James Donaldson on Mental Health - Why It's Important to Talk About Suicide

By Hadassah Zirkind

When you hear of a suicide, who do you picture? Perhaps a depressed teenager, a single and lonely middle-aged person, or an anxious criminal who kills himself rather than face a court? The person who most likely does not come to mind is me: a young mother.

Self-harm and suicide are two topics that are rarely discussed in relation to our community, but we are not exempt from these issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people aged 10-34. With a statistic like that, you likely know someone who has, at one point or another, dealt with suicidal ideation.

Before you panic that talking about such topics only encourages them, take a deep breath. There is a misconception that speaking so openly will cause someone who did not previously entertain such thoughts to not only have them, but to act on them, Heaven forbid. In fact, the opposite is true. When a person knows that others are going through the same thing, it can make it easier to cope. Knowing that support already exists eases the burden. Feeling alone in the struggle simply exacerbates the struggle itself.

My journey into the darker part of depression began, like so many others, as a teenager. I was around 14 when I self-harmed for the first time. I came to believe that hurting myself caused a large release of the tension and anger I was holding onto. Although I knew it was not healthy or proper behavior, I never told anyone. Instead, I made sure to use parts of my body such as my thighs or upper arms where nobody would ever see the marks left. This behavior continued on and off throughout high school and seminary.

Once I got married and became pregnant, my mental health took a downward plunge. I dealt with depression and anxiety throughout all of my pregnancies and postpartum stages. I tried therapy a few times for short periods but never stuck it out. After I gave birth to my third, my depression went from bad to worse. I began to regularly hurt myself to the point that my thigh was a constant bruise.

After a major depressive episode which could have ended much worse than it did, I went to the doctor to get a prescription for antidepressants. Since this was an emergency, I was forced to go to a regular GP instead of waiting for an appointment with a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, the doctor decided that I must be fine since I have a solid community and did not even give me the option of saying that I was suicidal. When he reached that question on the mental health assessment, he skipped over it, saying, “Nah, you definitely are not suicidal.” Unsurprisingly, in my vulnerable state, I did not feel comfortable correcting him, although in truth I was very close to being actively suicidal.

I would love to say that once I began taking medication, everything straightened out. For those who are thankfully unaware, antidepressants are not magic. It can take many tries to find the correct medication and dosage. And even once that perfect recipe is found, one’s body can get used to the medication causing it to lose its effectiveness, which is exactly what happened to me.

About a year and a half after I started taking my medications, I had my first real flirtation with suicide and spent half the night with our local police force, sheriff, and state crisis workers. Thankfully, this episode ended without me getting hurt in any way or having to be brought to the hospital. However, for the next week, I had no energy whatsoever, and for the next six months, I had constant flashbacks.

A year later, suicidal thoughts struck again. This time I was out of town, traveling for a family celebration. The urge was so strong that I sat in bed shaking and crying, trying to rationalize with myself why I didn’t dare ruin the celebration by killing myself. I told my husband about my thoughts and had him hide my medication. Otherwise, I would almost certainly have overdosed.

There was a third and fourth time that I contemplated taking my life, and thank G?d I was able to make it through that time as well.

Thank G?d, I am doing much better now. I am still on medication and see a therapist regularly. But my depression and the fact that I have contemplated suicide in the past are a constant. It’s almost as if I feel the need to be aware at every given moment that this is my challenge, that this is my journey.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

I often wonder if one of the reasons that I just can’t seem to get over it is the lack of support for suicide attempt survivors or those who have struggled with suicidal ideation in our community. I even reached out to one of the mental health organizations geared towards Jewish women and was not allowed to join since they are not open to discussing suicide or self-harm. I once heard a nurse who worked in a psychiatric ward say that patients in our community have a much higher return rate. I would venture a guess that this is due to the feelings of loneliness—and therefore unworthiness—that come from dealing with these struggles alone.

Because of my experiences, I realized that changes need to be made, and so, A Drop of Light was born. A Drop of Light is an organization aimed at raising awareness of and preventing suicides within our community. From dispelling common myths to providing information on both Jewish and national mental health organizations, as well as compiling a list of Rabbinic authorities well-versed in the intersection of mental health and halachah, our website is a treasure trove of vital and potentially life-saving information. Without dialogue, there can be no change. And if there is no change, then the risk of losing loved ones to suicide remains all too real. A Drop of Light aims to start that conversation.

What do I hope to gain by going public with my story?

First and foremost, I want others who have struggled or are struggling with mental health—specifically self-harm or suicide—to know that they are not alone. There are others with the same struggles. In my experience, being open only helps. Find that person (or people) you can trust and speak with them. Having someone who checks in on you and keeps you grounded is very important.

The day after my first suicide attempt, my husband sent a letter to the Ohel, begging the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory, to bless me with a complete recovery. We read many letters the Rebbe wrote to people who were struggling with depression, and the Rebbe consistently suggested learning Sha’ar Habitachon and doing things for others.

Prayer helps, even just speaking to G?d in your own words. It’s also important to connect with a qualified rabbi who is knowledgeable about mental health and halachah, and can advise you which things you must do and which things can wait while you focus on becoming stable.

Most importantly, keep fighting. If you fall one day, try to get up again the next day. Don’t give up; you are brave, strong, capable, and can make it through this battle.

And now, to everyone else, we need your help: Please, check in on your friends, children, and loved ones. Even a monthly “How are you?” text can be enough. Be genuinely open to hearing and holding space for the other person. Learn the signs of suicidal ideation. Look out for sudden radical changes in behavior. And if you do suspect that your friend is suicidal, don’t be afraid to ask them point blank. Let them know in clear terms that you are there for them, to support without judgment.

Thank G?d, the last few years have brought much more awareness and openness to the topic of mental health. But suicide and self-harm are still taboo. It should not be this way. If people were more open about the fact that this problem exists, those struggling would be much more inclined to seek help. As it currently stands, admitting to these struggles is a permanent black mark. For this battle to be won, we need all the support we can get. So please, let’s break the silence, stop the judgment, and help each and every person lead a healthy and happy life.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, do not hesitate to use these resources including on Shabbat or yom tov.

Call 988 or text “HELP” to 741-741

If the thoughts present immediate danger, call 911

For countries out of the USA, it is worthwhile to know your country’s crisis line number

Learn the signs of suicidal ideation: https://www.suicideispreventable.org/
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=12790

James Donaldson on Mental Health - June is Men's Mental Health Month and its importance is sparking conversation

by Tyonna Baxter

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — June is Men’s Mental Health Month and it’s sparking conversations on the importance of breaking that silence. Mental health is a crucial, but often overlooked issue.

Often men do not seek help when they are struggling, and there are many reasons for that.

One is the pressure men face to “man up” or “tough it out.”

June is Men's Mental Health Month and it's importance is sparking conversation.

They are also less likely to be diagnosed because of this.

“Men are human and human beings need to talk and they need a safe space to do it,“ said Dr.Erin Leonard, a psychotherapist and owner at Recore Counseling.

A study by Mental Health America found six million American men suffer from depression every year and three million struggle with anxiety.

Suicide is the 7th leading cause of deaths among men.

Asking for help may be hard, but going without treatment can negatively impact not only personal health but the relationships with those around you.

Experts say men are less likely to seek needed help than women.

“Socialized to be brave and put on a brave face and keep your feelings to yourself and not be too sensitive because that’s associated sometimes with being weak and a lot of that has changed,” said Leonard.

As far as where mental health issues stem from, experts say it varies. It could be rooted from childhood, isolation, genetics, traumatic events, drug and alcohol abuse and more.

While effects may be different for everyone, Leonard says the big signs that it's time to seek help are changes in mood, appetite and sleep, loss of joy, and low energy.

Mental health problems will not just disappear, and officials are pushing men to seek counseling, especially if they find themselves stuck in a depressive state.

“It’s a good place to go to sort out what they need to change, how they need to change it what are healthier ways to get themselves to a better place mental health wise and emotionally,” said Leonard.

In addition to therapy, Leonard says there are many other ways to cope, and release built up feelings such as exercise, meditation, bettering your diet, and getting regular sleep.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can call 911 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-june-is-mens-mental-health-month-and-its-importance-is-sparking-conversation/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - How to Keep Kids Reading This Summer

Tips for avoiding the 'summer slide'

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah on Pexels.com

Writer: Rachel Ehmke

Clinical Expert: Matthew Cruger, PhD

What You'll Learn

- Why is summer reading important for kids?

- How can you pick the right books for your child?

- How can you make reading a fun social activity?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- Find some good reads

- Reading at the right level

- Keep reading out loud

- An opportunity to build skills

Summer reading doesn’t just keep kids from losing the skills they learned at school. It also helps them build confidence and a love of reading.

Giving kids easy access to books helps keep them reading over the summer. Your local librarian can help you and your child find books at the right level that fit their interests. They might have great suggestions even if your kid doesn’t like reading usually. Many libraries also have summer reading programs that offer prizes for kids who join.

It’s normal for kids to read at a lower level by themselves than they do in class. That actually builds confidence. To pick a book at the right level, use the “five finger” test. Have your kid read the first page and put a finger up for every word they don’t know. If they’ve got more than five fingers up at the end of the page, the book is too hard.

Your kid doesn’t just have to read books, either. Kids love to get mail, so a kids’ magazine can be a great choice. Comics and graphic novels are good options, too.

To make reading social and build skills, parents can read harder books aloud. It’s great to make that an everyday habit. Audiobooks can also be a great choice when you’re busy or on long car rides. Reading aloud to younger siblings is good, too.

If your child needs to build reading skills, talk to their teacher. They might offer workbooks or suggest tutoring. It’s still summer though, so take it easy. Twenty minutes of tutoring twice a week is better than an hour once a week.

For young kids, it can help to make flashcards of tricky words before they start a hard book. This gives them practice reading them in advance.

For kids of all ages, it helps to discuss a harder book before they read it. That way they don’t lose track of the story.

Summer means a much-needed break for kids, but it can also mean a break in learning and, in many cases, a regrettable loss of newly developed reading skills.

The so-called “summer slide” is particularly problematic for kids who are already struggling with reading. If you don’t want to risk a child losing ground over the summer, it’s important to make sure he has opportunities to practice his growing reading skills. Summer doesn’t need to stall your child’s progress, and it can even be an opportunity to gain reading fluency and enthusiasm.

Find some good reads

The first thing kids need to keep reading during the summer is easy access to books. During the school year, most of the books they read may be assigned for class. Summer gives you the chance to spice things up by introducing reading that is more fun and tailored to your child’s interests. The library is always a good place to start looking for children’s books. Many libraries keep lists of good books broken down by reading level to help guide you. Reading experts also suggest following the “five finger rule” when choosing books: have your child open up a book and read the first page. For every word she doesn’t know, have her raise one finger. If she has more than five fingers raised at the end of the page, the book is probably too hard.

Choosing books gets trickier when kids are older and have developed more definite tastes—including, for some, an established aversion to reading. Recommendations from librarians can still be helpful here, since they see a wide range of kids and know all the resources the library provides. Also, their suggestions might surprise you. A child who likes to play sports might find books more interesting if they are biographies of famous athletes. Remember, traditional story-driven narratives aren’t appealing for every kid. Books about computers or animals or science will sometimes capture attention when a novel does not.

Don’t limit yourself to books, either. Kids like getting mail, and a magazine subscription in their name to a children’s magazine like National Geographic Kids or American Girl provides a variety of new things to read each month. Many kids who avoid traditional books also find that they enjoy reading comics, which can be slightly more accessible and still offer a solid reading experience. Graphic novels for kids like the enormously popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid series have converted many an unenthusiastic reader.

Reading at the right level

Summer reading books shouldn’t be so easy that they are boring, but they also shouldn’t be so challenging that they frustrate a child. It is important for kids to experience the confidence that comes from succeeding with a book. The best part about summer reading is that it gives kids the opportunity to build up positive experiences—reading doesn’t always need to feel like work.

Teachers and tutors who have been working with your child during the school year are another great resource for recommending books. They’ll be more attuned to books that are at your child’s “independent level”—books he can comfortably read by himself—and books at his “instructional level,” which are a little more difficult. Kids actually need to experience both.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Keep reading out loud

A great way to expose kids to books that are slightly outside their range is by reading more difficult books aloud. As a general rule, it is good for kids to read things at their independent level and be read to at a higher level because it helps to build vocabulary and actually makes the listener a better reader. Learning and educational specialist Susan Schwartz says reading aloud is actually one of the best ways parents can help improve reading skills. “Never stop reading to your kids,” Schwartz says. “You should read to your children every day, especially during the summer. Not only is it a fun, immersive experience for your child, it’s also a learning one.”

Schwartz recommends The Read-Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease as a great resource for parents looking for good stories that lend themselves to being read out loud. Books on tape are also good for immersing kids in harder books, and they are ideal during car rides or while you are cooking dinner. You could even turn off the television and listen to an audiobook for some family entertainment. Schwartz also suggests using audiobooks to listen to a popular series like the Harry Potter books, which can be a tough read for some kids.

Whenever possible, it’s a good idea to make reading more interactive. Reading is generally a solitary endeavor, and likely a lonely one if you’ve been struggling in school, but it didn’t start out that way. “For most kids, their first experience with reading is sitting with their mom or their dad reading to them, and they’re surrounded with lots of love,” notes Matthew Cruger, PhD, the director of the Child Mind Institute’s Learning and Development Center. “What you want to do is continue that first positive experience.” That’s part of why reading aloud every day to kids is so important. But your child should be reading out loud, too. If there are any younger children around, it’s a great idea to have your child practice reading a storybook to them. You can also take turns reading pages with your child.

When a child is reading independently, it’s good to discuss what he’s reading. Kids will appreciate the interest, and it doubles as a way to monitor comprehension. Talk about the characters and the problems they are facing, and encourage your child to ask questions and reread tough parts with you. Consider reading the book at the same time as your child for a better conversation.

Most public libraries also have a summer reading program, which is another great way to make reading more interactive. The programs typically offer built-in incentives like prizes and pizza parties as a reward for kids who participate.

An opportunity to build skills

Some kids need extra reinforcement to keep up their reading skills. Ask your child’s teacher or reading specialist if they would recommend any specific skill building during the summer. They could suggest doing certain workbook pages or might recommend tutoring. Schwartz says she loves tutoring kids in the summer because “it’s the perfect time to develop mastery. Summer gives kids greater opportunity to focus.” But remember, it’s still the summer so you should try to take things easy. Schwartz actually finds that tutoring a child twice a week for twenty minutes is much more effective than tutoring them once a week for an hour. Kids are better able to concentrate and less likely to get frustrated during shorter sessions.

If your child is reading a tough book at home, there are a few skill-building things you can do yourself to increase comprehension. For younger children especially, Dr. Cruger suggests that parents go through a storybook first to make flashcards with vocabulary words from the story. That way kids can learn the words ahead of time. Then parents can group the flashcards into different orders, making simple phrases and sentences. This drill gets kids very familiar with the words appearing in the book—essentially you are practicing reading the book ahead of time. Then, when it’s time to sit down and read, your child will already have the necessary vocabulary and reading should be much easier.

For older and younger kids, it’s also a good idea to discuss a difficult book before reading it. Dr. Cruger notes, “Kids can get caught up decoding a hard book and they’ll miss out on the story itself. It’s easier to follow along when you already know what to expect, and you’re much more likely to get something out of it.”

Whether you decide to practice drills, try tutoring, or just join the library reading challenge, the most important rule to summer reading is to be encouraging. Help your child have fun, positive reading experiences, and you’ll see his skills mastery and confidence grow, too.

Photo by Pragyan Bezbaruah on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=12788

 

 

About James Donaldson, Author of Standing Above The Crowd and Celebrating Your Gift of Life

To Order Your Copy of Standing Above The CrowdClick Here

 

To Order Your Personally Signed Copy of Celebrating Your Gift of LifeClick Here

James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.

James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.

In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.

James is a long-time resident of the Greater Seattle area. He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.

James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!

For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:

 

www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com

JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/about/

by Tyonna Baxter

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WSBT) — June is Men’s Mental Health Month and it’s sparking conversations on the importance of breaking that silence. Mental health is a crucial, but often overlooked issue.

Often men do not seek help when they are struggling, and there are many reasons for that.

One is the pressure men face to “man up” or “tough it out.”

June is Men's Mental Health Month and it's importance is sparking conversation.

They are also less likely to be diagnosed because of this.

“Men are human and human beings need to talk and they need a safe space to do it,“ said Dr.Erin Leonard, a psychotherapist and owner at Recore Counseling.

A study by Mental Health America found six million American men suffer from depression every year and three million struggle with anxiety.

Suicide is the 7th leading cause of deaths among men.

Asking for help may be hard, but going without treatment can negatively impact not only personal health but the relationships with those around you.

Experts say men are less likely to seek needed help than women.

“Socialized to be brave and put on a brave face and keep your feelings to yourself and not be too sensitive because that’s associated sometimes with being weak and a lot of that has changed,” said Leonard.

As far as where mental health issues stem from, experts say it varies. It could be rooted from childhood, isolation, genetics, traumatic events, drug and alcohol abuse and more.

While effects may be different for everyone, Leonard says the big signs that it's time to seek help are changes in mood, appetite and sleep, loss of joy, and low energy.

Mental health problems will not just disappear, and officials are pushing men to seek counseling, especially if they find themselves stuck in a depressive state.

“It’s a good place to go to sort out what they need to change, how they need to change it what are healthier ways to get themselves to a better place mental health wise and emotionally,” said Leonard.

In addition to therapy, Leonard says there are many other ways to cope, and release built up feelings such as exercise, meditation, bettering your diet, and getting regular sleep.

If you or someone you know is in a crisis, get help immediately. You can call 911 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=12779

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Disruptive Behavior: Why It's Often Misdiagnosed

Tantrums and defiance may mask issues that aren't apparent to teachers and parents

Clinical Experts: Vasco Lopes, PsyD , Laura Prager, MD , Nancy Rappaport, MD

What You'll Learn

- Why is disruptive behavior often misdiagnosed?

- What are some of the reasons kids have tantrums?

- How can parents tell what’s causing kids’ disruptive behavior?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- The common diagnosis: ODD

- Anxiety disorders

- ADHD

- Learning disorders

- Sensory processing problems

Many people assume that kids who act out or throw tantrums are angry or defiant. Sometimes they are diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as a result. But that diagnosis might be wrong. Instead, kids’ disruptive behavior might be caused by a different disorder that’s easier to miss. 

One possibility is that your child could have an anxiety disorder, which makes it hard for them to handle stressful situations. For example, they might refuse to do what you ask or try to run away because they’re scared. Or, if they have social anxiety, they might scream at another child if socializing gets too stressful. 

ADHD is another option. Kids with?ADHD have a hard time controlling their impulses and tend to grab things from other kids. They also find it hard to wait their turn and frequently interrupt others. Plus, they have a hard time focusing on schoolwork and don’t like being bored. When these struggles cause disruptive behavior, it’s often misunderstood as defiance. 

If your child mostly acts out in school, they could have an undiagnosed?learning disorder. They might lash out or refuse to follow directions because they’re frustrated by schoolwork. Or they might be trying to hide their struggles by getting teachers to focus on their behavior instead. 

Finally, your child might be struggling with sensory processing issues. When they’re overwhelmed, kids with sensory issues can react in ways that look extreme. They might do things like scream if their face gets wet or melt down if there are bright lights, loud noises or a crowd. Some kids will even run away from places that make them uncomfortable. 

Most children have occasional temper tantrums or emotional outbursts, but when kids repeatedly lash out, are defiant, or can’t control their tempers, it can impair their functioning in school and cause serious family turmoil.

The first challenge in helping a child manage their behavior better is to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. In the same way that a headache or a fever can be caused by many things, frequent outbursts — which clinicians call “emotional dysregulation”— can reflect a number of different underlying issues.

It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that a child who’s pushing or hitting or throwing tantrums is angry, defiant or hostile. But in many cases disruptive, even explosive behavior stems from anxiety or frustration that may not be apparent to parents or teachers.

Here we take a look at some of the diagnoses that are associated with disruptive behavior in children. It’s crucial to understand what’s really behind the childhood behavior problems in order to treat them effectively.

The common diagnosis: ODD

Often children who lash out or refuse to follow direction are thought to have oppositional defiant disorder, which is characterized by a pattern of negative, hostile, or defiant behavior. Symptoms of ODD include a child frequently losing their temper, arguing with adults, becoming easily annoyed, or actively disobeying requests or rules. In order to be diagnosed with ODD, the disruptive behavior must be occurring for at least six months. But there are a number of other issues that could lead to kids being oppositional or out of control in school or at home.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Anxiety disorders

Children with anxiety disorders have significant difficulty coping with situations that cause them distress. When a child with an untreated anxiety disorder is put into an anxiety-inducing situation, they may become oppositional in an effort to escape that situation or avoid the source of their acute fear.

For example, children with acute social anxiety may lash out at another child if they find themselves in a difficult situation. Children with OCD may become extremely upset and scream at their parents when they do not provide the constant repetitive reassurance that they use to manage obsessive fears.

We tend to associate anxiety with kids freezing, avoiding things they’re afraid of, or clinging to parents, notes says Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. “But you can also see tantrums and complete meltdowns.”

“Anxiety is one of those diagnoses that is a great masquerader,” explains Laura Prager, MD, director of the Child Psychiatry Emergency Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. “It can look like a lot of things. Particularly with kids who may not have words to express their feelings, or because no one is listening to them, they might manifest their anxiety with behavioral dysregulation.”

ADHD

Many children with ADHD, especially those who experience impulsivity and hyperactivity, may appear to be intentionally oppositional. These children may have difficulty sitting still, they grab things from other kids, blurt out inappropriate remarks, have difficulty waiting their turn, interrupt others, and act without thinking through the consequences.

These symptoms are more a result of their impaired executive functioning skills—their ability to think ahead and assess the impact of their behavior—than purposeful oppositional behavior.

In a recent study conducted by Amy Roy, PhD, of Fordham University, more than 75 percent of children who presented with severe temper outbursts also fit the criteria for ADHD. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD — in fact the disorder may be overlooked in kids who have a history of aggression.

“What people don’t understand is that a lack of focus, an inability to complete work and tolerate boredom, among other symptoms, can contribute to the escalation toward the explosive outbursts,” explains Vasco Lopes, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. So you have to get to the underlying cause.”

Learning disorders

When a child acts out repeatedly in school, it’s possible that the behavior stems from an undiagnosed learning disorder. Say they have extreme difficulty mastering math skills, and laboring unsuccessfully over a set of problems makes them very frustrated and irritable. Or they know next period is math class.

“Kids with learning problems can be masters at being deceptive — they don’t want to expose their vulnerability. They want to distract you from recognizing their struggle,” explains Nancy Rappaport, MD, a Harvard Medical School professor who specializes in mental health care in school settings. “If a child has problems with writing or math or reading, rather than ask for help or admit that they’re stuck, they may rip up an assignment, or start something with another child to create a diversion.”

Paying attention to when the problematic behavior happens can lead to exposing a learning issue, she adds. “When parents and teachers are looking for the causes of dysregulation, it helps to note when it happens — to flag weaknesses and get kids support.”

Sensory processing problems

Children who have trouble processing sensory information can have extreme and sometimes disruptive behavior when their senses are feeling overwhelmed. They might do things like scream if their faces get wet, throw violent tantrums whenever you try to get them dressed, crash into walls and even people, and put inedible things, including rocks and paint, into their mouths.

Besides tantrums and mood swings, kids with sensory processing issues are also at risk for running away when an environment becomes too overwhelming for them. The “fight or flight” response can kick in when kids are feeling overloaded with sensory input, and their panicked reactions can put them in real danger.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-disruptive-behavior-why-its-often-misdiagnosed/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Disruptive Behavior: Why It's Often Misdiagnosed

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Disruptive Behavior: Why It's Often Misdiagnosed

Tantrums and defiance may mask issues that aren't apparent to teachers and parents

Clinical Experts: Vasco Lopes, PsyD , Laura Prager, MD , Nancy Rappaport, MD

What You'll Learn

- Why is disruptive behavior often misdiagnosed?

- What are some of the reasons kids have tantrums?

- How can parents tell what’s causing kids’ disruptive behavior?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- The common diagnosis: ODD

- Anxiety disorders

- ADHD

- Learning disorders

- Sensory processing problems

Many people assume that kids who act out or throw tantrums are angry or defiant. Sometimes they are diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) as a result. But that diagnosis might be wrong. Instead, kids’ disruptive behavior might be caused by a different disorder that’s easier to miss. 

One possibility is that your child could have an anxiety disorder, which makes it hard for them to handle stressful situations. For example, they might refuse to do what you ask or try to run away because they’re scared. Or, if they have social anxiety, they might scream at another child if socializing gets too stressful. 

ADHD is another option. Kids with?ADHD have a hard time controlling their impulses and tend to grab things from other kids. They also find it hard to wait their turn and frequently interrupt others. Plus, they have a hard time focusing on schoolwork and don’t like being bored. When these struggles cause disruptive behavior, it’s often misunderstood as defiance. 

If your child mostly acts out in school, they could have an undiagnosed?learning disorder. They might lash out or refuse to follow directions because they’re frustrated by schoolwork. Or they might be trying to hide their struggles by getting teachers to focus on their behavior instead. 

Finally, your child might be struggling with sensory processing issues. When they’re overwhelmed, kids with sensory issues can react in ways that look extreme. They might do things like scream if their face gets wet or melt down if there are bright lights, loud noises or a crowd. Some kids will even run away from places that make them uncomfortable. 

Most children have occasional temper tantrums or emotional outbursts, but when kids repeatedly lash out, are defiant, or can’t control their tempers, it can impair their functioning in school and cause serious family turmoil.

The first challenge in helping a child manage their behavior better is to understand why they’re doing what they’re doing. In the same way that a headache or a fever can be caused by many things, frequent outbursts — which clinicians call “emotional dysregulation”— can reflect a number of different underlying issues.

It’s easy to jump to the conclusion that a child who’s pushing or hitting or throwing tantrums is angry, defiant or hostile. But in many cases disruptive, even explosive behavior stems from anxiety or frustration that may not be apparent to parents or teachers.

Here we take a look at some of the diagnoses that are associated with disruptive behavior in children. It’s crucial to understand what’s really behind the childhood behavior problems in order to treat them effectively.

The common diagnosis: ODD

Often children who lash out or refuse to follow direction are thought to have oppositional defiant disorder, which is characterized by a pattern of negative, hostile, or defiant behavior. Symptoms of ODD include a child frequently losing their temper, arguing with adults, becoming easily annoyed, or actively disobeying requests or rules. In order to be diagnosed with ODD, the disruptive behavior must be occurring for at least six months. But there are a number of other issues that could lead to kids being oppositional or out of control in school or at home.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Anxiety disorders

Children with anxiety disorders have significant difficulty coping with situations that cause them distress. When a child with an untreated anxiety disorder is put into an anxiety-inducing situation, they may become oppositional in an effort to escape that situation or avoid the source of their acute fear.

For example, children with acute social anxiety may lash out at another child if they find themselves in a difficult situation. Children with OCD may become extremely upset and scream at their parents when they do not provide the constant repetitive reassurance that they use to manage obsessive fears.

We tend to associate anxiety with kids freezing, avoiding things they’re afraid of, or clinging to parents, notes says Rachel Busman, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. “But you can also see tantrums and complete meltdowns.”

“Anxiety is one of those diagnoses that is a great masquerader,” explains Laura Prager, MD, director of the Child Psychiatry Emergency Service at Massachusetts General Hospital. “It can look like a lot of things. Particularly with kids who may not have words to express their feelings, or because no one is listening to them, they might manifest their anxiety with behavioral dysregulation.”

ADHD

Many children with ADHD, especially those who experience impulsivity and hyperactivity, may appear to be intentionally oppositional. These children may have difficulty sitting still, they grab things from other kids, blurt out inappropriate remarks, have difficulty waiting their turn, interrupt others, and act without thinking through the consequences.

These symptoms are more a result of their impaired executive functioning skills—their ability to think ahead and assess the impact of their behavior—than purposeful oppositional behavior.

In a recent study conducted by Amy Roy, PhD, of Fordham University, more than 75 percent of children who presented with severe temper outbursts also fit the criteria for ADHD. That doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve been diagnosed with ADHD — in fact the disorder may be overlooked in kids who have a history of aggression.

“What people don’t understand is that a lack of focus, an inability to complete work and tolerate boredom, among other symptoms, can contribute to the escalation toward the explosive outbursts,” explains Vasco Lopes, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. So you have to get to the underlying cause.”

Learning disorders

When a child acts out repeatedly in school, it’s possible that the behavior stems from an undiagnosed learning disorder. Say they have extreme difficulty mastering math skills, and laboring unsuccessfully over a set of problems makes them very frustrated and irritable. Or they know next period is math class.

“Kids with learning problems can be masters at being deceptive — they don’t want to expose their vulnerability. They want to distract you from recognizing their struggle,” explains Nancy Rappaport, MD, a Harvard Medical School professor who specializes in mental health care in school settings. “If a child has problems with writing or math or reading, rather than ask for help or admit that they’re stuck, they may rip up an assignment, or start something with another child to create a diversion.”

Paying attention to when the problematic behavior happens can lead to exposing a learning issue, she adds. “When parents and teachers are looking for the causes of dysregulation, it helps to note when it happens — to flag weaknesses and get kids support.”

Sensory processing problems

Children who have trouble processing sensory information can have extreme and sometimes disruptive behavior when their senses are feeling overwhelmed. They might do things like scream if their faces get wet, throw violent tantrums whenever you try to get them dressed, crash into walls and even people, and put inedible things, including rocks and paint, into their mouths.

Besides tantrums and mood swings, kids with sensory processing issues are also at risk for running away when an environment becomes too overwhelming for them. The “fight or flight” response can kick in when kids are feeling overloaded with sensory input, and their panicked reactions can put them in real danger.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-disruptive-behavior-why-its-often-misdiagnosed/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Misdiagnosis of Mood Disorders in Black Teenagers

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Misdiagnosis of Mood Disorders in Black Teenagers

What we know about it, and how parents can help kids get the right diagnosis

Writer: Tonya Russell

Clinical Expert: Heather Bernstein, PsyD

What You'll Learn

- Why might Black kids who have a mood disorder get the wrong diagnosis?

- What are the signs that a child might have an underlying mood disorder?

- How can parents help kids get the right diagnosis?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- Challenges in diagnosing mood disorders

- Misdiagnosis among Black kids

- The role of bias

- How to avoid misdiagnosis

Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorder that includes depression, bipolar disorder, and other disorders with similar symptoms. Symptoms of mood disorders can be difficult to recognize. Research shows that kids of color, specifically Black kids, may be more likely than white kids to get the wrong diagnosis when they show signs of a mood disorder. They might get written off as misbehaving. Or they might be wrongly diagnosed with a different disorder like conduct disorder or schizophrenia.

One important cause of misdiagnosis of kids of color may be unconscious bias on the part of clinicians. Kids of different races who have the same symptoms might get different treatment. For example, a clinician might assume that a Black child who won’t participate in class is just misbehaving. But if a white child shows the same symptoms, they might get diagnosed with depression.

Cultural differences can also lead to misdiagnosis. If a clinician doesn’t know what kinds of behavior or emotional expression are normal for a child’s culture, they might miss signs of mood disorders. In some cases, Black people might be less willing to share information with a white clinician due to fear of being judged or punished. And with less information, the diagnosis is less likely to be accurate.

Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, it’s still very important for Black kids to get care when they’re dealing with a mental health challenge. Parents can help by knowing common signs of mood disorders. And if you’re concerned that your child may have a mood disorder, look for a clinician who has experience working with kids who share your child’s racial identity. Clinicians should also consider the role of racism and other systemic stresses when evaluating the child. By taking time to get to know your child and the bigger picture of their life, a clinician can make an accurate diagnosis and get them the help they need to thrive.

The adolescent years can be tough, especially for teens dealing with mental health challenges, who often struggle to be heard and to feel like themselves. Mood disorders usually begin in the teenage years, but their symptoms can be hard to interpret, and kids may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. This is especially true for children of color, who research suggests are less likely to get an accurate diagnosis when they show signs of a mood disorder.

Challenges in diagnosing mood disorders

Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorder that includes depression, bipolar disorder and other disorders with similar symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 14.3% of teens have a mood disorder, and girls are almost twice as likely to develop them as boys. Many factors influence the development of a mood disorder. These can be genetic, but they can also be environmental, with trauma being a significant trigger. This trauma can come from sources including strife at home, a significant death, bullying and even neighborhood violence.

Symptoms of mood disorders can be difficult to recognize. While people usually think of sadness as the main characteristic of depression, anger, irritability and behavior problems can also be signs of underlying mood disorders. For example, when a kid who acts out a lot in school doesn’t get a careful evaluation, they might be written off as just misbehaving or seeking attention when they’re really dealing with depression.

If they do get mental health care, they may get the wrong diagnosis. In particular, if a child with a mood disorder shows a lot of disruptive behavior or anger, a clinician who misses the signs of the underlying disorder might misdiagnose them with conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is a pattern of behavior in which a child intentionally hurts other people and acts out in extreme ways. Being diagnosed with conduct disorder can have serious consequences, including challenges finding clinicians who will work with the child and increased risk of incarceration. And when kids get the wrong diagnosis, they miss out on appropriate treatment for the disorder they do have, which leads to worse outcomes in the long term.

Misdiagnosis among Black kids

While kids of any race can receive the wrong diagnosis, research suggests that people of color and particularly Black people are less likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders than white people, even when their symptoms are the same.

One study found that Black male teenagers receiving psychiatric care were more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than any other group, while white adolescents were more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Black teenagers of any gender were also more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder than white teenagers. Studies of Black adults have found that they are much more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, even when they show clear signs of severe depression. Another study suggests a similar pattern of misdiagnosis for Black people with bipolar disorder.

More research is needed to clarify these apparent patterns and their causes. But in the meantime, it’s helpful for clinicians and parents alike to be aware of these trends and take care to ensure that teenagers of color get the correct diagnoses they need to thrive.

The role of bias

While there can be many causes of a misdiagnosis, one important factor may be unconscious bias on the part of clinicians.

Even when patients’ issues are the same, there can be a disparity in how youth of color are diagnosed when compared to white youth. “Research shows that when clinicians are given descriptions of the same symptoms labeled with different racial groups, there tends to be a bias to provide certain groups with certain diagnoses and other groups with other diagnoses,” says Heather Bernstein, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. For example, she explains, clinicians may unconsciously assume that a Black child who won’t participate in class is being defiant, while they might diagnose a white child with the same symptoms with depression.

Psychotherapist Jaynay C. Johnson, LMFT, runs a practice focused on helping Black teenagers navigate depression and suicidal ideation, and she explains exactly how that bias can be insidious. In addition to facing more scrutiny for apparent misbehavior, she explains, children of color face the added challenge of dealing with stresses that the white people often diagnosing them don’t understand. For example, a Black girl who gets into a fight may be labeled a behavior problem when really her actions stem in part from the stress of dealing with racism. Johnson explains that “a lot of people aren’t understanding systemic racism and microaggressions and how that can make a Black child frustrated. Instead, they may label it as anger.” She notes that in her Philadelphia practice, she’s often seen Black children be diagnosed with conduct disorder when they’re instead battling depression and anxiety.

Johnson adds that different cultural norms can also contribute to misunderstandings of children’s behavior. “The adults interacting with kids at school often don’t understand their culture,” she says. “So when children are acting within their culture, a lot of people will say that they’re behaving abnormally.” This behavior could include preferring to speak a language other than English, using certain verbal expressions, or even laughing at times that seem inappropriate. In cases like these, even kids with signs of possible mood disorders may be written off as just misbehaving, instead of getting the mental health support they need.

Language barriers are another factor that can contribute to misdiagnosis. Lack of trust in clinicians or medical systems can also lead to misunderstanding when, for instance, parents or children of color might withhold pertinent information out of fear of being judged or persecuted.

How to avoid misdiagnosis

Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, it’s still very important for kids of color to get care when they’re dealing with a mental health challenge. If you think that depression or another mood disorder might be troubling your child or be behind behavior that’s getting them in trouble, the best thing you can do for them is seek an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. And if you think your child has been misdiagnosed or written off by an authority figure, getting a second opinion can help.

You can learn more here about what mood disorders often look like in teenagers, and you can read more here about ways to tell if your child’s anger might be due to depression.

When you do seek help or a second opinion, working with the right clinician can make a big difference. Finding a clinician of color can help with the issues of bias and cultural awareness discussed above, but it’s not the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and quality care. Less than 15 percent of psychologists are people of color, so finding a non-white clinician can be a challenge. White clinicians can also be well-equipped to help your child, especially if they have experience working with other kids with similar symptoms and cultural backgrounds. It’s appropriate to discuss potential clinicians’ experience and training before choosing to work with them.

“Asking about the clinician’s level of cultural competence is a fair question, and it’s important for both the child and the caregiver,” says Dr. Bernstein. “You want to feel comfortable with the individual that they are seeing, and to know that that person has sufficient training and understands how intersecting identities are going to affect both who your child is and the type of treatment that’s going to be the most effective.” For instance, you could ask about the clinician’s understanding of the struggles faced by youth who share your child’s racial identity, or about their experience working with people from communities similar to your own.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Here are a few more ways to tell whether the clinician you’re working with is likely to give your child an accurate diagnosis:

- They consider systemic stressors. Research shows that experiencing racism leads to increased stress levels and adverse health outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of the way that this kind of stress impacts kids and their behaviors, as well as the way that systemic racism can create obstacles in kids’ lives. “We should be looking at what else could be going on in their lives,” says Johnson. “I think that sometimes we aren’t acknowledging that there may be systemic or poverty issues contributing to their symptoms.”

- They look at the whole picture. Medical issues like diabetes or chronic pain — which could both impact mood — should also be taken into account, as well as the social determinants of health. For example, a grumpy, argumentative child may be hungry, and Black children are more likely to live in food deserts than their white peers. Also, in high crime areas, trauma is more likely to be a cause of a child’s symptoms.

- They listen to your child without jumping to conclusions. An accurate diagnosis relies on getting information directly from the child as well, not just from teachers or other authority figures, who may misinterpret their behavior.

- They take their time. “Make sure that you’re working with a clinician who is open to not just putting a stamp on the diagnosis,” says. Dr. Bernstein. “The clinician should be willing to continue gathering information before making that diagnosis, and to really understand the child’s experience and take a more holistic view.”

- They use evidence-based methods based on up-to-date research. Dr. Bernstein notes that clinicians whose practice is based on well-researched tools will be better equipped to give appropriate diagnoses to kids of any race.

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-misdiagnosis-of-mood-disorders-in-black-teenagers/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Misdiagnosis of Mood Disorders in Black Teenagers

What we know about it, and how parents can help kids get the right diagnosis

Writer: Tonya Russell

Clinical Expert: Heather Bernstein, PsyD

What You'll Learn

- Why might Black kids who have a mood disorder get the wrong diagnosis?

- What are the signs that a child might have an underlying mood disorder?

- How can parents help kids get the right diagnosis?

- Quick Read

- Full Article

- Challenges in diagnosing mood disorders

- Misdiagnosis among Black kids

- The role of bias

- How to avoid misdiagnosis

Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorder that includes depression, bipolar disorder, and other disorders with similar symptoms. Symptoms of mood disorders can be difficult to recognize. Research shows that kids of color, specifically Black kids, may be more likely than white kids to get the wrong diagnosis when they show signs of a mood disorder. They might get written off as misbehaving. Or they might be wrongly diagnosed with a different disorder like conduct disorder or schizophrenia.

One important cause of misdiagnosis of kids of color may be unconscious bias on the part of clinicians. Kids of different races who have the same symptoms might get different treatment. For example, a clinician might assume that a Black child who won’t participate in class is just misbehaving. But if a white child shows the same symptoms, they might get diagnosed with depression.

Cultural differences can also lead to misdiagnosis. If a clinician doesn’t know what kinds of behavior or emotional expression are normal for a child’s culture, they might miss signs of mood disorders. In some cases, Black people might be less willing to share information with a white clinician due to fear of being judged or punished. And with less information, the diagnosis is less likely to be accurate.

Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, it’s still very important for Black kids to get care when they’re dealing with a mental health challenge. Parents can help by knowing common signs of mood disorders. And if you’re concerned that your child may have a mood disorder, look for a clinician who has experience working with kids who share your child’s racial identity. Clinicians should also consider the role of racism and other systemic stresses when evaluating the child. By taking time to get to know your child and the bigger picture of their life, a clinician can make an accurate diagnosis and get them the help they need to thrive.

The adolescent years can be tough, especially for teens dealing with mental health challenges, who often struggle to be heard and to feel like themselves. Mood disorders usually begin in the teenage years, but their symptoms can be hard to interpret, and kids may be overlooked or misdiagnosed. This is especially true for children of color, who research suggests are less likely to get an accurate diagnosis when they show signs of a mood disorder.

Challenges in diagnosing mood disorders

Mood disorders are a category of mental health disorder that includes depression, bipolar disorder and other disorders with similar symptoms. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that about 14.3% of teens have a mood disorder, and girls are almost twice as likely to develop them as boys. Many factors influence the development of a mood disorder. These can be genetic, but they can also be environmental, with trauma being a significant trigger. This trauma can come from sources including strife at home, a significant death, bullying and even neighborhood violence.

Symptoms of mood disorders can be difficult to recognize. While people usually think of sadness as the main characteristic of depression, anger, irritability and behavior problems can also be signs of underlying mood disorders. For example, when a kid who acts out a lot in school doesn’t get a careful evaluation, they might be written off as just misbehaving or seeking attention when they’re really dealing with depression.

If they do get mental health care, they may get the wrong diagnosis. In particular, if a child with a mood disorder shows a lot of disruptive behavior or anger, a clinician who misses the signs of the underlying disorder might misdiagnose them with conduct disorder. Conduct disorder is a pattern of behavior in which a child intentionally hurts other people and acts out in extreme ways. Being diagnosed with conduct disorder can have serious consequences, including challenges finding clinicians who will work with the child and increased risk of incarceration. And when kids get the wrong diagnosis, they miss out on appropriate treatment for the disorder they do have, which leads to worse outcomes in the long term.

Misdiagnosis among Black kids

While kids of any race can receive the wrong diagnosis, research suggests that people of color and particularly Black people are less likely to be diagnosed with mood disorders than white people, even when their symptoms are the same.

One study found that Black male teenagers receiving psychiatric care were more likely to be diagnosed with schizophrenia than any other group, while white adolescents were more likely to be diagnosed with depression. Black teenagers of any gender were also more likely to be diagnosed with conduct disorder than white teenagers. Studies of Black adults have found that they are much more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, even when they show clear signs of severe depression. Another study suggests a similar pattern of misdiagnosis for Black people with bipolar disorder.

More research is needed to clarify these apparent patterns and their causes. But in the meantime, it’s helpful for clinicians and parents alike to be aware of these trends and take care to ensure that teenagers of color get the correct diagnoses they need to thrive.

The role of bias

While there can be many causes of a misdiagnosis, one important factor may be unconscious bias on the part of clinicians.

Even when patients’ issues are the same, there can be a disparity in how youth of color are diagnosed when compared to white youth. “Research shows that when clinicians are given descriptions of the same symptoms labeled with different racial groups, there tends to be a bias to provide certain groups with certain diagnoses and other groups with other diagnoses,” says Heather Bernstein, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Child Mind Institute. For example, she explains, clinicians may unconsciously assume that a Black child who won’t participate in class is being defiant, while they might diagnose a white child with the same symptoms with depression.

Psychotherapist Jaynay C. Johnson, LMFT, runs a practice focused on helping Black teenagers navigate depression and suicidal ideation, and she explains exactly how that bias can be insidious. In addition to facing more scrutiny for apparent misbehavior, she explains, children of color face the added challenge of dealing with stresses that the white people often diagnosing them don’t understand. For example, a Black girl who gets into a fight may be labeled a behavior problem when really her actions stem in part from the stress of dealing with racism. Johnson explains that “a lot of people aren’t understanding systemic racism and microaggressions and how that can make a Black child frustrated. Instead, they may label it as anger.” She notes that in her Philadelphia practice, she’s often seen Black children be diagnosed with conduct disorder when they’re instead battling depression and anxiety.

Johnson adds that different cultural norms can also contribute to misunderstandings of children’s behavior. “The adults interacting with kids at school often don’t understand their culture,” she says. “So when children are acting within their culture, a lot of people will say that they’re behaving abnormally.” This behavior could include preferring to speak a language other than English, using certain verbal expressions, or even laughing at times that seem inappropriate. In cases like these, even kids with signs of possible mood disorders may be written off as just misbehaving, instead of getting the mental health support they need.

Language barriers are another factor that can contribute to misdiagnosis. Lack of trust in clinicians or medical systems can also lead to misunderstanding when, for instance, parents or children of color might withhold pertinent information out of fear of being judged or persecuted.

How to avoid misdiagnosis

Despite the risk of misdiagnosis, it’s still very important for kids of color to get care when they’re dealing with a mental health challenge. If you think that depression or another mood disorder might be troubling your child or be behind behavior that’s getting them in trouble, the best thing you can do for them is seek an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. And if you think your child has been misdiagnosed or written off by an authority figure, getting a second opinion can help.

You can learn more here about what mood disorders often look like in teenagers, and you can read more here about ways to tell if your child’s anger might be due to depression.

When you do seek help or a second opinion, working with the right clinician can make a big difference. Finding a clinician of color can help with the issues of bias and cultural awareness discussed above, but it’s not the only way to get an accurate diagnosis and quality care. Less than 15 percent of psychologists are people of color, so finding a non-white clinician can be a challenge. White clinicians can also be well-equipped to help your child, especially if they have experience working with other kids with similar symptoms and cultural backgrounds. It’s appropriate to discuss potential clinicians’ experience and training before choosing to work with them.

“Asking about the clinician’s level of cultural competence is a fair question, and it’s important for both the child and the caregiver,” says Dr. Bernstein. “You want to feel comfortable with the individual that they are seeing, and to know that that person has sufficient training and understands how intersecting identities are going to affect both who your child is and the type of treatment that’s going to be the most effective.” For instance, you could ask about the clinician’s understanding of the struggles faced by youth who share your child’s racial identity, or about their experience working with people from communities similar to your own.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

Here are a few more ways to tell whether the clinician you’re working with is likely to give your child an accurate diagnosis:

- They consider systemic stressors. Research shows that experiencing racism leads to increased stress levels and adverse health outcomes. Clinicians should be aware of the way that this kind of stress impacts kids and their behaviors, as well as the way that systemic racism can create obstacles in kids’ lives. “We should be looking at what else could be going on in their lives,” says Johnson. “I think that sometimes we aren’t acknowledging that there may be systemic or poverty issues contributing to their symptoms.”

- They look at the whole picture. Medical issues like diabetes or chronic pain — which could both impact mood — should also be taken into account, as well as the social determinants of health. For example, a grumpy, argumentative child may be hungry, and Black children are more likely to live in food deserts than their white peers. Also, in high crime areas, trauma is more likely to be a cause of a child’s symptoms.

- They listen to your child without jumping to conclusions. An accurate diagnosis relies on getting information directly from the child as well, not just from teachers or other authority figures, who may misinterpret their behavior.

- They take their time. “Make sure that you’re working with a clinician who is open to not just putting a stamp on the diagnosis,” says. Dr. Bernstein. “The clinician should be willing to continue gathering information before making that diagnosis, and to really understand the child’s experience and take a more holistic view.”

- They use evidence-based methods based on up-to-date research. Dr. Bernstein notes that clinicians whose practice is based on well-researched tools will be better equipped to give appropriate diagnoses to kids of any race.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=12783

Attitudes have changed in the decade since Jessica Davis' father died, she says. Still, it's vital to keep challenging the stigma

BY JESSICA DAVIS

It's a sticky July afternoon and I'm stuck between lilies or tulips. Normally, I only buy my mum a bouquet for her birthday or Mother's Day, but today – a random summer Wednesday – I feel an instinct to pick some up.

I'd later find out that this exact pocket of time, as I stood glancing from flower to flower, was the point at which our family's life would change forever. Those minutes in 2014 drew a line under our past, plunging us into a future of grief, missed milestones and unanswered questions. It was the time in which we lost dad to suicide.

I recall what happened next as a whirlwind, yet I remember it with such clarity. I arrived home, stems in hand, to see a police car parked outside. Upon entering the house, the news was broken, by my mum, to my younger brother and I. It felt like I was living someone else’s truth, playing a character in a film. After, days and weeks blurred into months.

It all seemed like a cruel joke; part of a game show. I remember saying out loud ‘you can stop now’, imagining him bursting in with a camera crew in tow, revealing a twisted prank. They never came, though. Over ten years later, I’m still waiting.

‘It all seemed like one big cruel joke; part of a game show’

In the wake of his death, a huge weight to bear was using the word ‘suicide’. ‘He killed himself,’ I’d say, numbly updating friends, family or explaining to the landlord of my local pub that I wouldn’t be working my shift, as though I was hungover like any other 18-year-old.

In truth, I didn’t understand it myself. Why would he do this? What about us? He’d suffered with depression for my whole life, however he came across as one of the happiest people to all that had the pleasure of knowing him. He was infectious; someone who lit up the room, made you laugh uncontrollably and was always the centre of the party.

That’s the thing about mental ill health, though. While external words and behaviour are visible, none of us truly know the contents of another's mind. When we, his immediate family, told those in our extended circle about dad, we were met with disbelief, puzzled faces and questions we certainly didn’t have the answers to. How could such a vital character have secretly battled such sad thoughts?

‘None of us truly know the contents of another's mind’

This conversation started to change slightly the next year, when news broke that actor Robin Williams had taken his own life in 2014. Reading about this sad, sad reality, I found myself taking in a narrative that was all too familiar; the big warm joker who loved to make everyone laugh, but sheltered a darker internal life. It helped, I think, cement the general understanding that even the seemingly happiest of people might struggle.

The author as a child with her dad

Over the decade since dad's death, many high profile names have ended their own lives, from television personality Caroline Flack to musicians Chris Cornell and Avicii. Each is a tragedy; each generates headlines. Even so, suicide remains an intensely difficult thing for many to speak about.

‘The way we talk about grief and bereavement is beginning to change as we talk about death more easily,’ psychotherapist Juliet Rosenfeld tells me. ‘The general conversation around mental health has certainly opened up, but suicide is still a difficult area for people to talk about.’

‘Suicide it’s a very difficult area for people to talk about’

But talk about it we must. The latest stats show that 5,642 deaths happened by suicide in 2022; around three-quarters being male. I often think if there was less stigma against men showing their emotion and feelings (a big middle finger to toxic masculinity) at the time of dad’s death, perhaps he would have felt more comfortable to have broken down, to have received help, rather than pretending everything was fine.

A decade on, despite these tragedies filling our newsfeeds and scary statistics, there’s still so much misunderstanding.

‘I'm always struck by the language we use when it comes to suicide, as it’s so denigrating,’ Rosenfeld says. ‘Take "committed suicide." The use of ‘committing’ is extraordinary as it implies criminality – the use of ‘attempting’ and ‘successful’ also does such damage. Suicide sounds like ‘homicide’ or ‘infanticide’, so it’s put into that category and makes people deeply uncomfortable. It’s worrying that given how prevalent it is, we can’t talk about it in a way that’s helpful and preventative.’

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signupbit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you'd like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here's the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

‘Talking about death or knowing the "right thing" to say to the bereaved brings such dread’

Generally, talking about death or knowing the ‘right thing’ to say to the bereaved brings such dread. Understandably so, despite it being the only true certainty for us all, we are all scared of our own death, and that of our loved ones. But when it comes to suicide in particular this squeamishness is amplified. It's hard to comprehend something that goes directly against the human instinct for survival.

‘From birth, we have a drive to survive at all costs,’ says Rosenfeld. ‘People cope in horrific danger, suffer accident or disease, they make it through. That’s the difficult thing about suicide as it "goes against" this. It means it can be difficult for people to conceptualise.’

‘And, the reality is, we won’t understand it from the outside, because, how can we? We don’t know how it feels. This is why it’s so important to change how we talk about it and lose that judgement. We do have the power to change things; to change the narrative and help those who need it most.’

Detecting the signs that someone is in crisis early on is paramount. Polly, a 43-year-old Somerset-based volunteer with charity Samaritans, says it’s never a one-size-fits-all approach. ‘Struggling to cope with everyday life is a common feeling and isn’t the same for everyone,’ she says.

‘Some signs include lacking energy, feeling exhausted, finding it hard to think clearly or concentrate, feeling restless and agitated, wanting to cry all the time, not wanting to be with people or do things you would usually enjoy, finding it hard to cope with everyday tasks and experiencing "burn out"’.

‘It’s important to remember that it’s okay to feel any of these things,’ she continues. ‘You’re not alone in feeling like this, as many people struggle to cope at one point or another. Talking about how you’re feeling can help put things into perspective and help you to feel more positive about the future.’

It's true that society has become more compassionate towards those who die by suicide. Before 1961, it was illegal in the UK, meaning that if someone ended their life, they wouldn’t get a funeral or headstone. We’ve definitely moved a long way on from that – but there’s still such a way to go.

Having these honest conversations, better mental health education, sharing stories, squishing the stigma of shame is all part of bringing it forward. I hope with everything I've got that over the next decade, we see those heartbreaking statistics shrink.

Two women who contemplated suicide share how having someone to listen saved their lives

Bella, 45, from London:

In 2019 I was diagnosed with bipolar and struggled badly with depression, which ultimately led to me becoming suicidal that same year. One evening, things got way too much. I felt I'd had enough; I wanted to go – but something in me caused me to phone Samaritans. Being truly listened to and having a space where I could say anything was so helpful. They made me feel like I was somebody. They made me feel I was worth it. Sometimes I think to myself my life was saved by the person who picked up the phone that night. If they weren’t there, I may not be here.

I share my story as a mental health speaker to show others they aren’t alone. At that time for me I felt so overwhelming lonely and had no safe space to share how much I was struggling. It felt like the outside world wouldn’t have cared if I went; I didn’t think I’d be missed by anyone. I couldn’t remember any achievements or anything I wanted from my future.

Of course, I still have very bad days – and that’s okay and so important to share, too. With social media, it can look like everyone else is living a perfect life, but that's not true. I love sharing with my audience when I’m feeling low and what I’m doing to help myself, like getting outside in nature or journalling. Struggle is all part of the journey and nothing to be ashamed about.

Emma, 35 from South Yorkshire:

I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression in my early twenties. I struggled on and off and was keen to find coping mechanisms outside of medication. I’ve felt quite up and down over the years; the pandemic lockdown was hard. I’d been plodding on, but my mental health took a dip. I felt stuck, I was in a relationship that wasn’t very good for me and I just felt...lost. Working from home made me feel so isolated, things were getting worse and I couldn’t see a way out. I felt I had no one to turn to.

One night, it was really bad. It was the early hours so I couldn’t call anyone, but I’d seen an advert for Samaritans in the train station early that day. I didn’t really know what I wanted to say, I just wanted someone to be there so I didn’t feel so alone. I was scared and contemplating ending my life.

The volunteer listened, let me cry and asked all the right questions without pushing me. We were on the phone for hours, until I felt truly safe to hang up the phone. She saved my life.

I remember thinking that I didn't want my life to end, rather just for that chapter to close. That night I decided I can fight to live. It’s still so emotional to talk about, but it feels like a distant memory.

To look at me today, you’d never know. I’m so grateful to be here. I rebuilt my life, reconnected with friends and I’m now am in a new healthy relationship: we’re getting married this autumn. I know it's possible to come out the other side. To anybody who maybe feels how I felt back then, please know that when they say it gets better, they aren’t lying.

Anyone can contact Samaritans, free, 24/7, by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-conversations-are-opening-up-but-we-still-need-to-shed-the-taboo-of-discussing-suicide/