By Melissa Wilson

Drew Robinson spreads the word about #mentalhealth

FOX 26 Melissa Wilson speaks with retired MLB player Drew Robinson on his #mentalhealth journey following his failed #suicideattempt. Now Robinson is advocating for others to have access to #mentalhealthcare by founding the #BetterUniverseFoundation.

HOUSTON - #Doctors can't believe retired MLB player Drew Robinson survived after he put a gun to his head on a dark, lonely night.

Robinson may have lost his eye, but he gained a new spunk for life. Now he's teaming up with his #psychiatrist through a new foundation called a ‘#BetterUniverse’ to help everyone have access to #mentalhealthcare.

He played baseball his entire life and now cherishes his successful baseball career even more. Robinson played with the Texas Rangers and the Saint Louis Cardinals, but his life took a troubling tumble after injuring his arm.

#MENTALHEALTH: FOX 26 speaks with licensed #therapist about growing #mentalhealthissue

"I call them the three ingredients for recipe of disaster where at the end of 2019 season, I had a season-ending injury that needed surgery, then was ultimately released with a couple months left in the season, so I was sent home and really just kind of fearful of my career coming to an end," explains Robinson.

Houston advocate raises awareness about #mentalhealth

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. FOX 26 Reporter Sherman Desselle explains what one advocate is doing to keep more people aware about #mentalhealth.

He says he didn't know who he was without baseball. After he broke off the engagement with his fiancé, Robinson felt lonely and lost at the beginning of the #pandemic. He didn't think he could deal with it anymore and took action to end his life. His failed attempt ended up refueling his passion to live.

#MENTALHEALTHRESOURCES: Megan Thee Stallion #mentalhealth website launches

"It's a pretty extreme situation right after my attempt, I survived physically, somehow! On paper, I should not be here, I should not have made it through. For me, I just had nothing left to lose. I just was supposed to be here. And then immediately, I felt like I could possibly use all these things that I went through with my life experience, my journey, and everything I tried to use in a positive way to try to help people not feel that way," he said.

How #parents can address #mentalhealthproblems in #children

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. #Mentalhealthstruggles can take a toll on everyone in families. A #doctor shares the warning signs #parents should look out for.

Robinson is truly a comeback kid! After signing with the San Francisco Giants, he hit his first home run with the team, more meaningful than ever, since he was now having to play with only one eye after his attempt at #suicide. He soon decided though to take a different set of skills off-field and is now the #mentalhealthadvocate for the Giants.

RELATED: Braves pitcher Tyler Matzek talks about overcoming #anxiety that nearly ended his career

"I work myself as the bridge between the players and our #psychologists and our professionals to try to encourage them that this is a very beneficial and very rare resource to have - basically an on-call #therapist and just getting to know it is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it's actually encouraged. It's something that the Giants invested in because they know it's beneficial," says Robinson.

Dr. Sam Zand has helped Robinson after his attempt to take his life. He believes we can all learn from his dramatic turnaround.

#MENTALHEALTH STUDY: #Kids who play team #sports are less likely to have #mentalhealthissues, study suggests

"It's not what we do with the traumas or stresses that we go through, but it's how we deal with it and the growth that Drew has shown in the last two, three years is phenomenal, because he'll be the first one to say, still have some struggles, but we all do. That's really what we're trying to share is that we all have a #mentalhealth journey, but can we seek the help that we need, can we be there for ourselves," stated Dr. Zand. 

#SimoneBiles says she should have stayed home from Tokyo due to #mentalhealth

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. #SimoneBiles says she struggled with her #mentalhealth so much that she should have stayed home from the games all together. An #athlete and #therapist join The Factor to discuss #athletes and their #mentalhealth.

They want everyone to feel empowered when reaching out for help.

"When we hold things in, we don't share with our loved ones or a professional, we start to make up stories about our life that just aren't true. And these perspectives that we hold on to can be very disempowering to let negative self-talk fester. So, the strength that Drew has shown is just to be authentic and honest with yourself and with others, so that we don't have to kind of feed into any of the negative self-thoughts that we have and to be able to normalize that we are just going through something, and that's okay," explains Dr. Zand.

SUGGESTED: Survey: Nearly half of #Americans admit talking to their plants, and it might make them happier

Many people make sure they work out their bodies. However, Robinson hopes you'll consider working out your mind as it works for him. "I just take time to address it. I spend an hour a week, two hours a week. I do my self-care routines in the mornings or afternoons and just find my competence in that and just being my most authentic self and being unapologetically myself," Robinson says with a smile.

'Just Heal Bro' Tour tackles #mentalhealth and #suicide among #Black #men

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. FOX 26 anchor Jonathan Martin makes a special appearance on the Isiah Factor. He has a special report on skyrocketing #suicide rates among #AfricanAmericans and sits down with a #therapist and actor who are embarking on a tour to get #Black #men to address some serious #mentalhealthissues.

He's now rolling out the #BetterUniverseFoundation to provide a real game changer, raising awareness about #mentalhealth, with an important thought in mind. "Knowing that it's a process and not an overnight fix. I think it's so important. So being open-minded to finding your fit with your provider to medication or these other modalities. There's a lot of options out there. There's always help, and you'll always be heard and be understood," said Robinson.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

RELATED STORY: Election seasons are stressful; here are ways to cope

He shares some ideas that have been #FDA-approved to treat #depression.  "We're trying to highlight and destigmatize things like psychedelic therapy, in the form of ketamine, or neurostimulation in the form of TMS. These are new things the #FDA has approved in the last five to ten years that really can help people find optimism and new ways of improving their #mentalhealth," explains Robinson.

For more information, visit https://www.betteruniverse.foundation/drew-robinson
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/11/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-retired-mlb-player-survives-suicideattempt-rolling-out-betteruniverse-to-save-others/

The #AfricanAmericancommunity disproportionately experiences #mentalhealthstruggles, yet the stigmas surrounding #mentalillness often lead many individuals to not seek the help they need

Photo by Nicholas Githiri on Pexels.com

Talya Ryngler

#Mentalillness and #suicide are unfortunately on an upward climb within the #AfricanAmericancommunity.

In January 2022, former #MissUSA #CheslieKryst took her own life. She accomplished a great deal in her life. Apart from winning the Miss USA title in 2019 as one of the most memorable #AfricanAmerican contestants, she was also a Top Ten finisher in the Miss Universe contest.

On top of such great accomplishments, she was also a lawyer and a correspondent on the TV show “Extra.” When the New York #police found her body on West 42nd St., the #police concluded that she must have fallen from an elevated position and her cause of death was #suicide.

Around that same time, upcoming #AfricanAmerican musician and songwriter Ian King Jr., who is also actress Regina King’s son, died by #suicide. A few months later, in May 2022, 19-year-old cheerleader Arlana Miller, who was a #Black #student at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, committed #suicide.

Unfortunately, these are just some of many #suicide deaths that have recently plagued the #AfricanAmericancommunity.

According to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, even though the overall rate of #suicide has decreased, the rate of #suicide amongst young people of color has increased.

I am deeply concerned about these tragedies, and I understand why they are happening within my community. Growing up in a South African family, I was not encouraged to talk about #mentalhealth.

In our culture, we are supposed to always be tough and strong, never burdening our family and community with any problem. Some people within my community even regard #mentalillness as a form of “craziness.”

This is why many people in my community feel too afraid to seek therapy or other forms of help for their #mentalhealthstruggles.

My personal experiences are shared by many South African and other #AfricanAmerican #teenagers. A recent survey conducted by Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) found that up to 70% of South African #students were not getting the necessary #mentalhealthsupport that they needed. #Students were battling #anxiety and #stress all on their own regarding their education, personal relationships and physical health.

Worst of all, with the increase of anti-#Black violence occurring around the nation, #AfricanAmericans experience poor #mentalhealth when being exposed to these traumatic incidents.

According to the 2012-17 #Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, #AfricanAmericans suffered more #mentalhealth activity during the time when two or more anti-#Black violence happened compared to White #American respondents, whose #mentalhealth did not significantly change in connection to anti-#Black violence.

When I think about my own community, I can see many of my friends having trouble processing the recent violence and socioeconomic inequalities that target the #AfricanAmericancommunity.

Sadly, since these issues are not widely discussed within my community, I see more and more of my friends dealing with #anxiety and #depression. And yet, very few of them are seeking help, which is often looked upon negatively within my environment.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

I am starting to understand the hesitancy to seek help. South Africa is ranked as one of the worst countries in the world regarding #mentalhealthresources. Even though #trauma is common in South Africa, which stems from a higher rate of homicide, rape and #domesticviolence, South Africans are still falling far behind in getting the #mentalhealthtreatment they need and deserve.

Knowing all this, I feel an even deeper desire to speak up and incite change. The #AfricanAmericancommunity needs an honest discussion about #mentalhealth.

Most importantly, we need to destigmatize the widespread negative perceptions about #mentalillness so more people can get help. Hopefully, by talking more about #mentalhealth within the #AfricanAmericancommunity, we can save many more lives and support those who are silently suffering.

Photo by Nicholas Githiri on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/11/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-opinion-mentalhealthcrisis-within-the-africanamericancommunity/

Hundreds walk in Jacksonville Beach to raise awareness for #mentalhealth during Out of the Darkness Jacksonville Walk

JACKSONVILLE BEACH, Fla. – Volunteers from Jacksonville came together Sunday for the annual “Out of the Darkness Walk” for #suicide and #mentalhealthawareness.

The #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention’s North Florida Chapter organized the walk in Jacksonville Beach.

The money raised will help provide resources for those battling #mentalhealthissues.

Pamela Howard is walking on behalf of her son and others who couldn’t make it into the light.

“We are supporting people and letting them know that life still matters and we’re here for them so. We’re here to celebrate life, those who didn’t make it and for those who are still fighting the fight,” said #mentalhealthadvocate Pamela Howard.

#Suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in the #UnitedStates, according to research by the #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention. On average, the AFSP says there are 130 suicides a day.

“Everybody in some way shape or form has been impacted by #mentalhealthissues or has a loved one that has lost somebody by #suicide,” said walk chair Stefanie Shaughnessy.

#AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention’s North Florida Chapter hopes to raise $100,000 dollars.

Its goal is to put an end to #suicide and help everyone make it into the light and stay there.

If you would like to donate to the #AmericanFoundationforSuicideandPrevention, click here.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/10/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-130-people-die-by-suicide-each-day-so-hundreds-walked-to-raise-mentalhealthawareness/

By Julie Mack

Maricela Alcala, chief executive officer of Gryphon Place, poses for a portrait in Kalamazoo County, Michigan on Monday April 11, 2022. Gryphon Place is agency that provides crisis and counseling services, they also provided a 24/7 helpline

This story is the latest from the Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative's #MentalWellnessProject

More than 15,000 Michiganders died by #suicide over the past decade, include 345 in Kalamazoo County. While rates are highest among middle-age and older #men, #suicides account for more than 20% of deaths among ages 15 to 24.

Studies indicate 90% of people who die by #suicide have an underlying — and potentially treatable — #mentalhealthcondition.

Regardless of age, experts say that asking someone directly, “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” can be effective at identifying someone at risk for #suicide, offering the opportunity to steer them to professional help.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Find this story from MLive/Kalamazoo

This story is part of the #MentalWellnessProject, a solutions-oriented journalism initiative covering #mentalhealthissues in southwest Michigan, created by the Southwest Michigan Journalism Collaborative. SWMJC is a group of 13 regional organizations dedicated to strengthening local journalism. For more info visit swmichjournalism.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=10197

By Sara Novak

#Pandemic conditions were ripe for a #mentalhealth disaster: #Isolation, a crashing economy, and a mystery illness taking aim with deadly accuracy. But while instances of #depression and #anxiety increased, there seemed to be one comforting prospect: In the past 2 years, #suicide numbers have dropped.

“We all thought that #suicides would go up. It was a perfect storm: the lack of medical care, increased #stress and bereavement. But when the numbers started coming in, they were actually decreasing,” says Paul Nestadt, MD, a #psychiatrist with Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore.

Experts were optimistic at first, pointing to a number of potential drivers for the 3% drop in #suicides nationally. Though it may not seem logical, #suicide rates tend to go down during times of crisis, says Nestadt, whose research focuses on #suicide. Studies of #suicides during World War II and just after 9/11 found similar decreases.

An overarching focus on #mentalhealth during the #pandemic may also have played a role. More people were seeking treatment during #mentalhealthcrises, both in person and through telehealth.

While Nestadt agrees that these things did play a role, he thinks the numbers could also be misleading. #Suicides, he says, could be hidden by the nation’s #opioid crisis.

Only a quarter of those who die by #suicide leave a note. And if they’re found dead of an overdose, it’s hard to know whether it was an accident or not, he says. Research has also shown that those with #substanceabuseproblems are more likely to die by #suicide than other groups.

“It could be that overdose deaths are going up and they’re hiding the number of #suicides,” he says.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Ian Rockett, PhD, is an epidemiologist at West Virginia University. He says #drugoverdoses muddy the waters for medical examiners, who are overworked and often poorly funded.

His research, which was published last year in The Lancet’s EClinicalMedicine, found that #suicides in Western states like Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming seemed higher than in other states because of the use of firearms. In contrast, in parts of the country where the #opioid epidemic was raging, deaths resulting from #drugoverdoses were often classified by coroners as “undetermined,” likely missing those that were actually #suicides. This artificially deflates national numbers.

Like Nestadt, Rockett is skeptical that #suicide deaths dropped during the #pandemic at the very same time that overdose deaths were up by 29% from 2020 to 2021.

Evidence needed to confirm an overdose #suicide, like a note or other signs of #suicidalbehavior, often can’t be found when medical examiners are determining the cause of death, says Rockett.

To better document cases, he’s been advocating the use of a method known as “psychological autopsy,” which combines an examination of medical and legal records with in-depth interviews of family and friends of the deceased. The tool was used effectively by the Los Angeles County coroner from the 1950s until the 1980s to uncover a number of barbiturate #suicides but was later dropped because of cost.

“If we’re really invested in obtaining high-quality #suicide data, this can help,” he says.

Hilary S. Connery, MD, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical #School, says the data in certain parts of the country with better access to #mentalhealthcare and stronger gun control laws may show a reduction. Research has shown that limiting access to firearms reduces #suicides.

But Connery isn’t convinced that the data reflects the true numbers. Health systems hit hard by the #pandemic were already strained by drug deaths.

“These resources are lacking,” she says, “and in many parts of the country, cause-of-death investigations hardly happen at all.”

#Suicides and #drugoverdoses can happen in clusters when people become desensitized to death, says Connery, who’s also the clinical director of McLean Hospital’s Division of #Alcohol, #Drugs and Addiction in Belmont, MA.

For example, when someone dies by #suicide, it increases the risk that their peers will do the same thing because of exposure to it. This is especially true when other members of the group are faced with similar stressors like war, community violence, poverty, and exclusion.

Accurate real-time surveillance data would help identify people at risk, Connery says.

“We need to stop working in silos, because suicides and overdoses are related issues with similar risk factors, and in many cases, prevention may need to be overlapping,” she says.

Jill Harkavy-Friedman, PhD, who leads the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention’s research grant program, believes the increase in overdose deaths is largely due to #fentanyl, a highly toxic substance that is being used to cut #heroin and #cocaine. She agrees that a portion of the 100,000 #drug deaths in 2020 may have been intentional but says suicides likely did decrease overall due to increased attention to #mentalhealth.

“We encouraged people to seek help when they were in distress, and it seems like they were listening,” she says.

Harkavy-Friedman also notes that the numbers were already going down in 2019, partially because we’re more open to having conversations about #suicide, a subject that was once off limits.

“We’re more open to discussing it in a way that makes people feel less alone,” she says.

For the groups that have access to care, it seems to be working. Experts generally agree that there are more tools available and a better understanding of #suicide today than in times past. Still, the data may not be reflecting what’s truly going on in our society, says Connery.

"The entire country is notified almost immediately when romaine lettuce is contaminated with E. coli, for example,” she says. “This same model could be used to prevent #suicide. With similar real-time data, we could step in and stop at least some of these deaths."

The undue #stigma associated with both #drugaddiction and #suicide is preventing people from getting the help they need, and it’s causing an unnecessary loss of life, says Connery. “In the end, whether it’s a #suicide or an overdose, these people are still ending up dead, often at a very young age.”

If you or someone you know is considering #suicide, please contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=10194

By Melissa Wilson

Drew Robinson spreads the word about #mentalhealth

FOX 26 Melissa Wilson speaks with retired MLB player Drew Robinson on his #mentalhealth journey following his failed #suicideattempt. Now Robinson is advocating for others to have access to #mentalhealthcare by founding the #BetterUniverseFoundation.

HOUSTON - #Doctors can't believe retired MLB player Drew Robinson survived after he put a gun to his head on a dark, lonely night.

Robinson may have lost his eye, but he gained a new spunk for life. Now he's teaming up with his #psychiatrist through a new foundation called a ‘#BetterUniverse’ to help everyone have access to #mentalhealthcare.

He played baseball his entire life and now cherishes his successful baseball career even more. Robinson played with the Texas Rangers and the Saint Louis Cardinals, but his life took a troubling tumble after injuring his arm.

#MENTALHEALTH: FOX 26 speaks with licensed #therapist about growing #mentalhealthissue

"I call them the three ingredients for recipe of disaster where at the end of 2019 season, I had a season-ending injury that needed surgery, then was ultimately released with a couple months left in the season, so I was sent home and really just kind of fearful of my career coming to an end," explains Robinson.

Houston advocate raises awareness about #mentalhealth

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. FOX 26 Reporter Sherman Desselle explains what one advocate is doing to keep more people aware about #mentalhealth.

He says he didn't know who he was without baseball. After he broke off the engagement with his fiancé, Robinson felt lonely and lost at the beginning of the #pandemic. He didn't think he could deal with it anymore and took action to end his life. His failed attempt ended up refueling his passion to live.

#MENTALHEALTHRESOURCES: Megan Thee Stallion #mentalhealth website launches

"It's a pretty extreme situation right after my attempt, I survived physically, somehow! On paper, I should not be here, I should not have made it through. For me, I just had nothing left to lose. I just was supposed to be here. And then immediately, I felt like I could possibly use all these things that I went through with my life experience, my journey, and everything I tried to use in a positive way to try to help people not feel that way," he said.

How #parents can address #mentalhealthproblems in #children

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. #Mentalhealthstruggles can take a toll on everyone in families. A #doctor shares the warning signs #parents should look out for.

Robinson is truly a comeback kid! After signing with the San Francisco Giants, he hit his first home run with the team, more meaningful than ever, since he was now having to play with only one eye after his attempt at #suicide. He soon decided though to take a different set of skills off-field and is now the #mentalhealthadvocate for the Giants.

RELATED: Braves pitcher Tyler Matzek talks about overcoming #anxiety that nearly ended his career

"I work myself as the bridge between the players and our #psychologists and our professionals to try to encourage them that this is a very beneficial and very rare resource to have - basically an on-call #therapist and just getting to know it is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it's actually encouraged. It's something that the Giants invested in because they know it's beneficial," says Robinson.

Dr. Sam Zand has helped Robinson after his attempt to take his life. He believes we can all learn from his dramatic turnaround.

#MENTALHEALTH STUDY: #Kids who play team #sports are less likely to have #mentalhealthissues, study suggests

"It's not what we do with the traumas or stresses that we go through, but it's how we deal with it and the growth that Drew has shown in the last two, three years is phenomenal, because he'll be the first one to say, still have some struggles, but we all do. That's really what we're trying to share is that we all have a #mentalhealth journey, but can we seek the help that we need, can we be there for ourselves," stated Dr. Zand. 

#SimoneBiles says she should have stayed home from Tokyo due to #mentalhealth

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. #SimoneBiles says she struggled with her #mentalhealth so much that she should have stayed home from the games all together. An #athlete and #therapist join The Factor to discuss #athletes and their #mentalhealth.

They want everyone to feel empowered when reaching out for help.

"When we hold things in, we don't share with our loved ones or a professional, we start to make up stories about our life that just aren't true. And these perspectives that we hold on to can be very disempowering to let negative self-talk fester. So, the strength that Drew has shown is just to be authentic and honest with yourself and with others, so that we don't have to kind of feed into any of the negative self-thoughts that we have and to be able to normalize that we are just going through something, and that's okay," explains Dr. Zand.

SUGGESTED: Survey: Nearly half of #Americans admit talking to their plants, and it might make them happier

Many people make sure they work out their bodies. However, Robinson hopes you'll consider working out your mind as it works for him. "I just take time to address it. I spend an hour a week, two hours a week. I do my self-care routines in the mornings or afternoons and just find my competence in that and just being my most authentic self and being unapologetically myself," Robinson says with a smile.

'Just Heal Bro' Tour tackles #mentalhealth and #suicide among #Black #men

EDITORS NOTE: This video is from a previous story. FOX 26 anchor Jonathan Martin makes a special appearance on the Isiah Factor. He has a special report on skyrocketing #suicide rates among #AfricanAmericans and sits down with a #therapist and actor who are embarking on a tour to get #Black #men to address some serious #mentalhealthissues.

He's now rolling out the #BetterUniverseFoundation to provide a real game changer, raising awareness about #mentalhealth, with an important thought in mind. "Knowing that it's a process and not an overnight fix. I think it's so important. So being open-minded to finding your fit with your provider to medication or these other modalities. There's a lot of options out there. There's always help, and you'll always be heard and be understood," said Robinson.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

RELATED STORY: Election seasons are stressful; here are ways to cope

He shares some ideas that have been #FDA-approved to treat #depression.  "We're trying to highlight and destigmatize things like psychedelic therapy, in the form of ketamine, or neurostimulation in the form of TMS. These are new things the #FDA has approved in the last five to ten years that really can help people find optimism and new ways of improving their #mentalhealth," explains Robinson.

For more information, visit https://www.betteruniverse.foundation/drew-robinson
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=10190

The #AfricanAmericancommunity disproportionately experiences #mentalhealthstruggles, yet the stigmas surrounding #mentalillness often lead many individuals to not seek the help they need

Photo by Nicholas Githiri on Pexels.com

Talya Ryngler

#Mentalillness and #suicide are unfortunately on an upward climb within the #AfricanAmericancommunity.

In January 2022, former #MissUSA #CheslieKryst took her own life. She accomplished a great deal in her life. Apart from winning the Miss USA title in 2019 as one of the most memorable #AfricanAmerican contestants, she was also a Top Ten finisher in the Miss Universe contest.

On top of such great accomplishments, she was also a lawyer and a correspondent on the TV show “Extra.” When the New York #police found her body on West 42nd St., the #police concluded that she must have fallen from an elevated position and her cause of death was #suicide.

Around that same time, upcoming #AfricanAmerican musician and songwriter Ian King Jr., who is also actress Regina King’s son, died by #suicide. A few months later, in May 2022, 19-year-old cheerleader Arlana Miller, who was a #Black #student at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, committed #suicide.

Unfortunately, these are just some of many #suicide deaths that have recently plagued the #AfricanAmericancommunity.

According to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, even though the overall rate of #suicide has decreased, the rate of #suicide amongst young people of color has increased.

I am deeply concerned about these tragedies, and I understand why they are happening within my community. Growing up in a South African family, I was not encouraged to talk about #mentalhealth.

In our culture, we are supposed to always be tough and strong, never burdening our family and community with any problem. Some people within my community even regard #mentalillness as a form of “craziness.”

This is why many people in my community feel too afraid to seek therapy or other forms of help for their #mentalhealthstruggles.

My personal experiences are shared by many South African and other #AfricanAmerican #teenagers. A recent survey conducted by Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) found that up to 70% of South African #students were not getting the necessary #mentalhealthsupport that they needed. #Students were battling #anxiety and #stress all on their own regarding their education, personal relationships and physical health.

Worst of all, with the increase of anti-#Black violence occurring around the nation, #AfricanAmericans experience poor #mentalhealth when being exposed to these traumatic incidents.

According to the 2012-17 #Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey, #AfricanAmericans suffered more #mentalhealth activity during the time when two or more anti-#Black violence happened compared to White #American respondents, whose #mentalhealth did not significantly change in connection to anti-#Black violence.

When I think about my own community, I can see many of my friends having trouble processing the recent violence and socioeconomic inequalities that target the #AfricanAmericancommunity.

Sadly, since these issues are not widely discussed within my community, I see more and more of my friends dealing with #anxiety and #depression. And yet, very few of them are seeking help, which is often looked upon negatively within my environment.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleOrder your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

http://www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

I am starting to understand the hesitancy to seek help. South Africa is ranked as one of the worst countries in the world regarding #mentalhealthresources. Even though #trauma is common in South Africa, which stems from a higher rate of homicide, rape and #domesticviolence, South Africans are still falling far behind in getting the #mentalhealthtreatment they need and deserve.

Knowing all this, I feel an even deeper desire to speak up and incite change. The #AfricanAmericancommunity needs an honest discussion about #mentalhealth.

Most importantly, we need to destigmatize the widespread negative perceptions about #mentalillness so more people can get help. Hopefully, by talking more about #mentalhealth within the #AfricanAmericancommunity, we can save many more lives and support those who are silently suffering.

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