Are You Thinking of Suicide? There’s hope if you’re in crisis. You can talk to someone 24/7. Call or text 988.

Bennett McIntosh knows all about the Ask the Question campaign. As a registered nurse who works in the emergency room, it’s part of their screening to always ask the question directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” She’s also an avid runner who says that physical activity helps her own mental health. But up until a year ago, she didn’t know about the 437 Project.

“I was sitting on the couch watching the noon news, and I thought it was a really cool thing, 12 people are running across the state for mental health and suicide prevention. I’m a runner, so I started following along.”

Connecting With People in the Moment

The more she learned, the more she wanted to help, so she volunteered to run. The group ran 437 miles across the state to raise enough awareness to cut the number of suicides in South Dakota. A simply stated goal that, in her experience, worked based on a message she got after the event.

“Somebody who came to one of our community events reached out to the 437 Project team and they said they had a plan to kill themselves, but then they came to the event, listened to the speakers and then they went to seek help.”

That’s the one story they heard about, but McIntosh prays that’s more common, “There's one life saved and I think it's a pretty amazing thing. That person is so strong and it's really awesome, but one life lost is still too many. Impacting that that one person though, that's what it's all about.”

Why the 437 Project and Suicide Prevention Caught Her Attention

“I was going through some life changes, and there were days I was pretty sad about some things. I knew it was temporary, but it really got me thinking about how some people feel that down and sad to the point where they think things won’t get better and they feel the need to end their life,” said McIntosh. “So that was a big reason why I volunteered, just knowing I could help shed light on this topic to let people know that it will be OK.”

McIntosh said she made connections that’ll last a lifetime. Even now, months after crossing the finish line, she still feels the impact of her trek across the state every day, and not just because of a nagging knee injury.

“You go through so much and you learn so much through the four days you’re out there,” said McIntosh. “When you get done with this huge feat, when you realize that you just ran across South Dakota with 11 other runners, it's amazing.”

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Running Down Memory Lane to Remember Those Lost to Suicide

Of course it’s not just the running and her fellow runners that left an impact, it’s also the volunteers and the people who cheered them on along the way. Most importantly though, is the reason behind the run, which never strayed far from her mind, especially at the end. The final push to the finish line is called the memory mile, when people who lost loved ones to suicide hold up signs for the runners to see. That memory mile really stuck with McIntosh.

“We go home and we're excited that it's done, but those people go home and they still don't have a son, they still don't have a daughter or a mother or father. That really sunk in when I was away from all the noise and sitting in my house in the quiet with time to reflect,” she said. “You come down from that high, but then you remember that we did this to raise awareness for suicide prevention.”

Once the run begins, someone is running 24/7, except for a few community events along the way, when many of those stories are told. The hope is to encourage people to prevent suicide, in part by talking about it. The project is sponsored by Avera, which advocates for loved ones to not be afraid to ask people directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” if they see the signs someone might be thinking about suicide.

“I’ve had friends in my life and people in my life that reached out to me and told me stories I had no idea about,” she said. “Suicide is a hard topic to talk about, there's such a stigma surrounding it. I had so many people reach out to me and say they were a suicide survivor. That shocked me, I had no clue and I think we need to normalize people talking about those things because when people hear stories, they’re moved.”

McIntosh returned to work as a registered nurse at a rural hospital with a new perspective and a greater understanding, “It's life-changing. I think it's the best thing I've ever done in my life.”

She’s undecided if she’d run again, but she encourages others to sign up or volunteer.”

“I don't know if I'd run it, but I will absolutely 100% be involved, be an advocate for it. I will be involved for sure in all of the upcoming years.”

Ask the Question to Prevent Suicide

Asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide can provide hope. Avera’s campaign to prevent suicide provides resources to talk with your loved one and get them help in the moment. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16292

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Running Down the Stigma Surrounding Suicide

Are You Thinking of Suicide? There’s hope if you’re in crisis. You can talk to someone 24/7. Call or text 988.

Bennett McIntosh knows all about the Ask the Question campaign. As a registered nurse who works in the emergency room, it’s part of their screening to always ask the question directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” She’s also an avid runner who says that physical activity helps her own mental health. But up until a year ago, she didn’t know about the 437 Project.

“I was sitting on the couch watching the noon news, and I thought it was a really cool thing, 12 people are running across the state for mental health and suicide prevention. I’m a runner, so I started following along.”

Connecting With People in the Moment

The more she learned, the more she wanted to help, so she volunteered to run. The group ran 437 miles across the state to raise enough awareness to cut the number of suicides in South Dakota. A simply stated goal that, in her experience, worked based on a message she got after the event.

“Somebody who came to one of our community events reached out to the 437 Project team and they said they had a plan to kill themselves, but then they came to the event, listened to the speakers and then they went to seek help.”

That’s the one story they heard about, but McIntosh prays that’s more common, “There's one life saved and I think it's a pretty amazing thing. That person is so strong and it's really awesome, but one life lost is still too many. Impacting that that one person though, that's what it's all about.”

Why the 437 Project and Suicide Prevention Caught Her Attention

“I was going through some life changes, and there were days I was pretty sad about some things. I knew it was temporary, but it really got me thinking about how some people feel that down and sad to the point where they think things won’t get better and they feel the need to end their life,” said McIntosh. “So that was a big reason why I volunteered, just knowing I could help shed light on this topic to let people know that it will be OK.”

McIntosh said she made connections that’ll last a lifetime. Even now, months after crossing the finish line, she still feels the impact of her trek across the state every day, and not just because of a nagging knee injury.

“You go through so much and you learn so much through the four days you’re out there,” said McIntosh. “When you get done with this huge feat, when you realize that you just ran across South Dakota with 11 other runners, it's amazing.”

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Running Down Memory Lane to Remember Those Lost to Suicide

Of course it’s not just the running and her fellow runners that left an impact, it’s also the volunteers and the people who cheered them on along the way. Most importantly though, is the reason behind the run, which never strayed far from her mind, especially at the end. The final push to the finish line is called the memory mile, when people who lost loved ones to suicide hold up signs for the runners to see. That memory mile really stuck with McIntosh.

“We go home and we're excited that it's done, but those people go home and they still don't have a son, they still don't have a daughter or a mother or father. That really sunk in when I was away from all the noise and sitting in my house in the quiet with time to reflect,” she said. “You come down from that high, but then you remember that we did this to raise awareness for suicide prevention.”

Once the run begins, someone is running 24/7, except for a few community events along the way, when many of those stories are told. The hope is to encourage people to prevent suicide, in part by talking about it. The project is sponsored by Avera, which advocates for loved ones to not be afraid to ask people directly, “Are you thinking about suicide?” if they see the signs someone might be thinking about suicide.

“I’ve had friends in my life and people in my life that reached out to me and told me stories I had no idea about,” she said. “Suicide is a hard topic to talk about, there's such a stigma surrounding it. I had so many people reach out to me and say they were a suicide survivor. That shocked me, I had no clue and I think we need to normalize people talking about those things because when people hear stories, they’re moved.”

McIntosh returned to work as a registered nurse at a rural hospital with a new perspective and a greater understanding, “It's life-changing. I think it's the best thing I've ever done in my life.”

She’s undecided if she’d run again, but she encourages others to sign up or volunteer.”

“I don't know if I'd run it, but I will absolutely 100% be involved, be an advocate for it. I will be involved for sure in all of the upcoming years.”

Ask the Question to Prevent Suicide

Asking someone directly if they’re thinking about suicide can provide hope. Avera’s campaign to prevent suicide provides resources to talk with your loved one and get them help in the moment.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-running-down-the-stigma-surrounding-suicide/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - What Does OCD Look Like in the Classroom?

How to recognize the signs a child is struggling, even if they are hiding their anxiety

Writer: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

Clinical Expert: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

What You'll Learn

- Why is it hard for kids with OCD to function at school?
- What kinds of behaviors do kids with OCD show in the classroom?

For kids with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), school can be a struggle. Because these kids are often embarrassed by their symptoms and try to hide them, it’s hard for teachers to help them. Children with OCD sometimes act out in extreme ways, so teachers may think they have ADHD or oppositional behavior. But really, kids with OCD have a ton of anxiety and that makes school really hard.

When teachers know what to look for, they can recognize OCD in students and make sure kids have the support they need to learn. Here are some signs of OCD often show up in school:

- Going to the bathroom a lot
- Asking the same question over and over
- Checking doors, windows, lockers or desks over and over
- Getting stuck on tasks and having a hard time moving to the next activity
- Needing to do perfect work, like erasing a word over and over or going very slowly on a test
- Seeming distracted
- Tapping or touching things symmetrically or in a certain order
- Complaining of being tired or anxious

For children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, functioning in school can be complicated and very difficult. And for a teacher, it can be easy to misread the symptoms of OCD as oppositional behavior on the child’s part, or as ADHD.

But if teachers can recognize the behaviors associated with OCD, especially when a child is embarrassed and trying to hide their anxiety, they can help kids receive treatment or make adjustments to help them learn successfully.

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Here are the kinds of obsessive behaviors you might see in kids with OCD: 

Frequent requests to go to the bathroom: This could be to wash hands, if someone near the child was coughing or sneezing, or if they touched something that they perceive as contaminated. They could be washing items — pens, pencils, backpacks, books. It could also be an excuse to get out the classroom and just be away from everyone, and have some respite.

Constant reassurance-seeking: This takes the form of repetitive questions. “Are you sure that’s the answer? Could you tell me again? Did you hear what I said?” Checking doors, windows, lockers, desks. Over and over and over again.

Getting stuck on tasks: Sometimes kids with OCD will need to finish something to completion, or understand it to completion, before they’re able to move on. So if a child is working out what they did wrong on a math test, and the teacher says, “Now let’s open the textbook and start a new chapter,” they’re not going to be able to shift gears.

Retracing: If a child leaves the classroom and worries that they left a pencil behind, they’ll go back into the classroom and go to their desk and check. If they had a bad thought as they went through the doorway, they might have to “fix it” by going back through the doorway again saying a good word. If they had a bad thought when they went down a flight of stairs on the way to class, they might need to go back up that same stairway at the end of the period, even if it means being late to their next class.

Obsessive erasing: A child could be erasing a lot because the letters have to look perfect. Or they could have used a word that disturbs them. For example, if they have a fear of vomiting and they’ve written the word vomit, they might not be able to stand seeing that word, so they erase it. Kids start having erasers worn down to the metal. Teachers start to see holes in the paper. Words will be drawn over on the back of the page. A lot of different areas of writing become problematic.

Distraction: If a child is busy thinking that if they don’t turn the pen cap and count to four the right way then their mom is going to get sick, they’re not going to be paying attention in class. And if their teacher calls on them to answer a question, their distraction might look likeADHD, but it isn’t.

Slowness on exams and papers and tasks: Sometimes when kids take a long time they’re struggling with the perfectionism of needing to do things the right way. This could look like learning problems, or inattention, but it isn’t.

Avoidance: Teachers might see a child who doesn’t want to sit on the floor, or pick things up that touched the floor, or get their hands dirty in art class. They may avoid a lot of playground activities — kids with germ fears will look at the playground the way some adults look at the subway — it’s gross. Why touch anything there?

Tapping and touching symmetrically: If a child sits down at their desk and they accidentally kick the chair of the kid next to them with their right foot, they’re going to have to then kick it with their left foot. That might look like somebody who’s being oppositional, or somebody who’s got too much energy, but actually it’s OCD.

Complaints of anxiety and fatigue: There’s one interesting theory that kids with OCD are smarter than other kids. And if you consider how much thinking they’re doing, they’re really using their brain more frequently than a lot of other kids are. But when that’s coupled with a lot of anxiety, you can have a lot of fatigue. So it’s common for kids with OCD to want to come home and take a nap after school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is school especially hard for kids with OCD?

School can be especially hard for kids with OCD because of their anxiety and need to perform rituals, sometimes in secret. In the classroom, some kids might act out in extreme ways, so teachers think they have ADHD or oppositional behavior — when it’s undiagnosed OCD.

What kinds of behaviors do kids with OCD show in the classroom?

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-what-does-ocd-look-like-in-the-classroom/

How to recognize the signs a child is struggling, even if they are hiding their anxiety

Writer: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

Clinical Expert: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

What You'll Learn

- Why is it hard for kids with OCD to function at school?

- What kinds of behaviors do kids with OCD show in the classroom?

For kids with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), school can be a struggle. Because these kids are often embarrassed by their symptoms and try to hide them, it’s hard for teachers to help them. Children with OCD sometimes act out in extreme ways, so teachers may think they have ADHD or oppositional behavior. But really, kids with OCD have a ton of anxiety and that makes school really hard.

When teachers know what to look for, they can recognize OCD in students and make sure kids have the support they need to learn. Here are some signs of OCD often show up in school:

- Going to the bathroom a lot

- Asking the same question over and over

- Checking doors, windows, lockers or desks over and over

- Getting stuck on tasks and having a hard time moving to the next activity

- Needing to do perfect work, like erasing a word over and over or going very slowly on a test

- Seeming distracted

- Tapping or touching things symmetrically or in a certain order

- Complaining of being tired or anxious

For children who have obsessive-compulsive disorder, functioning in school can be complicated and very difficult. And for a teacher, it can be easy to misread the symptoms of OCD as oppositional behavior on the child’s part, or as ADHD.

But if teachers can recognize the behaviors associated with OCD, especially when a child is embarrassed and trying to hide their anxiety, they can help kids receive treatment or make adjustments to help them learn successfully.

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Here are the kinds of obsessive behaviors you might see in kids with OCD: 

Frequent requests to go to the bathroom: This could be to wash hands, if someone near the child was coughing or sneezing, or if they touched something that they perceive as contaminated. They could be washing items — pens, pencils, backpacks, books. It could also be an excuse to get out the classroom and just be away from everyone, and have some respite.

Constant reassurance-seeking: This takes the form of repetitive questions. “Are you sure that’s the answer? Could you tell me again? Did you hear what I said?” Checking doors, windows, lockers, desks. Over and over and over again.

Getting stuck on tasks: Sometimes kids with OCD will need to finish something to completion, or understand it to completion, before they’re able to move on. So if a child is working out what they did wrong on a math test, and the teacher says, “Now let’s open the textbook and start a new chapter,” they’re not going to be able to shift gears.

Retracing: If a child leaves the classroom and worries that they left a pencil behind, they’ll go back into the classroom and go to their desk and check. If they had a bad thought as they went through the doorway, they might have to “fix it” by going back through the doorway again saying a good word. If they had a bad thought when they went down a flight of stairs on the way to class, they might need to go back up that same stairway at the end of the period, even if it means being late to their next class.

Obsessive erasing: A child could be erasing a lot because the letters have to look perfect. Or they could have used a word that disturbs them. For example, if they have a fear of vomiting and they’ve written the word vomit, they might not be able to stand seeing that word, so they erase it. Kids start having erasers worn down to the metal. Teachers start to see holes in the paper. Words will be drawn over on the back of the page. A lot of different areas of writing become problematic.

Distraction: If a child is busy thinking that if they don’t turn the pen cap and count to four the right way then their mom is going to get sick, they’re not going to be paying attention in class. And if their teacher calls on them to answer a question, their distraction might look likeADHD, but it isn’t.

Slowness on exams and papers and tasks: Sometimes when kids take a long time they’re struggling with the perfectionism of needing to do things the right way. This could look like learning problems, or inattention, but it isn’t.

Avoidance: Teachers might see a child who doesn’t want to sit on the floor, or pick things up that touched the floor, or get their hands dirty in art class. They may avoid a lot of playground activities — kids with germ fears will look at the playground the way some adults look at the subway — it’s gross. Why touch anything there?

Tapping and touching symmetrically: If a child sits down at their desk and they accidentally kick the chair of the kid next to them with their right foot, they’re going to have to then kick it with their left foot. That might look like somebody who’s being oppositional, or somebody who’s got too much energy, but actually it’s OCD.

Complaints of anxiety and fatigue: There’s one interesting theory that kids with OCD are smarter than other kids. And if you consider how much thinking they’re doing, they’re really using their brain more frequently than a lot of other kids are. But when that’s coupled with a lot of anxiety, you can have a lot of fatigue. So it’s common for kids with OCD to want to come home and take a nap after school.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is school especially hard for kids with OCD?

School can be especially hard for kids with OCD because of their anxiety and need to perform rituals, sometimes in secret. In the classroom, some kids might act out in extreme ways, so teachers think they have ADHD or oppositional behavior — when it’s undiagnosed OCD.

What kinds of behaviors do kids with OCD show in the classroom? https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16290

By Mary Alice Miller

The 2020 report to Congress, titled “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America”, identified causes and solutions, and highlighted current research, practices and policy recommendations.

The report distinguished rates regarding suicide (completed suicide or suicide death) and suicidal behaviors (thinking about, planning or attempting suicide), with a particular focus on the rates of suicide and engagement in suicidal behaviors among Black youth. “With great intention,” stated the report, “we distinguish suicide from suicide behaviors in terms of rates.”

The report found “In youth ages 10 to 19 years, suicide is the second leading cause of death, and in 2017, over 3,000 youth died by suicide in this age group. Over the past decade, increases in the suicide death rate for Black youth have seen the rate rising from 2.55 per 100,000 in 2007 to 4.82 per 100,000 in 2017.”

In particular, the report stated, “Black youth under 13 years are twice as likely to die by suicide and when comparing by sex, Black males, 5 to 11 years, are more likely to die by suicide compared to their White peers. Finally, the suicide death rate among Black youth has been found to be increasing faster than any other racial/ethnic group.”

The report suggests that Black males are engaging in more lethal means when attempting suicide, which might explain how a 5-year-old could be listed as having committed suicide, likely from playing with an adult’s unattended gun.

“Although Black youth have historically not been considered at high risk for suicide or suicidal behaviors,” stated the report, “current trends suggest the contrary.

A subsequent study from Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, concurred. The study, “Still Ringing the Alarm: An Enduring Call to Action for Black Youth Suicide Prevention,” pointed to firearms as the second most common suicide method used by Black kids. For Black boys under the age of 19, the study found, firearms are the most common method.

A NYC Dept. of Health 2023 Data Brief reported suicide-related factors among New York City public high school students between 2011-2021. The data came from voluntary student surveys conducted in NYC public high schools by the Health Department and the NYC Department of Education. The 2019 YRBS had 9,534 respondents, 2021 YRBS has 3,944 respondents.

Suicide-related factors from students who responded “yes” to Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) questions found Suicidal ideation defined as reporting having seriously considered attempting suicide in the 12 months prior to survey; Suicide attempt defined as reporting having attempted suicide one or more times in the 12 months prior to survey; Feeling sad and hopeless defined as reporting having felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row during the past 12 months so that they stopped doing some usual activities; and Non-suicidal self-injury defined as reporting having done something to purposely hurt themselves without wanting to die (such as cutting or burning themselves on purpose).

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

The NYC Data Brief found the proportion of Black teens in New York City who felt sad and hopeless increased from 34% in 2019 to 41% in 2021, encompassing the prime COVID shutdown time period.Among racial groups, the NYC Data Brief found racial inequities exist among students who reported suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. In 2019, Black (16%), Latino/a (16%), and Asian (16%) public high school students were more likely than White (12%) high school students to report suicidal ideation.

In 2021, the difference between Latino/a (17%) and White (9%) students persisted. In 2019, Black (10%) and Latino/a (9%) high school students were more likely than White (6%) students to report attempting suicide. In 2021, the prevalence of attempting suicide was similar across racial and ethnic groups.

NYS Office of Mental Health convened a Suicide Prevention Taskforce in 2024 to address social isolation, depression and anxiety, including among communities of color.

“Suicide claimed the lives of 1,765 New Yorkers in 2022,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “And among high school-aged youth, growing numbers of girls, Black teens, and LGBTQ+ students report that they feel persistently sad or have suicidal thoughts.”

The NYS Taskforce stated “Suicide claimed the lives of 1,660 New Yorkers in 2021. It is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the age of 25 and 34, and the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults between the age of 10 and 24.”

The statement continued, “While the suicide rate in New York State has remained relatively stable since 2012, a recent report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted racial/ethnic disparities, including among black and Hispanic individuals.”

One across the board finding is that Black adolescents were significantly less likely than their peers in other demographic groups to receive mental health care, possibly related to stigma and distrust of mental healthcare providers. In addition, some youth may experience environmental stressors that may place them at higher risk, such as discrimination, violence, social media, AI, poverty, and homelessness.

Available mental health resources include NYC TeenSpace and 988.NYC teens (13-17) have access to NYC Teenspace, a free tele-mental health program powered by Talkspace, offering connection to licensed therapists via text, voice, or video, plus self-guided exercises, through their app or website (talkspace.com/NYC), requiring parent consent for therapy.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects to trained crisis counselors 24/7. They can help anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. It is available via call, text or chat 988. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16288

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Increasing Suicide Among Black Youth: Risk vs Rate

By Mary Alice Miller

The 2020 report to Congress, titled “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America”, identified causes and solutions, and highlighted current research, practices and policy recommendations.

The report distinguished rates regarding suicide (completed suicide or suicide death) and suicidal behaviors (thinking about, planning or attempting suicide), with a particular focus on the rates of suicide and engagement in suicidal behaviors among Black youth. “With great intention,” stated the report, “we distinguish suicide from suicide behaviors in terms of rates.”

The report found “In youth ages 10 to 19 years, suicide is the second leading cause of death, and in 2017, over 3,000 youth died by suicide in this age group. Over the past decade, increases in the suicide death rate for Black youth have seen the rate rising from 2.55 per 100,000 in 2007 to 4.82 per 100,000 in 2017.”

In particular, the report stated, “Black youth under 13 years are twice as likely to die by suicide and when comparing by sex, Black males, 5 to 11 years, are more likely to die by suicide compared to their White peers. Finally, the suicide death rate among Black youth has been found to be increasing faster than any other racial/ethnic group.”

The report suggests that Black males are engaging in more lethal means when attempting suicide, which might explain how a 5-year-old could be listed as having committed suicide, likely from playing with an adult’s unattended gun.

“Although Black youth have historically not been considered at high risk for suicide or suicidal behaviors,” stated the report, “current trends suggest the contrary.

A subsequent study from Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Violence Solutions, concurred. The study, “Still Ringing the Alarm: An Enduring Call to Action for Black Youth Suicide Prevention,” pointed to firearms as the second most common suicide method used by Black kids. For Black boys under the age of 19, the study found, firearms are the most common method.

A NYC Dept. of Health 2023 Data Brief reported suicide-related factors among New York City public high school students between 2011-2021. The data came from voluntary student surveys conducted in NYC public high schools by the Health Department and the NYC Department of Education. The 2019 YRBS had 9,534 respondents, 2021 YRBS has 3,944 respondents.

Suicide-related factors from students who responded “yes” to Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) questions found Suicidal ideation defined as reporting having seriously considered attempting suicide in the 12 months prior to survey; Suicide attempt defined as reporting having attempted suicide one or more times in the 12 months prior to survey; Feeling sad and hopeless defined as reporting having felt sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks or more in a row during the past 12 months so that they stopped doing some usual activities; and Non-suicidal self-injury defined as reporting having done something to purposely hurt themselves without wanting to die (such as cutting or burning themselves on purpose).

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

The NYC Data Brief found the proportion of Black teens in New York City who felt sad and hopeless increased from 34% in 2019 to 41% in 2021, encompassing the prime COVID shutdown time period.
Among racial groups, the NYC Data Brief found racial inequities exist among students who reported suicidal thoughts and attempted suicide. In 2019, Black (16%), Latino/a (16%), and Asian (16%) public high school students were more likely than White (12%) high school students to report suicidal ideation.

In 2021, the difference between Latino/a (17%) and White (9%) students persisted. In 2019, Black (10%) and Latino/a (9%) high school students were more likely than White (6%) students to report attempting suicide. In 2021, the prevalence of attempting suicide was similar across racial and ethnic groups.

NYS Office of Mental Health convened a Suicide Prevention Taskforce in 2024 to address social isolation, depression and anxiety, including among communities of color.

“Suicide claimed the lives of 1,765 New Yorkers in 2022,” Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. “And among high school-aged youth, growing numbers of girls, Black teens, and LGBTQ+ students report that they feel persistently sad or have suicidal thoughts.”

The NYS Taskforce stated “Suicide claimed the lives of 1,660 New Yorkers in 2021. It is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the age of 25 and 34, and the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults between the age of 10 and 24.”

The statement continued, “While the suicide rate in New York State has remained relatively stable since 2012, a recent report by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted racial/ethnic disparities, including among black and Hispanic individuals.”

One across the board finding is that Black adolescents were significantly less likely than their peers in other demographic groups to receive mental health care, possibly related to stigma and distrust of mental healthcare providers. In addition, some youth may experience environmental stressors that may place them at higher risk, such as discrimination, violence, social media, AI, poverty, and homelessness.

Available mental health resources include NYC TeenSpace and 988.
NYC teens (13-17) have access to NYC Teenspace, a free tele-mental health program powered by Talkspace, offering connection to licensed therapists via text, voice, or video, plus self-guided exercises, through their app or website (talkspace.com/NYC), requiring parent consent for therapy.

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects to trained crisis counselors 24/7. They can help anyone thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, experiencing a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. It is available via call, text or chat 988.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-increasing-suicide-among-black-youth-risk-vs-rate/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Tips for Beating Test Anxiety

Study strategies and coping skills transform attitudes

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah on Pexels.com

Writer: Rachel Ehmke

Clinical Experts: Matthew Cruger, PhD , Ken Schuster, PsyD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3b5VC5mEcY

What You'll Learn

- Why do some kids feel anxious when taking tests?
- What are some ways kids can prepare for a test to feel less anxious?
- How can kids stay calm while taking a test?
- Quick Read
- Full Article
- Why some kids get test anxiety
- Feeling more confident
- Better study strategies
- During the test
- Finding success

Lots of kids get stressed out by taking tests. This is especially true of kids who have anxiety, ADHD or learning disabilities, who may feel less confident in school. Worrying that they won’t do well can make it harder to focus in the moment, but learning strategies to manage anxiety can help. 

Reducing anxiety starts with preparing for the test by using study techniques that will boost their confidence. Reviewing the specific test format and taking practice tests, if they can, will make them feel calmer. So can guessing the questions that might come up and practicing answering them. Looking for big themes in the material is another active way of studying that can help kids remember information. 

It’s important to make a plan of attack for the test itself. Kids can remind themselves that it’s okay to skip questions and come back to them. Avoiding spending too long on one question is usually a good idea too. Calming techniques like using a stress ball or taking deep breaths can also help. If your child has especially bad test anxiety, they may even qualify for accommodations like extra time or taking a break partway through.  

Finally, encourage kids to remember that it’s okay if they don’t know the answer. Sometimes the best way to manage anxiety is to accept when they don’t know something and move on to the next question. 

When athletes are called upon to perform in high-pressure situations, many of them describe having peaked senses that they use to their advantage. They’re able to quiet their minds, zone out the audience, and make the catch. Kids with test anxiety have the opposite reaction.

“Anxiety also has the potential to shut you down,” explains neuropsychologist Ken Schuster, PsyD. “When kids are having test anxiety they can’t think clearly, they can’t judge things the way they could if they weren’t anxious. All of your other abilities get clouded up by anxiety.”

Why some kids get test anxiety

There are a number of different reasons why some kids might be more susceptible to anxiety. Test anxiety often goes hand-in-hand with learning issues. Children who have ADHD or a learning disability are often already feeling anxious about school, and when it’s time to take a test that sense can be heightened. “If I have ADHD and I am prone to inattention, if I start feeling anxious on top of that I’m going to have a lot more difficulty,” notes Dr. Schuster.

Likewise, when a student has a limited amount of time to take a test and knows that they process things slowly, they’re probably going to start feeling anxious.

Kids worried that they won’t do well, for whatever reason, are prone to more anxiety. Kids with an anxious temperament who worry about making mistakes or performing in general — from singing in music class to going up to bat at baseball — tend to feel more test anxiety. Kids who believe that they won’t do as well in a particular subject — like girls influenced by the stereotype that boys are better at math — may also be more prone to test anxiety in that subject.

Feeling more confident

The common denominator is that if you think you aren’t going to do well, you’re going to feel more anxious going in. “What I have seen when I work with kids who have test anxiety is they tend to say, ‘I’m so stupid,’ ” says Matt Cruger, PhD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. “That can’t be a helpful mindset to have when taking tests. In a more general way, I’m really trying to rehabilitate kids’ sense of themselves as competent learners.”

Learning strategies to bolster your confidence going into the test is a good approach. Often that starts with changing how you study. Dr. Cruger says that 90 percent of the students he works with don’t have an effective model of studying. “What they end up doing most often is rely on their memory of what they heard in class, or review their notes by reading them over,” he says. He helps them try other more active methods that give them more mastery over the material.

Better study strategies

Know the test format. “Imagine if you took the SAT but you never did any SAT prep. That could happen to a kid all the time,” says Dr. Cruger. “They studied the content but they didn’t know what the format was going to be, so they don’t feel like they are prepared.” So kids should try to find out what format the test will be. Multiple choice? True or false? Essay? A combination? Just knowing the format will help them feel more prepared and take away the shock they might feel when they are handed the test. And if it is possible to take some practice tests, do it.

Reorganize the material. Try to think about what the main ideas are in what the class has been studying. Outline the big events and issues, and think about the themes that unite them. This is a more active style of studying that helps kids think about what they have been learning in a different way from how it was presented, which will give them a richer understanding of it. And the better you understand something, the harder it will be to stump you.

Think about possible questions. Predicting and answering questions ahead of time helps kids gain more mastery over the material and feel more confident. But try to think flexibly. “We like our tests to require people to solve the problem, but often not in the way we taught them the problem,” warns Dr. Cruger. So if you know you will have some essay questions to answer, try to predict what the topics might be and practice writing your answer ahead of time. If you know there will be some word problems, think about how the things you’ve learned in class might be turned into a word problem. Look at the word problems that already came up on homework assignments.

#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

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

During the test

Even after having done all you can to prepare, it’s still good to be armed with some strategies for getting through the test and putting the brakes on any anxiety you might start feeling in the moment.

Have a plan: Dr. Schuster says that kids who learn and use basic test-taking strategies tend to feel more confident. For example, he recommends:

- Don’t spend too much time on any one question.
- If it’s a multiple choice test, read each answer and then cross out the ones you know aren’t right to help yourself narrow it down.
- Pick an answer and stick with it — we all have the tendency to second-guess ourselves and it can lead to wasted time and wrong answers.

Break things up: When you start to feel panicked, look for a way to change the focus. For example, Dr. Cruger says that if he sees a question that really throws him off during a test — the kind of question that makes him think, “Is this written in English?!” — he will sometimes turn to the last page and answer the last question first. “Somehow breaking up the routine seems to be helpful for getting things done,” he says. “Other people have told me they do this, too.”

Practice calming techniques: Sometimes kids like to bring things like worry stones into tests that they can use almost like a stress ball. Practicing deep breathing and using mindfulness techniques can also be effective.

Accept when you don’t know something. Sometimes the best way to manage your anxiety is to accept that you don’t know the answer to a question and move on. If you feel like the test was unfair and didn’t give you a chance to show your knowledge, you can advocate with the teacher later.

Accommodations Some kids who really struggle with test anxiety may also be eligible for accommodations during test time. For example, some kids might need to get up and take a break during a test if they are really starting to panic and need to calm themselves down. Sometimes kids get more time because they aren’t working at an optimal speed because they’re experiencing low grade panic throughout the test. Kids may even be eligible for a modified version of the test.

Finding success

Sometimes it can be hard to convince kids to start using new study or test-taking strategies. “You always need to sort of sell kids on the idea of trying something different,” warns Dr. Cruger. This can be frustrating for parents and teachers, who only want to help, but Dr. Cruger points out that “Kids are being asked to learn lots and lots of stuff from very well-intentioned adults all the time.”

If they don’t understand the rationale behind a new study method, they probably aren’t going to adopt it, so parents and professionals working with kids should be explicit about how a new technique might be helpful.

But when kids start feeling like they’ve studied well and they know the material and they have strategies to fall back on if they need them, their attitudes going into a test will transform. And having the right attitude is important. “I think the best test-taking mindset is something along the lines of ‘I’m a monster, I’m going to kill this test. There’s no way I can be fooled or do badly,’ ” says Dr. Cruger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some tips to help with test anxiety?

The best ways to cope with test anxiety include planning and practice. Reviewing the specific test format and taking practice tests will make kids feel calmer. So can guessing questions that might come up and practicing answering them.

What are some strategies to help with test anxiety?

What can parents do to help kids with bad test anxiety?

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah on Pexels.com https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-tips-for-beating-test-anxiety-2/