Harvard researchers discuss an exclusive study showing a sharp increase in NFL suicides since 2011. The findings highlight the importance of managing treatable symptoms and health disparities among Black former players.

By Tamara Brown

Former National Football League players have experienced a frightening spike in their rate of death by suicide compared with athletes in other sports, according to new data from Harvard University. The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, a comprehensive research program that studies the health and well-being of living former National Football League players, has uncovered a stark shift in the long-term mental health of former NFL players. While professional athletes have historically shown lower suicide rates than the general public, recent data indicates that former NFL players have faced a significant increase in deaths by suicide over the last decade—a trend not observed among their counterparts in Major League Baseball or the National Basketball Association.

The research, which examined death records spanning from 1979 to 2019, found that the suicide rates among NFL, MLB, and NBA players were virtually identical for the first 30 years of the study. However, starting in 2011, a sharp divergence occurred. From 2011 to 2019, the rate of death by suicide among former NFL players rose to be 2.6 times higher than that of former MLB and NBA players.

Rachel Grashow, the director of epidemiological research initiatives for the study, expressed that the sheer scale of the increase was unexpected.

"We were surprised by the magnitude of the effect," Grashow said. "In some ways, we weren’t surprised to see that it was on par with the other sports because we knew that already. Seeing that big of a jump was a sign that more could be done to support former players.”

Researchers suggest this trend may be linked to the "pivotal year" of 2011, when public and scientific discourse surrounding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) intensified, and after a series of high-profile NFL suicides. CTE is a neurodegenerative condition currently only diagnosable after death. The study offers the possibility that the widespread narrative of CTE as an incurable, progressive disease may be partially impacting the mental health and perceived hopelessness of living former players.

"CTE is a real condition that can only be identified after someone passes away," Grashow explained. "While symptoms of CTE among living former players remain incompletely understood, players experiencing trouble with memory, concentration, or mood may attribute these to CTE."

Because of the incurable nature associated with the diagnosis, players who believe they have the condition may experience a higher risk of suicidality. However, the study highlights a critical distinction: many symptoms often linked to CTE—such as irritability, memory issues, and mood swings—can stem from highly treatable medical conditions. These include sleep apnea, chronic pain, hypertension, diabetes, and low testosterone.

The research may be particularly relevant for Black former players. Alicia Whittington, who leads health equity and community-based participatory research for the study, noted that Black athletes often carry a heavier burden of mental and physical health challenges post-career.

"In the context of health equity, when you focus on those who are most affected by health issues, everyone benefits," Whittington said.

The study indicates that a career in professional football does not serve as a shield against the systemic health inequities faced by Black men in America. Despite the resources and physical fitness benefits associated with a professional football career, Black former players report poorer health across the board compared to their white peers. Whittington’s work centers the community in the research process, ensuring that the findings lead to actionable support for those most at risk.

Beyond the focus on brain health, the researchers suggested several other potential factors contributing to the rise in suicides. These include the "Werther Effect," a copycat or contagion effect following high-profile suicides, as well as broader societal changes like increased social isolation, financial stress, and the impact of social media. Changes in how medical examiners classify deaths after 2010 may also play a role in the documented increase.

#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

A primary goal for the Harvard team is to shift the conversation toward what can be managed in the present. While head injuries from a player’s career cannot be reversed, cardiovascular and metabolic health can be improved.

"We want former players to use our health checklist to go after what's treatable, after the things that they can change, because we think that actually can make a big difference," Grashow said.

This checklist was suggested by former players to help them advocate for themselves during medical appointments, focusing on heart, brain, and hormonal health. By treating conditions like hypertension—which Grashow calls a "silent killer" particularly prevalent in the Black community—players can protect both their heart and brain function.

The study, which has been in development for over a decade, currently follows nearly 5,000 living former players. Whittington stressed the importance of continued participation to strengthen science and provide better care for the community. Any player who signed a contract with a professional team from 1960 to the present is eligible to participate, even if they only attended training camp.

"I just hope that players will engage with our work and also remain connected to their community as best as they can," Whittington said.

For those in need of immediate support, the researchers highlighted several resources, including the NFL LifeLine, which offers confidential 24/7 consultation, and Silence The Shame, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health education and destigmatization.

Ultimately, the Harvard team hopes this research will empower former players to take proactive steps for their health while reminding them that they are not alone. As the narrative around football and brain health continues to evolve, the focus remains on supporting the men who are still here.

"Collectively, how do we better support players? How do we take care of those who are still with us, and encourage positive health activities that improve and lengthen life?" Grashow said.  https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16448

James Donaldson on Mental Health - EXCLUSIVE: New Research Explores Rising Suicide Rates Among Former NFL Players

Harvard researchers discuss an exclusive study showing a sharp increase in NFL suicides since 2011. The findings highlight the importance of managing treatable symptoms and health disparities among Black former players.

By Tamara Brown

Former National Football League players have experienced a frightening spike in their rate of death by suicide compared with athletes in other sports, according to new data from Harvard University. The Football Players Health Study at Harvard University, a comprehensive research program that studies the health and well-being of living former National Football League players, has uncovered a stark shift in the long-term mental health of former NFL players. While professional athletes have historically shown lower suicide rates than the general public, recent data indicates that former NFL players have faced a significant increase in deaths by suicide over the last decade—a trend not observed among their counterparts in Major League Baseball or the National Basketball Association.

The research, which examined death records spanning from 1979 to 2019, found that the suicide rates among NFL, MLB, and NBA players were virtually identical for the first 30 years of the study. However, starting in 2011, a sharp divergence occurred. From 2011 to 2019, the rate of death by suicide among former NFL players rose to be 2.6 times higher than that of former MLB and NBA players.

Rachel Grashow, the director of epidemiological research initiatives for the study, expressed that the sheer scale of the increase was unexpected.

"We were surprised by the magnitude of the effect," Grashow said. "In some ways, we weren’t surprised to see that it was on par with the other sports because we knew that already. Seeing that big of a jump was a sign that more could be done to support former players.”

Researchers suggest this trend may be linked to the "pivotal year" of 2011, when public and scientific discourse surrounding Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) intensified, and after a series of high-profile NFL suicides. CTE is a neurodegenerative condition currently only diagnosable after death. The study offers the possibility that the widespread narrative of CTE as an incurable, progressive disease may be partially impacting the mental health and perceived hopelessness of living former players.

"CTE is a real condition that can only be identified after someone passes away," Grashow explained. "While symptoms of CTE among living former players remain incompletely understood, players experiencing trouble with memory, concentration, or mood may attribute these to CTE."

Because of the incurable nature associated with the diagnosis, players who believe they have the condition may experience a higher risk of suicidality. However, the study highlights a critical distinction: many symptoms often linked to CTE—such as irritability, memory issues, and mood swings—can stem from highly treatable medical conditions. These include sleep apnea, chronic pain, hypertension, diabetes, and low testosterone.

The research may be particularly relevant for Black former players. Alicia Whittington, who leads health equity and community-based participatory research for the study, noted that Black athletes often carry a heavier burden of mental and physical health challenges post-career.

"In the context of health equity, when you focus on those who are most affected by health issues, everyone benefits," Whittington said.

The study indicates that a career in professional football does not serve as a shield against the systemic health inequities faced by Black men in America. Despite the resources and physical fitness benefits associated with a professional football career, Black former players report poorer health across the board compared to their white peers. Whittington’s work centers the community in the research process, ensuring that the findings lead to actionable support for those most at risk.

Beyond the focus on brain health, the researchers suggested several other potential factors contributing to the rise in suicides. These include the "Werther Effect," a copycat or contagion effect following high-profile suicides, as well as broader societal changes like increased social isolation, financial stress, and the impact of social media. Changes in how medical examiners classify deaths after 2010 may also play a role in the documented increase.

#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

A primary goal for the Harvard team is to shift the conversation toward what can be managed in the present. While head injuries from a player’s career cannot be reversed, cardiovascular and metabolic health can be improved.

"We want former players to use our health checklist to go after what's treatable, after the things that they can change, because we think that actually can make a big difference," Grashow said.

This checklist was suggested by former players to help them advocate for themselves during medical appointments, focusing on heart, brain, and hormonal health. By treating conditions like hypertension—which Grashow calls a "silent killer" particularly prevalent in the Black community—players can protect both their heart and brain function.

The study, which has been in development for over a decade, currently follows nearly 5,000 living former players. Whittington stressed the importance of continued participation to strengthen science and provide better care for the community. Any player who signed a contract with a professional team from 1960 to the present is eligible to participate, even if they only attended training camp.

"I just hope that players will engage with our work and also remain connected to their community as best as they can," Whittington said.

For those in need of immediate support, the researchers highlighted several resources, including the NFL LifeLine, which offers confidential 24/7 consultation, and Silence The Shame, a nonprofit dedicated to mental health education and destigmatization.

Ultimately, the Harvard team hopes this research will empower former players to take proactive steps for their health while reminding them that they are not alone. As the narrative around football and brain health continues to evolve, the focus remains on supporting the men who are still here.

"Collectively, how do we better support players? How do we take care of those who are still with us, and encourage positive health activities that improve and lengthen life?" Grashow said. 

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-exclusive-new-research-explores-rising-suicide-rates-among-former-nfl-players/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - ADHD and Substance Abuse

Why teens with the disorder are at higher risk for addiction

Writer: Christina Frank

Clinical Expert: Sarper Taskiran, MD

What You'll Learn

- How are ADHD and substance abuse in teenagers connected?
- Why do teenagers with ADHD use drugs?
- Are ADHD medications connected to substance abuse?
- How can parents help teenagers with ADHD avoid substance abuse?
- Quick Read
- Full Article
- The drugs of choice
- Additional risk factors
- ADHD medications do not increase risk
- What parents can do

Research shows that teenagers with ADHD are more likely to abuse substances like drugs and alcohol. Kids with ADHD may be drawn to substances that make them feel calm. Plus, their brains might be more sensitive to drugs. That can make them feel effects more intensely and sometimes get addicted faster. 

The most common drugs used by teenagers with ADHD are marijuana, alcohol and nicotine. Often they aren’t looking to get high. Instead, they’re looking for a break from ADHD symptoms like racing thoughts and hyperactivity. 

Having another mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety, makes kids with ADHD more likely to abuse substances. Kids who are struggling in school or with friends might also end up spending time with other kids who are more likely to take risks and experiment with drugs or alcohol. 

Some people think that ADHD medication can make teenagers more likely to use other drugs, but there is no evidence of that. Most studies show that medication doesn’t either increase or reduce the risk of substance abuse. Some research even suggests that treating ADHD symptoms with medication makes young people less likely to abuse substances. 

Parents of teenagers with ADHD can help by talking to their kids early about the dangers of substance abuse. Let them know that having ADHD can make them more likely to get addicted. Parents can also help their kids learn positive coping skills instead of trying to solve problems for them. That way, kids are less likely to turn to substances when they run into challenges.  

Finally, it’s important for parents to keep positive relationships with their kids. ADHD can cause fights and frustration at home, and the conflict can cause stress that pushes kids toward substance use. Family therapy and behavioral treatment for the teen’s ADHD can help families resolve tension. 

We know that one of the long-term effects of ADHD is a heightened risk for substance abuse. In fact,  research has found that kids with ADHD are two to three times more likely to abuse substances than kids in the general population.

This association is not surprising, given that the hallmarks of ADHD include trouble focusing, curbing impulsivity and sitting still, says Jeannette Friedman, LCSW, a therapist who works with families struggling with substance use issues. “So, when kids are introduced to a substance that calms them down, it feels good to them,” she says. “Trying to engage in more productive behaviors to manage their ADHD, such as meditating or going for a walk, becomes much harder because a substance provides such a quick fix. There’s just nothing that can compete.”

And ADHD can make teenagers more vulnerable to addiction, adds Sarper Taskiran, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute. Kids with ADHD tend to experience the effects of all substances more intensely. “Their brains are hungrier for these experiences because of their wiring,” he says. Being prone to impulsivity, they may also progress to addiction faster than neurotypical teens.

The drugs of choice

Most experts agree that marijuana is the number one substance being used by teens and young adults with ADHD, with alcohol and nicotine just behind it.

Dr. Taskiran notes that kids with ADHD are not so much looking to get high as to self-medicate.

“These kids are more hyperactive, more impulsive, and their minds move at a faster pace, which is sometimes tiring for them,” he says. “They tend to gravitate to substances which decrease the pace of their thoughts. Nicotine, and in some cases cocaine, are appealing because they increase attention in the short term, while marijuana can cause mild sedation and euphoria.”

Research has also shown that kids with ADHD have a higher rate of alcohol abuse.

Additional risk factors

In addition to being predisposed to substance use because of the symptoms of ADHD itself, teenagers with the disorder have other risk factors when it comes to excessive substance use, including:

- Higher risk of a co-occurring disorder. Kids with ADHD commonly have additional mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and oppositional defiant disorder. Having another disorder further increases substance abuse risk, says Dr. Taskiran.
- Environmental factors. It’s common for kids with ADHD to struggle academically or with fitting in, and they may gravitate to other kids (with or without ADHD) who share these struggles. “What happens is they tend to find themselves among the risk takers in the school where substances are more available for experimentation,” says Friedman.

ADHD medications do not increase risk

There is a misconception that the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are “gateway drugs” and can increase the likelihood of substance use, but this is not supported by the data, and in fact the opposite may be true.

A 2013 analysis of 15 long-term studies, which followed more than 2,500 children with ADHD from childhood intoadolescence and young adulthood, found that medication neither increased nor reduced the risk of substance abuse. “We found no association between the use of medication such as Ritalin and future abuse of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and cocaine” the study’s lead author said.

But a more recent study, a 2016 analysis of Medicaid data for 150,000 young people with ADHD, found that those who took medication were 7.3% less likely to develop a substance-use disorder than their peers with ADHD who didn’t take medication. In other words, treating ADHD effectively may help protect against substance abuse.

#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

What parents can do

The most important thing for parents to do is to have their child evaluated — and treated — as soon as possible if they seem unusually restless, distracted and forgetful. Aside from that, parents should make sure to:

Talk to your children about substance use early

Let your child know that having ADHD makes them more vulnerable to addiction than their peers without ADHD, advises Friedman, and make sure your child understands that the best way to avoid trouble is to avoid illicit drugs altogether.

Dr. Taskiran adds that kids with ADHD struggle with planning and organization, so they tend to leave drug-related paraphernalia around more. “They can’t hide it, so their parents find out actually faster than peers who don’t have ADHD,” he says. That often gives parents an opportunity to address the topic with their child. But he urges parents not to come on too strong. “They have to take a nonjudgmental stance because having a positive relationship is even more important than trying to nip it in the bud.”

Don’t over-accommodate

Parents of kids with ADHD who are struggling may try to ease their child’s frustration by making allowances for them, says Friedman. “They’ll say, ‘Poor kid, what can we do for them? How do we rearrange things so that they’re more comfortable?’” This can backfire because it prevents kids from learning to manage their challenges. And if a teen can’t manage their challenges, they may turn to a substance to reduce their anxiety. As some experts say, notes Friedman, don’t rearrange the furniture. Teach them tools to walk around the furniture.

Maintain positive communication

Parents of children with ADHD who are struggling in school may focus so much on academic success, says Friedman, that it creates constant conflict between the parent and the child. And that conflict becomes stressful to the child, who may not have effective skills for handling uncomfortable emotions. “They can’t do conflict monitoring as efficiently as their peers, so they respond to distress with less efficient coping skills,” says Friedman. “They turn to self-medication and they turn to substances because they’re not able to self-regulate.

Friedman urges families to not only seek treatment for a child’s ADHD, but to work on maintaining a positive relationship, which can be difficult. “If they find themselves in constant conflict with their child, they also need to seek out measures to resolve that conflict, whether through family therapy or behavioral treatment strategies,” she recommends. “They need to be really mindful of their relationship with their child.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ADHD and addiction linked?

Do ADHD drugs cause addiction in teens?

Why are kids with ADHD more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol?

Kids with ADHD who use drugs and alcohol often aren’t looking to get high. Instead, they’re looking for a break from ADHD symptoms like racing thoughts and hyperactivity. The most common drugs used by teenagers with ADHD are marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-adhd-and-substance-abuse/

Why teens with the disorder are at higher risk for addiction

Writer: Christina Frank

Clinical Expert: Sarper Taskiran, MD

What You'll Learn

- How are ADHD and substance abuse in teenagers connected?

- Why do teenagers with ADHD use drugs?

- Are ADHD medications connected to substance abuse?

- How can parents help teenagers with ADHD avoid substance abuse?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- The drugs of choice

- Additional risk factors

- ADHD medications do not increase risk

- What parents can do

Research shows that teenagers with ADHD are more likely to abuse substances like drugs and alcohol. Kids with ADHD may be drawn to substances that make them feel calm. Plus, their brains might be more sensitive to drugs. That can make them feel effects more intensely and sometimes get addicted faster. 

The most common drugs used by teenagers with ADHD are marijuana, alcohol and nicotine. Often they aren’t looking to get high. Instead, they’re looking for a break from ADHD symptoms like racing thoughts and hyperactivity. 

Having another mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety, makes kids with ADHD more likely to abuse substances. Kids who are struggling in school or with friends might also end up spending time with other kids who are more likely to take risks and experiment with drugs or alcohol. 

Some people think that ADHD medication can make teenagers more likely to use other drugs, but there is no evidence of that. Most studies show that medication doesn’t either increase or reduce the risk of substance abuse. Some research even suggests that treating ADHD symptoms with medication makes young people less likely to abuse substances. 

Parents of teenagers with ADHD can help by talking to their kids early about the dangers of substance abuse. Let them know that having ADHD can make them more likely to get addicted. Parents can also help their kids learn positive coping skills instead of trying to solve problems for them. That way, kids are less likely to turn to substances when they run into challenges.  

Finally, it’s important for parents to keep positive relationships with their kids. ADHD can cause fights and frustration at home, and the conflict can cause stress that pushes kids toward substance use. Family therapy and behavioral treatment for the teen’s ADHD can help families resolve tension. 

We know that one of the long-term effects of ADHD is a heightened risk for substance abuse. In fact,  research has found that kids with ADHD are two to three times more likely to abuse substances than kids in the general population.

This association is not surprising, given that the hallmarks of ADHD include trouble focusing, curbing impulsivity and sitting still, says Jeannette Friedman, LCSW, a therapist who works with families struggling with substance use issues. “So, when kids are introduced to a substance that calms them down, it feels good to them,” she says. “Trying to engage in more productive behaviors to manage their ADHD, such as meditating or going for a walk, becomes much harder because a substance provides such a quick fix. There’s just nothing that can compete.”

And ADHD can make teenagers more vulnerable to addiction, adds Sarper Taskiran, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute. Kids with ADHD tend to experience the effects of all substances more intensely. “Their brains are hungrier for these experiences because of their wiring,” he says. Being prone to impulsivity, they may also progress to addiction faster than neurotypical teens.

The drugs of choice

Most experts agree that marijuana is the number one substance being used by teens and young adults with ADHD, with alcohol and nicotine just behind it.

Dr. Taskiran notes that kids with ADHD are not so much looking to get high as to self-medicate.

“These kids are more hyperactive, more impulsive, and their minds move at a faster pace, which is sometimes tiring for them,” he says. “They tend to gravitate to substances which decrease the pace of their thoughts. Nicotine, and in some cases cocaine, are appealing because they increase attention in the short term, while marijuana can cause mild sedation and euphoria.”

Research has also shown that kids with ADHD have a higher rate of alcohol abuse.

Additional risk factors

In addition to being predisposed to substance use because of the symptoms of ADHD itself, teenagers with the disorder have other risk factors when it comes to excessive substance use, including:

- Higher risk of a co-occurring disorder. Kids with ADHD commonly have additional mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression and oppositional defiant disorder. Having another disorder further increases substance abuse risk, says Dr. Taskiran.

- Environmental factors. It’s common for kids with ADHD to struggle academically or with fitting in, and they may gravitate to other kids (with or without ADHD) who share these struggles. “What happens is they tend to find themselves among the risk takers in the school where substances are more available for experimentation,” says Friedman.

ADHD medications do not increase risk

There is a misconception that the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD are “gateway drugs” and can increase the likelihood of substance use, but this is not supported by the data, and in fact the opposite may be true.

A 2013 analysis of 15 long-term studies, which followed more than 2,500 children with ADHD from childhood intoadolescence and young adulthood, found that medication neither increased nor reduced the risk of substance abuse. “We found no association between the use of medication such as Ritalin and future abuse of alcohol, nicotine, marijuana and cocaine” the study’s lead author said.

But a more recent study, a 2016 analysis of Medicaid data for 150,000 young people with ADHD, found that those who took medication were 7.3% less likely to develop a substance-use disorder than their peers with ADHD who didn’t take medication. In other words, treating ADHD effectively may help protect against substance abuse.

#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

What parents can do

The most important thing for parents to do is to have their child evaluated — and treated — as soon as possible if they seem unusually restless, distracted and forgetful. Aside from that, parents should make sure to:

Talk to your children about substance use early

Let your child know that having ADHD makes them more vulnerable to addiction than their peers without ADHD, advises Friedman, and make sure your child understands that the best way to avoid trouble is to avoid illicit drugs altogether.

Dr. Taskiran adds that kids with ADHD struggle with planning and organization, so they tend to leave drug-related paraphernalia around more. “They can’t hide it, so their parents find out actually faster than peers who don’t have ADHD,” he says. That often gives parents an opportunity to address the topic with their child. But he urges parents not to come on too strong. “They have to take a nonjudgmental stance because having a positive relationship is even more important than trying to nip it in the bud.”

Don’t over-accommodate

Parents of kids with ADHD who are struggling may try to ease their child’s frustration by making allowances for them, says Friedman. “They’ll say, ‘Poor kid, what can we do for them? How do we rearrange things so that they’re more comfortable?’” This can backfire because it prevents kids from learning to manage their challenges. And if a teen can’t manage their challenges, they may turn to a substance to reduce their anxiety. As some experts say, notes Friedman, don’t rearrange the furniture. Teach them tools to walk around the furniture.

Maintain positive communication

Parents of children with ADHD who are struggling in school may focus so much on academic success, says Friedman, that it creates constant conflict between the parent and the child. And that conflict becomes stressful to the child, who may not have effective skills for handling uncomfortable emotions. “They can’t do conflict monitoring as efficiently as their peers, so they respond to distress with less efficient coping skills,” says Friedman. “They turn to self-medication and they turn to substances because they’re not able to self-regulate.

Friedman urges families to not only seek treatment for a child’s ADHD, but to work on maintaining a positive relationship, which can be difficult. “If they find themselves in constant conflict with their child, they also need to seek out measures to resolve that conflict, whether through family therapy or behavioral treatment strategies,” she recommends. “They need to be really mindful of their relationship with their child.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ADHD and addiction linked?

Do ADHD drugs cause addiction in teens?

Why are kids with ADHD more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol?

Kids with ADHD who use drugs and alcohol often aren’t looking to get high. Instead, they’re looking for a break from ADHD symptoms like racing thoughts and hyperactivity. The most common drugs used by teenagers with ADHD are marijuana, alcohol, and nicotine. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16446

Warnings of mental ill-health epidemic for those aged 45 to 49 who juggle care for children and parents

Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com

Marny Jolly was in her mid-forties and struggling with menopause symptoms when her husband had an affair and left her. Initially, she “kept ploughing through with a stiff upper lip”, working full-time as a primary school teacher and being there for her two children. But the stress built up until she “couldn’t cope any more” and had a breakdown.

“I couldn’t get out of bed for 36 hours and I was signed off from work. I could barely string a sentence together. It was a scary experience and I felt numb,” said Jolly, 58, who lives in Cambridge.

She is among a large cohort of women who experience mental health crises in middle age, often “jolted” by a major life event such as grief or divorce. This age group are part of a “sandwich generation”, juggling caring for children with elderly parents, while going through the menopause.

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics showed that suicide rates peaked among women aged between 45-49, followed by the 55-59 age group. While men have higher overall suicide rates, women’s rates have increased by one third over the past decade.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has warned of an “epidemic of silence” among middle-aged women, who often put others’ feelings first and try to keep a “stiff upper lip”.

A survey of 2,000 women found that two thirds had struggled with mental health since turning 50, and almost nine in ten admitted to hiding mental health problems.

Jolly described how many women her age were “trying to balance too many balls: career, motherhood, children, husbands, holidays, friends”. After her breakdown in 2014, she was referred for eight sessions of therapy via her work, which empowered her to start divorce proceedings and “start to become confident and proud of who I am”.

Jolly has since sought therapy on other occasions, such as after physical illness, and has urged other women to seek help. She said: “I always say to people, ‘We’re quite strange as women, we keep it all in and carry on and plough on. If we find a lump in our breast we know we see a doctor, but if we have a blip in our heads, we struggle to see a mental health professional’.”

Louise Tyler, a BACP-accredited therapist based in Cheshire, explained how middle-aged women tend to “put themselves at the end of a very, very long to-do list”.

She added: “For women over 50, there is a perfect storm of events happening. Most women in their 50s have careers, and often ageing parents and adult or teenage children still living at home. Add to which, you’ve got the menopause, and there’s a social media pressure to look like you have it all perfect.”

#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

Louise Tyler

While Gen Z and millennial women openly talk about mental health and the benefits of therapy, middle-aged women are often more hesitant. “People don’t really understand what therapy is, they just think ‘why would I tell a stranger all my problems’,” said Tyler. However, it can be crucial in helping women to become “less apologetic and more resilient” and identify unhelpful thinking or behaviour patterns.

She said: “It offers a structured, protective and confidential space to examine your feelings and thoughts, without having to perform, explain, or consider other people’s feelings.”

Tyler said that a lot of women over 50 grew up “socialised to be the good girl” and to “smooth household dynamics”, which means they put other people’s feelings first. Whereas men “are a lot better at compartmentalising. They have been told it’s okay to put yourself first and have fun outside the house.”

• Why rage rooms have become a smash hit with stressed women

Julia Samuel, a leading UK psychotherapist and former vice-president of BACP, said: “Midlife for women is often a convergence point: menopause intersects with caring for ageing parents, supporting adult children, navigating career peaks or transitions, and sometimes facing relationship changes or loss.

“Many women find themselves in the ‘sandwich generation’, caring for both their children and their parents while managing their own significant life transitions. Yet so many feel they should manage it all silently, as if struggling means failing.

“Therapy isn’t about weakness; it’s both a practical tool and about wisdom. Seeking support takes courage, and working with a registered therapist means you’re choosing someone bound by professional standards and ethics. If you’re considering therapy, check BACP’s Therapist Directory to find a qualified professional who feels right for you.”

Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16443

James Donaldson on Mental Health - ‘Sandwich generation’ of women risk suicide by suffering in silence

Warnings of mental ill-health epidemic for those aged 45 to 49 who juggle care for children and parents

Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com

Marny Jolly was in her mid-forties and struggling with menopause symptoms when her husband had an affair and left her. Initially, she “kept ploughing through with a stiff upper lip”, working full-time as a primary school teacher and being there for her two children. But the stress built up until she “couldn’t cope any more” and had a breakdown.

“I couldn’t get out of bed for 36 hours and I was signed off from work. I could barely string a sentence together. It was a scary experience and I felt numb,” said Jolly, 58, who lives in Cambridge.

She is among a large cohort of women who experience mental health crises in middle age, often “jolted” by a major life event such as grief or divorce. This age group are part of a “sandwich generation”, juggling caring for children with elderly parents, while going through the menopause.

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics showed that suicide rates peaked among women aged between 45-49, followed by the 55-59 age group. While men have higher overall suicide rates, women’s rates have increased by one third over the past decade.

The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) has warned of an “epidemic of silence” among middle-aged women, who often put others’ feelings first and try to keep a “stiff upper lip”.

A survey of 2,000 women found that two thirds had struggled with mental health since turning 50, and almost nine in ten admitted to hiding mental health problems.

Jolly described how many women her age were “trying to balance too many balls: career, motherhood, children, husbands, holidays, friends”. After her breakdown in 2014, she was referred for eight sessions of therapy via her work, which empowered her to start divorce proceedings and “start to become confident and proud of who I am”.

Jolly has since sought therapy on other occasions, such as after physical illness, and has urged other women to seek help. She said: “I always say to people, ‘We’re quite strange as women, we keep it all in and carry on and plough on. If we find a lump in our breast we know we see a doctor, but if we have a blip in our heads, we struggle to see a mental health professional’.”

Louise Tyler, a BACP-accredited therapist based in Cheshire, explained how middle-aged women tend to “put themselves at the end of a very, very long to-do list”.

She added: “For women over 50, there is a perfect storm of events happening. Most women in their 50s have careers, and often ageing parents and adult or teenage children still living at home. Add to which, you’ve got the menopause, and there’s a social media pressure to look like you have it all perfect.”

#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

Louise Tyler

While Gen Z and millennial women openly talk about mental health and the benefits of therapy, middle-aged women are often more hesitant. “People don’t really understand what therapy is, they just think ‘why would I tell a stranger all my problems’,” said Tyler. However, it can be crucial in helping women to become “less apologetic and more resilient” and identify unhelpful thinking or behaviour patterns.

She said: “It offers a structured, protective and confidential space to examine your feelings and thoughts, without having to perform, explain, or consider other people’s feelings.”

Tyler said that a lot of women over 50 grew up “socialised to be the good girl” and to “smooth household dynamics”, which means they put other people’s feelings first. Whereas men “are a lot better at compartmentalising. They have been told it’s okay to put yourself first and have fun outside the house.”

• Why rage rooms have become a smash hit with stressed women

Julia Samuel, a leading UK psychotherapist and former vice-president of BACP, said: “Midlife for women is often a convergence point: menopause intersects with caring for ageing parents, supporting adult children, navigating career peaks or transitions, and sometimes facing relationship changes or loss.

“Many women find themselves in the ‘sandwich generation’, caring for both their children and their parents while managing their own significant life transitions. Yet so many feel they should manage it all silently, as if struggling means failing.

“Therapy isn’t about weakness; it’s both a practical tool and about wisdom. Seeking support takes courage, and working with a registered therapist means you’re choosing someone bound by professional standards and ethics. If you’re considering therapy, check BACP’s Therapist Directory to find a qualified professional who feels right for you.”

Photo by Eternal Happiness on Pexels.com https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-sandwich-generation-of-women-risk-suicide-by-suffering-in-silence/

And how do they affect children?

Writer: Rachel Ehmke

Clinical Expert: Dave Anderson, PhD

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VES1qzNbkc&t=4s

- Separation anxiety disorder

- Social anxiety disorder

- Selective mutism

- Generalized anxiety disorder

- Panic disorder

- Obsessive-compulsive disorder

- Specific phobia

We all feel anxious sometimes, but some children experience anxiety that is so serious that it makes it very hard for them to function, and can be diagnosed as a disorder. A child may have an anxiety disorder if their anxiety is:

- Unrealistic

- Doesn’t go away

- Makes them start avoiding everyday things

Here are some different kinds of anxiety that children may be diagnosed with. It’s not unusual for a child to have more than one form of anxiety.

Separation anxiety disorder

Children with separation anxiety become extremely upset when they are separated from their caregivers. The distress that they feel is unusual for their age.

Some signs include:

- Worrying about parents getting sick or dying

- Worrying about getting lost or kidnapped

- Not wanting to go to school

Social anxiety disorder

Children with social anxiety disorder are very self-conscious. They can find it difficult to hang out with peers or participate in class.

Some signs include:

- Avoiding social situations

- Feeling panicky during social situations. Older kids may shake, sweat, or be short of breath. Younger kids may have tantrums or cry.

- Worrying people will judge them for being anxious

#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

Selective mutism

Children with selective mutism have a hard time speaking in some places, like at school. Their anxiety goes beyond typical shyness. Kids with SM can’t speak even when they badly want to.

Some signs include:

- Feeling “frozen” with anxiety and unable to speak

- Being able to speak in some places but not others (like school or around certain people)

Generalized anxiety disorder

Children with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) worry about lots of everyday things. Kids with GAD are often particularly worried about how they are doing in school.

Some signs include:

- Being a perfectionist

- Feeling “out of control” anxiety about many different things

- Having trouble sleeping

Panic disorder

Children with panic disorder have a history of panic attacks. Panic attacks are a scary and very sudden surge of symptoms that can make kids worry they are dying or “going crazy.”

Some signs include:

- Racing heart

- Sweating

- Shaking

- Dizziness

- Shortness of breath

- Nausea

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Children with OCD experience unwanted thoughts, worries or impulses called obsessions. They often also develop repetitive actions — called compulsions — to calm the anxiety caused by their obsessions.

Some signs include:

- Fear of doing something “bad”

- Repeatedly asking for reassurance

- Repeatedly washing hands or making things even

Specific phobia

Children with specific phobia have extreme fears about a particular thing. These things aren’t typically considered dangerous but seem very scary to the child.

There are five common kinds:

- The animal type, or avoiding animals and bugs

- The natural environment type, or avoiding things like storms, heights or water

- The blood-injection-injury type, or avoiding things like seeing blood or getting a shot

- The situational type, or avoiding things like flying, tunnels and bridges

- The other type, or avoiding things like loud sounds, choking, vomiting and costumed characters

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of anxiety?

Some of the kinds of anxiety that children may be diagnosed with include generalized anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety, selective mutism, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and specific phobias. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16440