Researchers find that risk factors for suicide start in childhood and stack over decades.

by Devon Frye

- Suicide Risk Factors and Signs

- Take our Depression Test

- Find a therapist near me

Key points

- A new study of university students found that 47% have experienced suicidal thoughts in their lifetime.

- Researchers found adverse childhood experiences were a major risk factor for suicidal thoughts.

- Students’ identities also played a critical role in their likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

It’s well-established that mental health among adolescents has declined over the past two decades, and researchers have been working to understand why more young people are dying by suicide.

A sweeping new study that includes researchers from across the globe sheds new light on the factors influencing this ongoing crisis. The study, published in Psychiatry Research, surveyed nearly 73,000 students—most in their first year of college—across 71 institutions in 18 countries. It is the largest international study of student mental health ever conducted.

The Prevalence of Suicidal Thoughts in College Students

The study found that many university students have considered suicide, with 47 percent of participants experiencing suicidal thoughts at some point in their lifetime and 30 percent experiencing suicidal thoughts within the 12 months preceding the survey. In addition, 14 percent had made a specific plan in the 12 months before the survey, and 2.3 percent attempted suicide in the 12 months before the survey.

Analyzing the risk factors, researchers found that participants’ childhood experiences played a critical role in predicting suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The strongest risk factors of suicidal thoughts were a history of emotional abuse, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

Mood disorders like major depression were most strongly associated with the initial emergence of suicidal thoughts. Other mental health conditions, such as panic disorder and bipolar disorder, were more strongly linked to the transition from having suicidal thoughts to making an attempt.

Similarly, the study revealed that different types of childhood trauma led to distinct patterns among students. Participants who reported emotional abuse were more likely to begin having suicidal thoughts; those who reported physical abuse were more likely to repeat suicide attempts over time.

#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

What This Tells Us About Risk Factors for Suicidality

This data sheds new light on how we think about suicide risk and reveals important nuances about different factors. Health care providers often focus on immediate stressors—for example, academic pressure, social isolation, or recent life events. But this research suggests that some risk factors occurred years earlier.

Students’ identities also played a critical role in their likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Students who identified as transgender were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and 3.6 times more likely to attempt suicide compared to their peers. Students identifying as non-heterosexual also faced a greater likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, even after accounting for other factors like childhood adversity and mental health disorders.

The research underscores the complex nature of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Risk factors stack throughout a person’s life—with each traumatic event and mental health disorder potentially contributing to the risk, researchers explained.

Understanding these patterns may help health care providers and schools intervene more effectively with a broad range of prevention strategies, such as early screening for mental health disorders and childhood trauma, community-building for at-risk populations, and trauma-informed mental health care for students at risk.

The take-home message: Understanding the risk factors for suicide among young people—and particularly the role of childhood experiences—can help health care providers and schools to identify those at the highest risk and provide support services.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help. In the U.S., contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. For international resources, visit the International Association for Suicide Prevention at iasp.info. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=15760

Writer: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

Clinical Expert: Jerry Bubrick, PhD

Question

I fear that my 15 year old daughter is a hoarder especially about food. She hides food under her bed and in her closet and in drawers but says she doesn't remember eating it and it wasn't her food. She has ADHD and takes medication for that but I find that all over the house too. Her room is very messy and she is completely disorganized and gets bad grades because she never turns in her homework. I have taken her for therapy but the doctors never seemed to get to the subject of hoarding. Do you think this is hoarding?

Answer

Hoarding is a disorder that interferes a lot with a child’s daily life. Kids who hoard have a lot of clutter in their bedrooms, and it’s different from the kind of clutter that kids accumulate when they’re just being messy and disorganized. Kids who hoard tend to keep a lot of stuff in their drawers, making it hard to use them for just storing clothes, or keep a lot of things on their desk, making it hard to do homework. It would probably be difficult to maneuver around her room because there would be a lot of stuff on her floor. And, most likely, there would be a lot of different kinds of things that she would be saving — not just food.

Without having seen your daughter I can’t say for sure, but the fact that you particularly mention food makes me think that she might not be hoarding, or if she is then she is doing an unusual form of it. I can actually think of some other possibilities that might be more likely explanations of your daughter’s behavior.

Sometimes people who have eating disorders will hoard food. So that’s one possibility. Whether or not she has an eating disorder, she could also be hoarding food as a coping mechanism to help her deal with stress. In other words, she could be engaging in emotional eating.

#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

You mention that your daughter is disorganized, homework is hard for her, and she’s getting bad grades. This is something that could be causing considerable stress for your daughter, and possibly even triggering depression. She could be using food as a way of coping with the negative emotions that she’s feeling. And she might not be bringing it up in therapy because she isn’t ready to give up this coping skill that she feels is helping her deal with her emotions.

You should get your daughter evaluated to find out if she is depressed or if she has some other issue that she’s dealing with. If it turns out that she is depressed, then as part of her treatment she should be learning better skills to help her handle her emotions so that she doesn’t need to rely on food anymore. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=15716

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Emotional abuse emerges as top predictor of suicidal thoughts in largest-ever student study

by Karina Petrova

A massive international study has found that almost half of all first-year university students have experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, a rate significantly higher than that of the general population. The research, which is the largest of its kind ever conducted, also identified key risk factors, including childhood adversity and specific mental health conditions, that are associated with these thoughts and behaviors. The findings were published in the journal Psychiatry Research.

The transition to university represents a period of profound change and heightened stress for young people. Many students are leaving home for the first time, facing new academic pressures, and navigating complex social environments. Previous research has indicated that this age group has seen a concerning rise in suicidal ideation in recent years.

Scientists have long understood that factors like difficult childhood experiences and mental health disorders are linked to suicide risk. However, there was a need for a large-scale, comprehensive study to quantify the prevalence of these issues among a global student population and to better understand the specific pathways that lead from suicidal thoughts to plans and attempts. This investigation aimed to fill that gap by examining these connections in an exceptionally large and diverse group of students.

The research was conducted as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative, a project led by Harvard University. Between 2017 and 2023, the researchers gathered data from nearly 73,000 students, most of whom were in their first year of university. The participants were spread across 71 universities in 18 different countries, including Australia, Canada, Spain, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, and Sweden.

Students at participating institutions were invited via email to complete a confidential online survey. This questionnaire was designed to gather information on several fronts. It asked students if they had ever experienced suicidal thoughts, made a suicide plan, or attempted suicide. It also included questions to assess their history of mental health disorders and whether they had faced adverse life events, particularly during childhood.

The survey responses painted a stark picture of the mental health challenges facing this population. The data revealed that 47 percent of the students who participated had experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lifetime. Beyond thinking about suicide, 26 percent reported having made a specific plan, and 10 percent had made a suicide attempt.

The numbers were also high for the 12 months immediately preceding the survey. Within that one-year period, 30 percent of students had experienced suicidal thoughts, 14 percent had made a plan, and 2.3 percent had attempted suicide.

The researchers noted that these rates are substantially higher than those found in the general population. They did offer a word of caution, suggesting that the results might be slightly overestimated. This is because students who have struggled with suicidal ideation may have been more inclined to participate in a survey on mental health, a phenomenon known as self-selection bias.

A central finding of the study was the connection between childhood experiences and later suicide risk. Philippe Mortier, a researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute who was involved in the study, explained that experiences of emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect are strongly associated not only with the initial development of suicidal thoughts but also with the progression to making plans and attempting suicide.

“Exposure to emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect—especially during childhood—is directly linked to suicidal ideation and the progression to planning and attempting suicide,” explains Mortier. “All these factors carry risk — every traumatic event, every mental disorder, without exception — increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.”

The results also pointed to the impact of having parents with mental health disorders, which was identified as a risk factor that can contribute to a child’s exposure to adversity.

The analysis also shed light on how risk is distributed unevenly across different student groups. Gender identity emerged as a significant factor. Students who identified as transgender were found to be at a substantially higher risk for suicidal behaviors. Compared to their peers, they were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and 3.6 times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers suggest that this is because transgender individuals are often exposed to a greater number of risk factors, including social stigma and discrimination.

The study also found that sexual orientation was a key predictor. Students identifying as non-heterosexual faced a greater likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These risks remained even after accounting for other factors like childhood adversity and mental health disorders.

When all factors were considered together, the three strongest predictors of suicidal behavior were a history of emotional abuse, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

#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

The study also provided a more nuanced look at how different factors influence different stages of suicidal behavior. For example, mood disorders like major depression were most strongly associated with the initial emergence of suicidal thoughts. In contrast, other conditions, such as panic disorder and bipolar disorder, were more strongly linked to the transition from having thoughts to making an attempt.

This distinction helps to show the complex processes involved in escalating suicide risk. Similarly, emotional abuse was a very strong predictor for the onset of suicidal thoughts, while physical abuse was uniquely associated with the repetition of suicide attempts over time. These patterns suggest that different types of interventions may be needed for students at different points on the risk spectrum.

Mortier stated that preventing these outcomes will require a greater investment in mental health support at the university level. He argued that institutions need more resources to help reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders and lower the risk of suicide among their students.

Jordi Alonso, the Spanish coordinator of the initiative, added that effective prevention must be comprehensive. He explained that any successful strategy has to take into account the combination of risk factors that a student may face. This includes their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and any accumulation of adverse childhood experiences. These factors can interact in ways that create a negative feedback loop, progressively increasing an individual’s vulnerability to suicide.

The researchers acknowledged several limitations to their work. The study was cross-sectional, meaning it captured a single moment in time. A longitudinal study that follows the same group of students over several years would provide a deeper understanding of how these risk factors develop and interact over time.

The information on mental health disorders and childhood adversity was also based on students’ self-reports rather than on formal clinical interviews. Finally, because the study included a specific set of 18 countries, the results may not be generalizable to all university students globally. Future research is needed to replicate these findings in other populations and to design and test prevention programs based on the risk factors identified in this extensive investigation.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-emotional-abuse-emerges-as-top-predictor-of-suicidal-thoughts-in-largest-ever-student-study/

by Karina Petrova

A massive international study has found that almost half of all first-year university students have experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lives, a rate significantly higher than that of the general population. The research, which is the largest of its kind ever conducted, also identified key risk factors, including childhood adversity and specific mental health conditions, that are associated with these thoughts and behaviors. The findings were published in the journal Psychiatry Research.

The transition to university represents a period of profound change and heightened stress for young people. Many students are leaving home for the first time, facing new academic pressures, and navigating complex social environments. Previous research has indicated that this age group has seen a concerning rise in suicidal ideation in recent years.

Scientists have long understood that factors like difficult childhood experiences and mental health disorders are linked to suicide risk. However, there was a need for a large-scale, comprehensive study to quantify the prevalence of these issues among a global student population and to better understand the specific pathways that lead from suicidal thoughts to plans and attempts. This investigation aimed to fill that gap by examining these connections in an exceptionally large and diverse group of students.

The research was conducted as part of the World Mental Health International College Student Initiative, a project led by Harvard University. Between 2017 and 2023, the researchers gathered data from nearly 73,000 students, most of whom were in their first year of university. The participants were spread across 71 universities in 18 different countries, including Australia, Canada, Spain, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, and Sweden.

Students at participating institutions were invited via email to complete a confidential online survey. This questionnaire was designed to gather information on several fronts. It asked students if they had ever experienced suicidal thoughts, made a suicide plan, or attempted suicide. It also included questions to assess their history of mental health disorders and whether they had faced adverse life events, particularly during childhood.

The survey responses painted a stark picture of the mental health challenges facing this population. The data revealed that 47 percent of the students who participated had experienced suicidal thoughts at some point in their lifetime. Beyond thinking about suicide, 26 percent reported having made a specific plan, and 10 percent had made a suicide attempt.

The numbers were also high for the 12 months immediately preceding the survey. Within that one-year period, 30 percent of students had experienced suicidal thoughts, 14 percent had made a plan, and 2.3 percent had attempted suicide.

The researchers noted that these rates are substantially higher than those found in the general population. They did offer a word of caution, suggesting that the results might be slightly overestimated. This is because students who have struggled with suicidal ideation may have been more inclined to participate in a survey on mental health, a phenomenon known as self-selection bias.

A central finding of the study was the connection between childhood experiences and later suicide risk. Philippe Mortier, a researcher at the Hospital del Mar Research Institute who was involved in the study, explained that experiences of emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect are strongly associated not only with the initial development of suicidal thoughts but also with the progression to making plans and attempting suicide.

“Exposure to emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect—especially during childhood—is directly linked to suicidal ideation and the progression to planning and attempting suicide,” explains Mortier. “All these factors carry risk — every traumatic event, every mental disorder, without exception — increases the risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.”

The results also pointed to the impact of having parents with mental health disorders, which was identified as a risk factor that can contribute to a child’s exposure to adversity.

The analysis also shed light on how risk is distributed unevenly across different student groups. Gender identity emerged as a significant factor. Students who identified as transgender were found to be at a substantially higher risk for suicidal behaviors. Compared to their peers, they were 2.4 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and 3.6 times more likely to attempt suicide. The researchers suggest that this is because transgender individuals are often exposed to a greater number of risk factors, including social stigma and discrimination.

The study also found that sexual orientation was a key predictor. Students identifying as non-heterosexual faced a greater likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. These risks remained even after accounting for other factors like childhood adversity and mental health disorders.

When all factors were considered together, the three strongest predictors of suicidal behavior were a history of emotional abuse, a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

#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

The study also provided a more nuanced look at how different factors influence different stages of suicidal behavior. For example, mood disorders like major depression were most strongly associated with the initial emergence of suicidal thoughts. In contrast, other conditions, such as panic disorder and bipolar disorder, were more strongly linked to the transition from having thoughts to making an attempt.

This distinction helps to show the complex processes involved in escalating suicide risk. Similarly, emotional abuse was a very strong predictor for the onset of suicidal thoughts, while physical abuse was uniquely associated with the repetition of suicide attempts over time. These patterns suggest that different types of interventions may be needed for students at different points on the risk spectrum.

Mortier stated that preventing these outcomes will require a greater investment in mental health support at the university level. He argued that institutions need more resources to help reduce the prevalence of mental health disorders and lower the risk of suicide among their students.

Jordi Alonso, the Spanish coordinator of the initiative, added that effective prevention must be comprehensive. He explained that any successful strategy has to take into account the combination of risk factors that a student may face. This includes their sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, and any accumulation of adverse childhood experiences. These factors can interact in ways that create a negative feedback loop, progressively increasing an individual’s vulnerability to suicide.

The researchers acknowledged several limitations to their work. The study was cross-sectional, meaning it captured a single moment in time. A longitudinal study that follows the same group of students over several years would provide a deeper understanding of how these risk factors develop and interact over time.

The information on mental health disorders and childhood adversity was also based on students’ self-reports rather than on formal clinical interviews. Finally, because the study included a specific set of 18 countries, the results may not be generalizable to all university students globally. Future research is needed to replicate these findings in other populations and to design and test prevention programs based on the risk factors identified in this extensive investigation. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-emotional-abuse-emerges-as-top-predictor-of-suicidal-thoughts-in-largest-ever-student-study/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - 'It is everyone's business to talk about suicide'

By Caroline McClatchey

Leeanne Carey wanted to be a baton bearer in honor of her sister Louise

In one part of Northern Ireland this week, the conversation is going to be all about suicide and mental health.

The Baton of Hope is coming to Newry on Wednesday and it will travel around the wider area, with events being held to spread the message that there is support out there.

Leeanne Carey wanted to be a baton bearer in honour of her sister Louise, whom she lost to suicide in August 2022.

She was 33 years old and had suffered with her mental health for some time.

The mum-of-four from Gilford, in County Down, said in her area alone there had been 10 suicides in the past six years.

"I know Gilford is a small place, but most likely everybody has been affected in some capacity or known someone who has died by suicide," she said.

"It's the ripple effect that comes with it."

#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

What is the Baton of Hope?

Leeanne, who helped set up a charity called Changing Lives NI, is at pains to highlight just how much support is available for people struggling with their mental health.

"A lot of people think there is nothing out there. They go to the GP or A&E, they don't realize there is a wealth of support in the voluntary sector," she said.

"The voluntary sector are probably doing more than the NHS to be perfectly honest. - a wider range of services as well."

And that is where the Baton of Hope comes in, to point people in the right direction.

It is the UK's biggest suicide prevention initiative and it was set up by two grieving fathers, Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, whose sons took their own lives.

They came up with the idea of a baton which would be carried, like an Olympic torch, by people who had lost loved ones to suicide.

The baton is about to embark on another tour of the UK - the first was in 2023 - and Newry is the second stop of 20.

The baton's stint in Northern Ireland is being hosted by PIPS Hope and Support, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention.

Padraig Harte, who used to work for PIPS and is the project lead for the Newry leg of the baton, said the plans grew and grew as they wanted to include as much of the area as possible.

"It's quite rural compared to the urban areas in Great Britain," he said.

"We are taking the baton lengthy distances, so we had to have different events and activities in each of the areas."

Throughout the day, the baton will visit Crossmaglen, Cullyhanna, Keady, Camlough, Bessbrook, Kilkeel, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Banbridge.

Community walks, tree planting ceremonies and coffee mornings are among the events taking place along the way.

The day will finish at Newry Leisure Centre, where a charity market will be welcoming people from 10:00 BST to 20:00.

There are 40 plus baton bearers - they include people affected by suicide, fundraisers and members of the emergency services.

The baton will also be transported at times by motorbikes, a supercar and an RNLI rescue boat.

Numerous schools, sports clubs, voluntary groups, community organisations and government agencies are also on board.

Eddie Drury is another baton bearer. When not working for the council maintaining Lurgan Park, he is a serial fundraiser.

He has lost count of the number of Caminos he has done - the network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain - and the last few have been to raise money for PIPS after a friend's son took his own life.

"I was absolutely delighted to be selected as a baton bearer because I just love PIPS and the job they do," he said.

"They are there for people who are feeling low and people who have gone through the trauma of suicide.

"It's very important to raise awareness of mental health issues in Northern Ireland."

'Totally smashed down'

The latest figures show there were 221 suicide deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2023 - up from 203 the previous year.

More than three quarters of the deaths were men.

Padraig said there was still "a lot of taboo and stigma" around suicide, and the Baton of Hope was about encouraging people to "have those conversations".

"No-one is immune from poor mental health and suicide is everyone's business," he said.

On Wednesday, Leeanne will be in Havelock Park in Banbridge - where in addition to information stalls, there will be a petting zoo and games.

She also talked about the stigma, especially among men.

"They don't talk, they don't show emotion, they are strong, they hold it all together - and that needs to be totally smashed down," she said.

"Mums, women - cup of tea and they'll talk about anything. It needs to be discussed more. Talking about suicide doesn't cause suicide."

The Baton of Hope is supported by the Public Health Agency, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Give Inc.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-it-is-everyones-business-to-talk-about-suicide/

By Caroline McClatchey

Leeanne Carey wanted to be a baton bearer in honor of her sister Louise

In one part of Northern Ireland this week, the conversation is going to be all about suicide and mental health.

The Baton of Hope is coming to Newry on Wednesday and it will travel around the wider area, with events being held to spread the message that there is support out there.

Leeanne Carey wanted to be a baton bearer in honour of her sister Louise, whom she lost to suicide in August 2022.

She was 33 years old and had suffered with her mental health for some time.

The mum-of-four from Gilford, in County Down, said in her area alone there had been 10 suicides in the past six years.

"I know Gilford is a small place, but most likely everybody has been affected in some capacity or known someone who has died by suicide," she said.

"It's the ripple effect that comes with it."

#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

What is the Baton of Hope?

Leeanne, who helped set up a charity called Changing Lives NI, is at pains to highlight just how much support is available for people struggling with their mental health.

"A lot of people think there is nothing out there. They go to the GP or A&E, they don't realize there is a wealth of support in the voluntary sector," she said.

"The voluntary sector are probably doing more than the NHS to be perfectly honest. - a wider range of services as well."

And that is where the Baton of Hope comes in, to point people in the right direction.

It is the UK's biggest suicide prevention initiative and it was set up by two grieving fathers, Mike McCarthy and Steve Phillip, whose sons took their own lives.

They came up with the idea of a baton which would be carried, like an Olympic torch, by people who had lost loved ones to suicide.

The baton is about to embark on another tour of the UK - the first was in 2023 - and Newry is the second stop of 20.

The baton's stint in Northern Ireland is being hosted by PIPS Hope and Support, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention.

Padraig Harte, who used to work for PIPS and is the project lead for the Newry leg of the baton, said the plans grew and grew as they wanted to include as much of the area as possible.

"It's quite rural compared to the urban areas in Great Britain," he said.

"We are taking the baton lengthy distances, so we had to have different events and activities in each of the areas."

Throughout the day, the baton will visit Crossmaglen, Cullyhanna, Keady, Camlough, Bessbrook, Kilkeel, Rostrevor, Warrenpoint and Banbridge.

Community walks, tree planting ceremonies and coffee mornings are among the events taking place along the way.

The day will finish at Newry Leisure Centre, where a charity market will be welcoming people from 10:00 BST to 20:00.

There are 40 plus baton bearers - they include people affected by suicide, fundraisers and members of the emergency services.

The baton will also be transported at times by motorbikes, a supercar and an RNLI rescue boat.

Numerous schools, sports clubs, voluntary groups, community organisations and government agencies are also on board.

Eddie Drury is another baton bearer. When not working for the council maintaining Lurgan Park, he is a serial fundraiser.

He has lost count of the number of Caminos he has done - the network of pilgrimage routes leading to Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain - and the last few have been to raise money for PIPS after a friend's son took his own life.

"I was absolutely delighted to be selected as a baton bearer because I just love PIPS and the job they do," he said.

"They are there for people who are feeling low and people who have gone through the trauma of suicide.

"It's very important to raise awareness of mental health issues in Northern Ireland."

'Totally smashed down'

The latest figures show there were 221 suicide deaths registered in Northern Ireland in 2023 - up from 203 the previous year.

More than three quarters of the deaths were men.

Padraig said there was still "a lot of taboo and stigma" around suicide, and the Baton of Hope was about encouraging people to "have those conversations".

"No-one is immune from poor mental health and suicide is everyone's business," he said.

On Wednesday, Leeanne will be in Havelock Park in Banbridge - where in addition to information stalls, there will be a petting zoo and games.

She also talked about the stigma, especially among men.

"They don't talk, they don't show emotion, they are strong, they hold it all together - and that needs to be totally smashed down," she said.

"Mums, women - cup of tea and they'll talk about anything. It needs to be discussed more. Talking about suicide doesn't cause suicide."

The Baton of Hope is supported by the Public Health Agency, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and Give Inc.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, information and support can be found at the BBC's Action Line. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-it-is-everyones-business-to-talk-about-suicide/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Body Image And Mental Health

From your skin to your ears, teeth, face, and weight, body image encompasses a lot of different things. Not everyone with a body image problem shares the same issues as someone else with body image problems. It boils down to your perception of yourself, whether it's your body as a whole or a specific part.

When it comes to body image, the concept revolves around four aspects.

- Affective – how you feel about your body image; you can like parts of your body while disliking other parts.
- Behavioral – how you behave in response to your body image. For someone with issues around weight, they may restrict their eating, choose cosmetic procedures, or work out more.
- Cognitive – how you think about yourself. If you constantly criticize a specific part of your body or are preoccupied with the idea of it. For example, you're convinced you would be more successful with your desired sex if you were thinner or would have more friends if you were in better shape.
- Perceptual – how you see yourself body image-wise. It isn't always the truth; you may look in the mirror and see someone overweight and the reality is that you're thin. What you see isn't always what others see.

#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

Body Image Problems

It's never black and white because most people have some form of body acceptance. There are three different types – liberation, neutrality, and positivity. Body liberation is the recognition that everyone comes in all different shapes and sizes, and that's fine. Body neutrality doesn't focus on judging bodies at all. Body positivity is accepting your body as it is always and feeling confident and comfortable.

In comparison, the idea of body dissatisfaction or negative body image revolves around negative feelings and thoughts about your body. This dissatisfaction is generally distorted, it's not really what you look like, and your mind has exaggerated it because you're struggling. Women are more likely to have a negative body image, but that doesn't mean men are immune.

Mental Health

Body image problems run much deeper than what you think of your body. There is a mental health aspect to it because by speaking poorly of your body, you are tearing yourself down, and that's impacting your self-confidence and self-esteem, which will negatively impact your mental health.

More problems come if you don't have a positive body image. It can lead to anxiety and depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, emotional eating, negative self-talk, low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, and all of that can spiral into shame and guilt.

A lot of people deal with unhappiness and shame as a result of their negative body image. When social media and media in general constantly point out particular flaws, this can lead to increasingly anxious thoughts if you believe you have these perceived flaws. Maybe you're worried about others judging your body, so you wear a t-shirt to go swimming or refuse to go swimming altogether. It can impact your life in so many ways.

Improving Your Body Image

So, do you focus on your mental health to improve your body image or improve your body image to improve your mental health?

You can do both, but in the meantime, there are steps you can take to improve your body image. It starts by recognizing the triggers that bring on negative feelings and thoughts about your body. Explore those heavy emotions to identify the source and invite compassion instead of criticism.

As difficult as it is, you need to resist the desire to make comparisons between yourself and others. If this is something you truly struggle with, take a social media break as you start the journey. You can return when you're a little stronger, but there's a good chance it's feeding into your spiral right now.

You can also remind yourself daily how much good your body does for you. It carries you through every task, it dances, it makes love, it cares for you and others, and it allows you to nurture… focus on the positive things about your body to start improving your body image right now.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-body-image-and-mental-health/