death or suicide, expressions of hopelessness or feeling trapped, withdrawal from family, friends or activities.

They may also unexpectedly get their affairs in order, such as giving away possessions or writing a suicide note.

Social media posts can also offer clues.

“Pay attention to their online behaviours - what they like, comment on, follow or post. If you see someone posting status updates, photos or videos that suggest emotional distress or reacting to posts that promote negative behaviours, these may be some warning signs,” said IMH’s Dr Lu.

If someone does not want to talk, encourage them to seek help.

“Let them know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness and everyone deserves support,” said Dr Lu.

“You can offer practical support, such as offering to accompany them for their appointments, if necessary. You can also explore what coping resources they have tried so far and what they found helpful.”

But don’t promise to keep suicidal thoughts a secret, she added.

“Tell them you would like to be there for them, but you need to involve others, like a trusted adult.”

Even with the best intentions, trying too hard to give advice can be counterproductive. It is also unhelpful to tell people they are being selfish if they take their own lives.

“People who are suicidal are often already struggling with guilt and being a burden to others, and adding to their guilt will not be helpful,” she explained.

“Instead, let them know that you care for them, are interested in understanding them and invite them to communicate with you.”

Ms Chan said it is important to remain non-judgmental and patient, while showing genuine concern.

“You do not need to have all the answers. What matters most is being there, to listen without judgment, validate their pain, and encourage them to seek help,” she added.

People who want to be better prepared can be trained in SOS’ Be A Samaritan programme, where they learn to be a first responder.

“Even if you’re not a mental health professional, your support can be a turning point for someone in distress.” https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-why-has-there-been-a-rise-in-the-number-of-suicides-among-people-in-their-30s-in-singapore/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Tips for coping with suicidal thoughts

We've some practical tips that other people have found helpful when they've felt suicidal.

They may not all work for you, or different tips might work at different times.

Some of the tips focus on making things feel less intense right now. Others are longer-term, to help you cope if suicidal thoughts return in the future.

This page covers:

- Focus on getting through the next 5 minutes
- Keep yourself safe
- Tell someone how you're feeling
- Calm your body and mind
- Distract yourself
- Challenge your thoughts
- Make a safety plan
- Learn ways to manage difficult feelings
- Make a happy box
- Practise being kind to yourself
- Connect with other people
- Look after your physical health and wellbeing
- Seek support for suicidal thoughts

This page is part of our guide to:

Suicidal thoughts and suicide prevention

If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, it's a mental health emergency.

I remind myself that this isn’t how I actually feel, and try to remember how I felt about things and people when I was in a good mood. If I hold onto those good things, they always pull me out of the dark place my mind goes to.

Focus on getting through the next 5 minutes

Taking things minute by minute can help make things more bearable. Try and focus on getting through the current moment rather than thinking too far into the future.

If you can, make a deal with yourself that you won't act on your thoughts today.

Our ways to help yourself cope in a crisis page has practical ideas to help you through the next few minutes. They include:

- Relaxing and calming exercises
- Making a plan for the next few hours
- Writing down your thoughts

Keep yourself safe

If you feel unsafe, these are some things you could try:

- Remove anything you could use to harm yourself, or ask someone to remove these for you.
- If you're in an unsafe location, try and get somewhere safe if you can.
- If you're on your own, try and find people to be with if that would help. For example, you could go to a public place like a library or visit a friend.
- If you have a safety plan or crisis plan in place, follow it. These plans are a good way to save ideas for helping yourself when you feel unwell.

If you're thinking of harming yourself, you could try using techniques for coping with self-harm. For example, you could:

- Hold an ice cube in your hand until it melts and focus on how cold it feels
- Tear something up into lots of pieces
- Take a very cold shower or bath

Our page on helping yourself if you self-harm has more ideas.

Tell someone how you're feeling

Telling someone how you're feeling can help you feel less alone and more in control. This could be a friend, a helpline, or even a pet.

You can contact a mental health helpline if you don't have anyone you know that you can open up to. Or if you want to talk to someone confidentially.

For example, you could call Samaritans on 116 123 if you want to talk to somebody about how you're feeling at any time.

Or if you'd prefer not to talk over the phone, you could try a text service such as the Shout crisis text service – text SHOUT to 85258.

Calm your body and mind

Some people find these tips can help make suicidal feelings feel less intense.

- Focus on your senses. Taking time to think about what you can smell, taste, touch, hear and see can help to ground your thoughts.
- Steady your breathing. Take long, deep breaths. There's a breathing exercise in our relaxation information that might help.
- Go outside or open a window. Focus on the sounds around you, temperature changes, and any sensations you feel. This can help you to feel more connected to your body.
- If you can, try getting a glass of water or sitting somewhere comfortable. Try and have something to eat if you're hungry.
Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs, as this can make you feel worse.

Distract yourself

Try and do something that takes your mind off the suicidal thoughts or channels your thoughts in a different way. You could try to:

- Watch a film or TV show, or something shorter like a music video if you're struggling to concentrate.
- Read a book or online article.
- Draw, paint, or do something else creative.
- Play a game or do a puzzle.
- Cook or bake.
- Listen to or play music.
- Use stress or fidget toys.
- Go for a walk to focus on things around you. For example, you could try to list 5 green things you see or touch different surfaces.

Challenge your thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming. If you can, try and challenge some of the things you think about yourself and your life when you feel this way.

- Write down what you're looking forward to. This could be eating your favourite meal, seeing a loved one, or the next season of a TV show.
- Make plans to do something you enjoy tomorrow or in the near future. The plans don't have to be big or expensive.
- Think about someone who cares about you and the positive things they've said about you in the past.
- Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself as if you were talking to a good friend.
- Tell yourself you can get through this. Repeat to yourself that you can get past how you feel right now. This can help you to regain hope and focus on getting through it.
- Remind yourself that you deserve support and there are people who can help, even if it's been difficult to get support in the past.

See our page on treatment and support for suicidal thoughts for information about different ways to find help.

I truly didn’t believe anything could help. But all of the small actions, like making a safety plan, telling one person, writing one thing down. They helped the most...My suicidal thoughts didn’t want me to believe that such small things made a difference, but they saved me.

Make a safety plan

A safety plan is a plan to support you at times when you may be thinking about suicide.

This plan is personal to you. But it may include:

- How to recognise your warning signs. You could think about any changes in your thoughts, feelings or behaviour that you noticed before you felt suicidal.
- Your coping strategies. You may have found certain things helpful for coping with difficult feelings in the past. Try thinking about how you can use these things to help you now.
- The names and contact details of people you trust. These are people you can ask for help if you're feeling distressed.
- The names and contact details of professionals who can support you, such as your local crisis team.
- Details of helplines and listening services. These services can help you when you're feeling distressed. Trained professionals can listen to how you feel and keep you company, for as long as you need.
- What you can do to make your environment safe. For example, removing things you could use to harm yourself.
- Details of a safe place you can go for support. This could be the home of a friend, family member, or someone else you trust.
- How other people can support you. For example, what you might need help with, or anything you don't find helpful from them.

Try to make a plan when you can think clearly about what you would find helpful. You might want to complete the plan with someone you trust, such as a friend or therapist. You could also give them a copy of the plan to keep.

Developing a safety plan can take some time. It's ok if you feel overwhelmed by it or don't know what to write. It might help to complete it in a few stages.

You can write out a safety plan by hand or keep an electronic copy on your computer or phone.

Staying Safe has safety plan templates you can download or complete online. And Papyrus has suicide safety plan templates available in English and Welsh.

Is a safety plan the same as a crisis plan?

A safety plan focuses on what you can do now to keep yourself safe.

A crisis plan also focuses on what has helped to keep you safe in the past, but is more detailed. It covers what treatment you would like to receive if necessary, and whether you've made an advance statement or decision.

Learn ways to manage difficult feelings

Finding ways to cope with difficult feelings and what makes you feel better can be helpful. You might want to try to:

- Take each day at a time. There will be good days and bad days. Try to focus on each day at a time and set yourself small, achievable goals when things are hard.
- Find coping strategies that work for you. Think about what helps when you're feeling overwhelmed. It could be listening to a specific song, dimming lights, or going to a place you feel comfortable.
- Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Suppressing your feelings when they happen can cause them to build up over time. And make them even harder to cope with. Let yourself feel what you need to. And use coping strategies to manage them if that's helpful.
- Learn what makes you feel worse. Some people might call these 'triggers'. You might find certain environments, situations, or things people say are triggers for you. You might not be sure what your triggers are. To help work them out, you can track your feelings using a diary, planner or journal.
- Avoid blaming yourself. If you've tried to take your own life, or thought about taking your life, you may feel guilty afterwards. But remember you can't help how you felt.

As someone who doesn’t have many friends, has no pets, and is estranged from some typical 'go-to' family members, focusing on things that you can do for yourself can be useful.

#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
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Make a happy box

Fill a box with memories and items that can distract you, give you comfort and help lift your mood when you have suicidal thoughts. Some people might also call this a 'hope box'.

The box can contain anything that's meaningful and helpful to you. For example:

- A favourite book
- Positive quotes
- Photos
- Letters
- Poems
- Notes to yourself
- A cuddly toy or blanket
- A perfume or smell that's important to you

You could also make a virtual happy box on your computer or phone. It could include links to things that help you feel better. For example, self-care apps, photos, playlists, or videos that make you laugh.

One idea I particularly love is a safety playlist, which you can fill with songs and music that not only might make you feel happier but also safer or stronger. You can then easily put it on for a mood boost or a distraction.

Practise being kind to yourself

Being kind to yourself can help improve your self-esteem and how you feel about yourself.

- Write a letter or email to yourself. Or write a note to yourself on your phone. It could include happy memories and mention people who care about you. This may be helpful to read when you're experiencing suicidal feelings. It could remind you of some of the positives.
- Makes plans to look forward to. Planning time to spend with others or doing things you enjoy can help you feel more positive about the future. It doesn't have to be something big like a holiday. It could be joining a club or catching up with someone for coffee.
- Do things just for yourself. Try to regularly make time for things you like to do. It could be doing a hobby you enjoy or going to the cinema or to a favourite café.
- Celebrate yourself. Write down your achievements and the things you like about yourself, however small. If someone compliments you, make a note of it.

Our pages of tips to improve your self-esteem could help improve how you feel about yourself.

Connect with other people

Spending time with people and building a support network can help with suicidal feelings. This may feel hard to do if you're isolated or feel very negatively about yourself. But there are groups and organisations that can support you.

- Try peer support. You may find it helps to talk to other people who've experienced suicidal feelings. Peer support brings together people with similar experiences, so they can share those experiences and tips to help each other cope. It can be in person or online. See our pages on peer support groups for mental health for tips.
- Volunteer. Spending time helping others can be rewarding. It can build your confidence and make you feel appreciated. You can find volunteer opportunities from different organisations on Do it.
- Join a group or class. This could be a group for a hobby you enjoy or a class to learn something new. You don't have to speak to everyone in the group or talk to people right away. But being around others regularly and sharing something you enjoy can help build connections. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-tips-for-coping-with-suicidal-thoughts/

We've some practical tips that other people have found helpful when they've felt suicidal.

They may not all work for you, or different tips might work at different times.

Some of the tips focus on making things feel less intense right now. Others are longer-term, to help you cope if suicidal thoughts return in the future.

This page covers:

- Focus on getting through the next 5 minutes

- Keep yourself safe

- Tell someone how you're feeling

- Calm your body and mind

- Distract yourself

- Challenge your thoughts

- Make a safety plan

- Learn ways to manage difficult feelings

- Make a happy box

- Practise being kind to yourself

- Connect with other people

- Look after your physical health and wellbeing

- Seek support for suicidal thoughts

This page is part of our guide to:

Suicidal thoughts and suicide prevention

If you feel unable to keep yourself safe, it's a mental health emergency.

I remind myself that this isn’t how I actually feel, and try to remember how I felt about things and people when I was in a good mood. If I hold onto those good things, they always pull me out of the dark place my mind goes to.

Focus on getting through the next 5 minutes

Taking things minute by minute can help make things more bearable. Try and focus on getting through the current moment rather than thinking too far into the future.

If you can, make a deal with yourself that you won't act on your thoughts today.

Our ways to help yourself cope in a crisis page has practical ideas to help you through the next few minutes. They include:

- Relaxing and calming exercises

- Making a plan for the next few hours

- Writing down your thoughts

Keep yourself safe

If you feel unsafe, these are some things you could try:

- Remove anything you could use to harm yourself, or ask someone to remove these for you.

- If you're in an unsafe location, try and get somewhere safe if you can.

- If you're on your own, try and find people to be with if that would help. For example, you could go to a public place like a library or visit a friend.

- If you have a safety plan or crisis plan in place, follow it. These plans are a good way to save ideas for helping yourself when you feel unwell.

If you're thinking of harming yourself, you could try using techniques for coping with self-harm. For example, you could:

- Hold an ice cube in your hand until it melts and focus on how cold it feels

- Tear something up into lots of pieces

- Take a very cold shower or bath

Our page on helping yourself if you self-harm has more ideas.

Tell someone how you're feeling

Telling someone how you're feeling can help you feel less alone and more in control. This could be a friend, a helpline, or even a pet.

You can contact a mental health helpline if you don't have anyone you know that you can open up to. Or if you want to talk to someone confidentially.

For example, you could call Samaritans on 116 123 if you want to talk to somebody about how you're feeling at any time.

Or if you'd prefer not to talk over the phone, you could try a text service such as the Shout crisis text service – text SHOUT to 85258.

Calm your body and mind

Some people find these tips can help make suicidal feelings feel less intense.

- Focus on your senses. Taking time to think about what you can smell, taste, touch, hear and see can help to ground your thoughts.

- Steady your breathing. Take long, deep breaths. There's a breathing exercise in our relaxation information that might help.

- Go outside or open a window. Focus on the sounds around you, temperature changes, and any sensations you feel. This can help you to feel more connected to your body.

- If you can, try getting a glass of water or sitting somewhere comfortable. Try and have something to eat if you're hungry.Try to avoid drinking alcohol or taking recreational drugs, as this can make you feel worse.

Distract yourself

Try and do something that takes your mind off the suicidal thoughts or channels your thoughts in a different way. You could try to:

- Watch a film or TV show, or something shorter like a music video if you're struggling to concentrate.

- Read a book or online article.

- Draw, paint, or do something else creative.

- Play a game or do a puzzle.

- Cook or bake.

- Listen to or play music.

- Use stress or fidget toys.

- Go for a walk to focus on things around you. For example, you could try to list 5 green things you see or touch different surfaces.

Challenge your thoughts

Suicidal thoughts can be overwhelming. If you can, try and challenge some of the things you think about yourself and your life when you feel this way.

- Write down what you're looking forward to. This could be eating your favourite meal, seeing a loved one, or the next season of a TV show.

- Make plans to do something you enjoy tomorrow or in the near future. The plans don't have to be big or expensive.

- Think about someone who cares about you and the positive things they've said about you in the past.

- Be kind to yourself. Talk to yourself as if you were talking to a good friend.

- Tell yourself you can get through this. Repeat to yourself that you can get past how you feel right now. This can help you to regain hope and focus on getting through it.

- Remind yourself that you deserve support and there are people who can help, even if it's been difficult to get support in the past.

See our page on treatment and support for suicidal thoughts for information about different ways to find help.

I truly didn’t believe anything could help. But all of the small actions, like making a safety plan, telling one person, writing one thing down. They helped the most...My suicidal thoughts didn’t want me to believe that such small things made a difference, but they saved me.

Make a safety plan

A safety plan is a plan to support you at times when you may be thinking about suicide.

This plan is personal to you. But it may include:

- How to recognise your warning signs. You could think about any changes in your thoughts, feelings or behaviour that you noticed before you felt suicidal.

- Your coping strategies. You may have found certain things helpful for coping with difficult feelings in the past. Try thinking about how you can use these things to help you now.

- The names and contact details of people you trust. These are people you can ask for help if you're feeling distressed.

- The names and contact details of professionals who can support you, such as your local crisis team.

- Details of helplines and listening services. These services can help you when you're feeling distressed. Trained professionals can listen to how you feel and keep you company, for as long as you need.

- What you can do to make your environment safe. For example, removing things you could use to harm yourself.

- Details of a safe place you can go for support. This could be the home of a friend, family member, or someone else you trust.

- How other people can support you. For example, what you might need help with, or anything you don't find helpful from them.

Try to make a plan when you can think clearly about what you would find helpful. You might want to complete the plan with someone you trust, such as a friend or therapist. You could also give them a copy of the plan to keep.

Developing a safety plan can take some time. It's ok if you feel overwhelmed by it or don't know what to write. It might help to complete it in a few stages.

You can write out a safety plan by hand or keep an electronic copy on your computer or phone.

Staying Safe has safety plan templates you can download or complete online. And Papyrus has suicide safety plan templates available in English and Welsh.

Is a safety plan the same as a crisis plan?

A safety plan focuses on what you can do now to keep yourself safe.

A crisis plan also focuses on what has helped to keep you safe in the past, but is more detailed. It covers what treatment you would like to receive if necessary, and whether you've made an advance statement or decision.

Learn ways to manage difficult feelings

Finding ways to cope with difficult feelings and what makes you feel better can be helpful. You might want to try to:

- Take each day at a time. There will be good days and bad days. Try to focus on each day at a time and set yourself small, achievable goals when things are hard.

- Find coping strategies that work for you. Think about what helps when you're feeling overwhelmed. It could be listening to a specific song, dimming lights, or going to a place you feel comfortable.

- Allow yourself to feel your feelings. Suppressing your feelings when they happen can cause them to build up over time. And make them even harder to cope with. Let yourself feel what you need to. And use coping strategies to manage them if that's helpful.

- Learn what makes you feel worse. Some people might call these 'triggers'. You might find certain environments, situations, or things people say are triggers for you. You might not be sure what your triggers are. To help work them out, you can track your feelings using a diary, planner or journal.

- Avoid blaming yourself. If you've tried to take your own life, or thought about taking your life, you may feel guilty afterwards. But remember you can't help how you felt.

As someone who doesn’t have many friends, has no pets, and is estranged from some typical 'go-to' family members, focusing on things that you can do for yourself can be useful.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Make a happy box

Fill a box with memories and items that can distract you, give you comfort and help lift your mood when you have suicidal thoughts. Some people might also call this a 'hope box'.

The box can contain anything that's meaningful and helpful to you. For example:

- A favourite book

- Positive quotes

- Photos

- Letters

- Poems

- Notes to yourself

- A cuddly toy or blanket

- A perfume or smell that's important to you

You could also make a virtual happy box on your computer or phone. It could include links to things that help you feel better. For example, self-care apps, photos, playlists, or videos that make you laugh.

One idea I particularly love is a safety playlist, which you can fill with songs and music that not only might make you feel happier but also safer or stronger. You can then easily put it on for a mood boost or a distraction.

Practise being kind to yourself

Being kind to yourself can help improve your self-esteem and how you feel about yourself.

- Write a letter or email to yourself. Or write a note to yourself on your phone. It could include happy memories and mention people who care about you. This may be helpful to read when you're experiencing suicidal feelings. It could remind you of some of the positives.

- Makes plans to look forward to. Planning time to spend with others or doing things you enjoy can help you feel more positive about the future. It doesn't have to be something big like a holiday. It could be joining a club or catching up with someone for coffee.

- Do things just for yourself. Try to regularly make time for things you like to do. It could be doing a hobby you enjoy or going to the cinema or to a favourite café.

- Celebrate yourself. Write down your achievements and the things you like about yourself, however small. If someone compliments you, make a note of it.

Our pages of tips to improve your self-esteem could help improve how you feel about yourself.

Connect with other people

Spending time with people and building a support network can help with suicidal feelings. This may feel hard to do if you're isolated or feel very negatively about yourself. But there are groups and organisations that can support you.

- Try peer support. You may find it helps to talk to other people who've experienced suicidal feelings. Peer support brings together people with similar experiences, so they can share those experiences and tips to help each other cope. It can be in person or online. See our pages on peer support groups for mental health for tips.

- Volunteer. Spending time helping others can be rewarding. It can build your confidence and make you feel appreciated. You can find volunteer opportunities from different organisations on Do it.

- Join a group or class. This could be a group for a hobby you enjoy or a class to learn something new. You don't have to speak to everyone in the group or talk to people right away. But being around others regularly and sharing something you enjoy can help build connections.

Blog: The poetry scene finally allowed me to be heard

It’s a safe space, an opportunity to belong, to be heard, to share and to feel free of the judgment we imprison ourselves with.

Look after your physical health and wellbeing

It can be harder to manage suicidal thoughts when we aren't feeling well physically or our wellbeing is low. Problems with our physical health can also make suicidal feelings worse.

Things like sleep, physical activity, and the food we eat can impact how we're feeling.

It's not always possible to manage all of these things perfectly, but our information might help with:

- Sleep problems

- Physical activity, exercise and mental health

- Food and mental health

- Mental wellbeing

From my experience, it can be really hard to give yourself the time to look after yourself and take a break. Because we tell ourselves we don’t deserve it. But we do deserve it. We deserve to rest, to be happy.

Seek support for suicidal thoughts

See our page on treatment and support for suicidal thoughts for ways to find help and support. These support options may help if you don't currently receive any support and want to start. But they may also help if the support you currently receive doesn't feel right for you and you want to try something different.

You might be experiencing an issue that's contributing to your suicidal feelings. Finding support for that issue could help. We have information that can help with:

- Money and mental health

- Recreational drugs, alcohol and addiction

- Housing and mental health

- Abuse https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-tips-for-coping-with-suicidal-thoughts/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Governor Newsom issues executive order to support young men and boys, address suicide rates

What you need to know: California is taking targeted action to address the mental health crisis among young men and boys today with a new executive order focused on suicide prevention, behavioral health, and helping find purpose through education, family, and work.

SACRAMENTO –  Governor Gavin Newsom today issued an executive order to address a growing issue — the alarming rise in suicides and disconnection among California’s young men and boys. The order directs a coordinated statewide response to improve mental health outcomes, reduce stigma, and expand access to meaningful education, work, and mentorship opportunities. The full order can be found here.

“Too many young men and boys are suffering in silence — disconnected from community, opportunity, and even their own families. This action is about turning that around. It’s about showing every young man that he matters and there’s a path for him of purpose, dignity, work, and real connection.”

Governor Gavin Newsom

“Women and men face different challenges — but there are systemic barriers we can take on together. Whether it’s the shortage of male mental health providers, outdated ideas about care work, or boys falling through the cracks in school, this Executive Order is a step toward real solutions. Our young men and boys are facing a crisis of loneliness and social isolation that is showing up in their mental health, educational outcomes, future economic opportunities, and more. Raising healthy boys will take all of us—moms, dads, teachers, coaches, and mentors—working together to find new ways forward.”

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

The executive order helps address this crisis, directing state agencies to create a new focus on this issue and creating new pathways to help reconnect men and boys with the support, assistance, and help they need. 

Ending mental health stigma 

Lack of mental health support and gender stereotypes have perpetuated a culture where men and boys feel unable to ask for assistance or support, leading to higher rates of disconnection, suicide, drug use, crime, and lack of participation in the workforce. 

Depression is ranked as a leading cause of death among men, and mental health conditions often go untreated among men because they are far less likely to seek mental health treatment than women.

This crisis impacts everyone. Violence is focused both internally and externally, affecting all people in the community. Men are responsible for almost 80% of violent crime, and almost half of female homicide victims are killed by a current or former male intimate partner.

Although California consistently has one of the lowest gun death rates in the nation, the toll remains too high – about 3,200 Californians lose their lives to gun violence each year, with suicides making up a significant share, especially among men. In California, men aged 15–44 die by suicide at 3 to 4 times the rate of women, often by firearms.

Strengthening mental health support

The executive order directs the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS) to develop recommendations to address the suicide crisis among young men. The Governor is also ordering CalHHS, with support from the Center for Data Insights and Innovation, to examine existing data on gender disparities to identify any gaps in service delivery and assess potential changes to address disparities.

Crisis of loneliness

Young men are more disconnected from school, work, and relationships than ever before, with nearly one in four men under 30 years old reporting that they have no close friends, a five-fold increase since 1990, with higher rates of disconnection for young Black males. A lack of social connection is associated with increased risk of poor health, including mental health disorders, poverty, and even premature death. 

This disconnection has pulled men out of the workplace. Labor force participation among men without a college degree is currently at historic lows, with about one in nine men aged 25-54 neither working nor looking for work. The unemployment rate for men in California is also higher than the rate for women, and college enrollment and completion rates for men have dropped significantly over the past decade.

Pathways to work and education

The executive order aims to reconnect men and boys with pathways to enter education or the workforce, including through service opportunities. The Governor is directing the Office of Service and Community Engagement, in consultation with the Office of the First Partner and the Executive Director of the State Board of Education, to identify opportunities for promoting and enhancing the participation of men and boys in service opportunities through California Volunteers. 

The order also will help improve opportunities for the full participation of men and boys as part of California Jobs First, the Master Plan for Career Education, the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, and the California Community Schools Partnership Program, which are being implemented by the Governor’s Office for Business and Economic Development, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the California Health and Human Services Agency, the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement, and the California Department of Veterans Affairs, and in consultation with the Office of the First Partner and the Executive Director of the State Board of Education.

The order also helps address the lack of male role models in educational settings, by directing the Executive Director of the State Board of Education and requesting the California Department of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to identify opportunities to improve recruitment of men as teachers and school counselors.

#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
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Ongoing funding for job training and apprenticeship programs

The Governor’s announcement of the executive order comes alongside the new announcement of $20 million awarded through the  California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) Training Funds. This funding will go to support apprenticeship training in the building trades. Apprenticeship funding is a key component of the Governor’s Master Plan for Career Education, which focuses on creating different career pathways that do not necessarily rely on a four-year college degree. Apprenticeships in the building trades are a debt-free option and can lead to stable jobs with family-sustaining wages and help support the Governor’s efforts to address this crisis.  

With California leading the way in apprenticeship programs nationwide, Governor Newsom aims to serve 500,000 apprentices by 2029; 219,784 registered apprentices have been served thus far.  

At-risk young men may also be connected to the workforce through California’s Youth Employment Opportunity Program, which helps young people ages 15 to 25 who may be struggling with school or work. Advisors for the program are available across California. In March 2025, EDD and the LWDA awarded approximately $1,700,000 of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Governor’s discretionary funds under the Opportunity Young Adult (OYA) Evaluation and Technical Assistance Program. These funds support organizations who help young adults reach educational and employment goals.  

Ongoing initiatives

The Newsom administration is in the midst of implementing several initiatives that are directly responsive to addressing negative outcomes for men and boys, including:

- California Jobs First, a statewide plan built with input from 13 regions to drive sustainable economic growth, innovation, and access to good-paying jobs over the next decade, paired with $125 million to support new projects and $92 million for new apprenticeship and job programs.
- The Master Plan for Career Education, which focuses on strengthening career pathways, prioritizing hands-on learning and real-life skills, and advancing educational access and affordability and complements additional investments.
- Mental Health for All, California’s plan to build a stronger and more equitable behavioral health system, with the goal to make sure every Californian — especially those who have struggled to get help like men and boys — can access high-quality mental health and substance use disorder treatment when and where they need it.  
- Proposition 1, passed by the voters in 2024 to modernize the state’s behavioral health care delivery system and provide $6.4B in bond funds to build treatment facilities and housing.
- The Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative, which invests billions of dollars to create a larger and more representative workforce supporting behavioral health for young people and improve coordination and integration across different settings delivering behavioral health care.
- The California Community Schools Partnership Program, which is transforming more than 2000 public schools into community hubs that provide integrated educational, health, and mental health services to students and families through more than $4 billion in grants. 
- California Volunteers, which is tasked with engaging Californians in service, volunteering, and civic action and operates the largest service force in the nation, in addition to facilitating volunteer and civic engagement opportunities across the state.

How we got here

Since taking office in 2019, Governor Newsom has been focused on building a California for All, investing in efforts to make government work for everyone by reaching underserved communities and demographic groups, expanding access to services that meet people’s basic needs so they can focus on pursuing opportunities and advancement, and actively assessing disparities in opportunity and outcomes to more effectively deliver governmental services to all intended beneficiaries.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-governor-newsom-issues-executive-order-to-support-young-men-and-boys-address-suicide-rates/