- Jonathan Chang

- Meghna Chakrabarti

A health worker leads a mother and her #child to an examination room at the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

Editor's Note: This story includes accounts of #self-harm and #suicide. The #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline number, a free and confidential service, is available in either English (1-800-273-8255) or Spanish (1-888-628-9454).  

NSPH is also online and has representatives available to talk through chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 

#Youth #suicide has been on the rise across the #UnitedStates.

And for young people between the ages of 5 and 12, the #suicide rate for #Black #children is nearly double that of white #children.

The #pandemic has made the situation even worse.

Today, On Point: The #mentalhealth emergency for #childrenofcolor.

#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

Guests

Tami Charles, she lost her 10-year-old son, Seven Bridges, to #suicide.

Kevin Simon, trained #adult, #child and #adolescent #psychiatrist #physician. Assistant at the department of psychiatry and #behavioral sciences at Boston Children’s Hospital. Instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical #School. (@DrKMSimon)

Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/11/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-the-mentalhealthcrisis-among-american-childrenofcolor/

- Jonathan Chang

- Meghna Chakrabarti

A health worker leads a mother and her #child to an examination room at the Brockton Neighborhood Health Center

Editor's Note: This story includes accounts of #self-harm and #suicide. The #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline number, a free and confidential service, is available in either English (1-800-273-8255) or Spanish (1-888-628-9454).  

NSPH is also online and has representatives available to talk through chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org. 

#Youth #suicide has been on the rise across the #UnitedStates.

And for young people between the ages of 5 and 12, the #suicide rate for #Black #children is nearly double that of white #children.

The #pandemic has made the situation even worse.

Today, On Point: The #mentalhealth emergency for #childrenofcolor.

#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

Guests

Tami Charles, she lost her 10-year-old son, Seven Bridges, to #suicide.

Kevin Simon, trained #adult, #child and #adolescent #psychiatrist #physician. Assistant at the department of psychiatry and #behavioral sciences at Boston Children’s Hospital. Instructor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical #School. (@DrKMSimon)

Photo by August de Richelieu on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=10250

Arlana Miller

By Perry Robinson

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) - The Southern University family is still mourning after unexpectedly losing one of its own.

#ArlanaMiller was a cheerleader at Southern and died by #suicide last week. Miller was just days away from completing her freshman year. Miller’s former teammates held a balloon release in her honor on Thursday, May 12.

RELATED: Bastrop father of Southern cheerleader speaks out after #suicide

“It’s just absolutely shocking. It’s just somebody you would never guess,” MyKayla Reid said.

In an extensive note posted to #Instagram before she died, Miller detailed her struggles with #mentalhealth.

Her passing has since sparked conversations around #mentalhealth and the resources that are available for #students.

“She would always check up on me asking me if I’m ok, and I think that’s why I feel a little guilty is because I wish I would’ve done that more for her,” Reid said.

Medical professionals at Southern say a lot of young #adults today are facing similar issues.

“The three top concerns #collegestudents present to their counseling centers are #anxiety, #depression and #stress,” Dr. Valaray Irvin said.

Dr. Irvin is a licensed #psychologist and the Director of the Counseling Center at SU. She says the #pandemic compounded those problems, and social media has made things even worse.

“Especially among young #women I work with, the comparison they put themselves through because of what they see in the media, which is probably half the truth, but they don’t think it’s half the truth,” Irvin said.

Dr. Irvin says the counseling center on Southern’s campus treats more than 300 #students a semester, but they feel they can reach more.

Now that telehealth has become an option, Irvin feels they can make that happen.

“We did see some of our numbers increase because it gave #students a sense of anonymity, and so they weren’t concerned about walking through the door and who might see them. They can be anywhere and just log on to a platform and we can serve them,” Irvin said.

As friends of Alana prepare to say their final goodbyes, there’s one thing they will always remember.

Miller’s final request asked people to vocalize their feelings and check on your friends.

“At the end of the day you have no idea what people are going through behind closed doors,” Miller said.

#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

The #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline is 800-273-8255. For resources available at Southern University click here, and for LSU click here.

Southern University officials are planning a second memorial in honor of Miller at the start of the Fall 2022 semester.
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=10246

by Mane Kara-Yakoubian

A study published in American #Psychologist examined the #suicide rates of #psychologists between 2003 and 2018, identifying 159 cases of #psychologist #suicide in the National Violent Death Reporting System. #Psychologists accounted for approximately 5% of #suicides among ten different #healthcareprofessions in 2018.

(If you are experiencing #suicidalthoughts, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or follow this link to their online chat.)

Globally, there are 700,000 deaths by #suicide per year – that is roughly 1 every 40 seconds. Between 2000 and 2018, #suicides increased by 65% in the #UnitedStates. Some groups, such as #healthcareprofessionals, are at greater risk of committing #suicide compared to the general population. However, there have been conflicting results with regard to #suicide among #psychologists. For example, some studies have identified higher rates of #suicide among #female #psychologists compared to the general population, and others have reported no differences, or lower rates of #suicides among #psychologists.

In this work, Tiffany Li and colleagues specifically examined #suicide rates among #psychologists as compared to other #healthprofessions by referring to 2003-2018 data in the National Violent Death Reporting System. Other #healthcareprofessions examined included #dentist, advanced practice registered #nurse, #nurse, #pharmacist, #physician assistant, nonpsychiatric #physician, #psychiatric #physician, #psychologist, #socialworker, and #veterinarian. A total of 159 #psychologists with doctoral degrees were identified, including retired or unemployed #psychologists. Related occupations, such as #counselor or #therapist, were excluded.

Half of these deaths occurred after 2014, with most (i.e., 34 deaths) occurring in the year 2018. Two-thirds of the reported #suicides were of #males, and the mean age of decedents was 56.3 years; #female decedents were slightly younger than #males, with 43% under age 50. Roughly 40% of decedents were married, in a civil union or domestic partnership, while 30% were divorced. The majority of decedents – 92% – were White. Approximately 36% of cases occurred in Southern states, while 25% and 20% occurred in Western and Midwestern states respectively.

At 34%, use of firearms was the most common method of #suicide, followed by asphyxia (28%) and overdose (26%). In 70% of cases, no #alcohol use was suspected at the time of #suicide. While 55% of decedents had #mentalhealthissues, of those individuals, 43% were seeking treatment, while 47% had treatment histories. #Depression/#dysthymia and #anxiety accounted for 43% and 12% of diagnoses respectively, while #alcohol and #substanceuse issues each accounted for 8% of reported problems.

#Psychologists accounted for roughly 5% of the 688 #suicides among all ten #healthcareprofessionals in 2018, comprising the fifth largest group, following #nurses, #socialworkers, #physicians, and #pharmacists.

#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

One limitation to this work is that the true incidence of #suicide among #healthcareprofessionals is likely underestimated. In some cases, the decedent’s occupation may have not been reported. As well, there could be confusion regarding different types of #mentalhealthprofessions, leading to incorrect occupations being entered for some decedents.

The authors conclude, “At the most basic level, the #suicide of #healthprofessionals highlights the importance of being alert, attending to, and caring for colleagues whose distress may place them in greater jeopardy than may be apparent.”

The study, “#Suicides of #Psychologists and Other #HealthProfessionals: National Violent Death Reporting System Data, 2003–2018”, was authored by Tiffany Li, Megan L. Petrik, Rebecca L. Freese, and William N. Robiner.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/11/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-psychologists-accounted-for-almost-5-of-suicides-among-healthcareprofessionals-in-2018/

by Mane Kara-Yakoubian

A study published in American #Psychologist examined the #suicide rates of #psychologists between 2003 and 2018, identifying 159 cases of #psychologist #suicide in the National Violent Death Reporting System. #Psychologists accounted for approximately 5% of #suicides among ten different #healthcareprofessions in 2018.

(If you are experiencing #suicidalthoughts, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or follow this link to their online chat.)

Globally, there are 700,000 deaths by #suicide per year – that is roughly 1 every 40 seconds. Between 2000 and 2018, #suicides increased by 65% in the #UnitedStates. Some groups, such as #healthcareprofessionals, are at greater risk of committing #suicide compared to the general population. However, there have been conflicting results with regard to #suicide among #psychologists. For example, some studies have identified higher rates of #suicide among #female #psychologists compared to the general population, and others have reported no differences, or lower rates of #suicides among #psychologists.

In this work, Tiffany Li and colleagues specifically examined #suicide rates among #psychologists as compared to other #healthprofessions by referring to 2003-2018 data in the National Violent Death Reporting System. Other #healthcareprofessions examined included #dentist, advanced practice registered #nurse, #nurse, #pharmacist, #physician assistant, nonpsychiatric #physician, #psychiatric #physician, #psychologist, #socialworker, and #veterinarian. A total of 159 #psychologists with doctoral degrees were identified, including retired or unemployed #psychologists. Related occupations, such as #counselor or #therapist, were excluded.

Half of these deaths occurred after 2014, with most (i.e., 34 deaths) occurring in the year 2018. Two-thirds of the reported #suicides were of #males, and the mean age of decedents was 56.3 years; #female decedents were slightly younger than #males, with 43% under age 50. Roughly 40% of decedents were married, in a civil union or domestic partnership, while 30% were divorced. The majority of decedents – 92% – were White. Approximately 36% of cases occurred in Southern states, while 25% and 20% occurred in Western and Midwestern states respectively.

At 34%, use of firearms was the most common method of #suicide, followed by asphyxia (28%) and overdose (26%). In 70% of cases, no #alcohol use was suspected at the time of #suicide. While 55% of decedents had #mentalhealthissues, of those individuals, 43% were seeking treatment, while 47% had treatment histories. #Depression/#dysthymia and #anxiety accounted for 43% and 12% of diagnoses respectively, while #alcohol and #substanceuse issues each accounted for 8% of reported problems.

#Psychologists accounted for roughly 5% of the 688 #suicides among all ten #healthcareprofessionals in 2018, comprising the fifth largest group, following #nurses, #socialworkers, #physicians, and #pharmacists.

#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

One limitation to this work is that the true incidence of #suicide among #healthcareprofessionals is likely underestimated. In some cases, the decedent’s occupation may have not been reported. As well, there could be confusion regarding different types of #mentalhealthprofessions, leading to incorrect occupations being entered for some decedents.

The authors conclude, “At the most basic level, the #suicide of #healthprofessionals highlights the importance of being alert, attending to, and caring for colleagues whose distress may place them in greater jeopardy than may be apparent.”

The study, “#Suicides of #Psychologists and Other #HealthProfessionals: National Violent Death Reporting System Data, 2003–2018”, was authored by Tiffany Li, Megan L. Petrik, Rebecca L. Freese, and William N. Robiner.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=10240

by Brianna Hoge

-

Regardless of sociodemographic background, college #students across the country struggle with #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors. According to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, #suicide was one of the top nine leading causes of death for people in 2020.

Yusen Zhai, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Education and director of the UAB Community Counseling Clinic, emphasizes the importance of building awareness of #suicide and ways to prevent #suicide.

Leading #suicide trends

In a recently published paper, Zhai and his co-author looked at trends and prevalence of #suicide among college #students in the #UnitedStates during the #COVID #pandemic. The research found that #students who struggle with food insecurity are at elevated risk for #suicide.

UAB #students and employees have access to Blazer Kitchen, an on-campus food bank. Located at 1613 11th Ave. South, its mission is to increase food security in the UAB community by providing healthy food, resources and referrals. Those in need can register online for a time slot to minimize wait time.

“Food insecurity refers to the inability or limited ability to acquire safe and adequate nutritious food in socially accepted ways,” Zhai said. “Food, as part of physiological needs in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is vital to survival and wellness for all humankind. #Collegestudents who struggle with food insecurity may experience distress and are unwilling to seek help due to #stigma, which can lead to #mentalhealthissues and elevated #suiciderisk.”  

#Mentalhealthconditions, such as depressive and anxiety symptoms, are also strongly predictive of #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors. The findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing #suicideprevention and targeted #mentalhealthcare.  

Improving one’s health should be mindful, according to UAB experts. They recommend limiting sources and amount of news intake, setting boundaries for discussion topics, reading a book, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and stretching to help with one’s #mentalhealth.

#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

During the week of Oct. 17-21, UAB will be hosting its inaugural Wellness Week, an institution-wide initiative that highlights the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of the UAB family. Throughout the week, #students, faculty and staff can attend events designed to help the UAB community prioritize rest, well-being, mindfulness, movement and good nutrition.

Being aware

Zhai says knowing the warning signs of #suicide could help save lives.

“Become aware of and stay attentive to warning signs of #suicide, such as prolonged sadness, loss of a loved one, termination of a relationship, and loss of financial security and employment,” Zhai said. “If you are experiencing #mentaldistress and contemplating #suicide, ask for help. There are resources to help you through tough situations beyond a friend or family member. Know whom to call when you are struggling.”

If someone is experiencing #mentaldistress, one can help by offering to stay with them while calling the #NationalSuicideandCrisisLifeline by dialing 988. Birmingham residents can also call a crisis line at 205-323-7777. 

Zhai says presence and support play a pivotal role.

The UAB community also can also find resources through the UAB CARES #SuicidePrevention Initiative.

Looking ahead

Although there have been concerns over the pandemic’s impact on #suicide among #collegestudents, the results from Zhai’s study revealed that the onset of the #pandemic was associated with a reduction in #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors.

“The findings suggest that certain #COVID-19 mitigation strategies might have protected #collegestudents from #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors,” Zhai said. “For example, governments and universities implemented various measures such as #mentalhealthservices, relief for federal #student loans, and academic accommodations and online instruction. It is also possible that some #students might experience less everyday stress and gain more support from families and communities during stay-at-home periods.”  

Moving forward, Zhai says, society has learned a lot about #mentalhealth during the #pandemic and emphasizes that ongoing #suicideprevention efforts are still essential due to the long-lasting psychological and socioeconomic effects of the #pandemic.

Photo by Andy Kuzma on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/11/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-factors-that-increase-suiciderisk-for-collegestudents/

by Brianna Hoge

-

Regardless of sociodemographic background, college #students across the country struggle with #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors. According to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention, #suicide was one of the top nine leading causes of death for people in 2020.

Yusen Zhai, Ph.D., assistant professor of counseling in the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s School of Education and director of the UAB Community Counseling Clinic, emphasizes the importance of building awareness of #suicide and ways to prevent #suicide.

Leading #suicide trends

In a recently published paper, Zhai and his co-author looked at trends and prevalence of #suicide among college #students in the #UnitedStates during the #COVID #pandemic. The research found that #students who struggle with food insecurity are at elevated risk for #suicide.

UAB #students and employees have access to Blazer Kitchen, an on-campus food bank. Located at 1613 11th Ave. South, its mission is to increase food security in the UAB community by providing healthy food, resources and referrals. Those in need can register online for a time slot to minimize wait time.

“Food insecurity refers to the inability or limited ability to acquire safe and adequate nutritious food in socially accepted ways,” Zhai said. “Food, as part of physiological needs in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, is vital to survival and wellness for all humankind. #Collegestudents who struggle with food insecurity may experience distress and are unwilling to seek help due to #stigma, which can lead to #mentalhealthissues and elevated #suiciderisk.”  

#Mentalhealthconditions, such as depressive and anxiety symptoms, are also strongly predictive of #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors. The findings underscore the urgent need for ongoing #suicideprevention and targeted #mentalhealthcare.  

Improving one’s health should be mindful, according to UAB experts. They recommend limiting sources and amount of news intake, setting boundaries for discussion topics, reading a book, getting enough sleep, practicing mindfulness, and stretching to help with one’s #mentalhealth.

#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

During the week of Oct. 17-21, UAB will be hosting its inaugural Wellness Week, an institution-wide initiative that highlights the university’s commitment to the health and well-being of the UAB family. Throughout the week, #students, faculty and staff can attend events designed to help the UAB community prioritize rest, well-being, mindfulness, movement and good nutrition.

Being aware

Zhai says knowing the warning signs of #suicide could help save lives.

“Become aware of and stay attentive to warning signs of #suicide, such as prolonged sadness, loss of a loved one, termination of a relationship, and loss of financial security and employment,” Zhai said. “If you are experiencing #mentaldistress and contemplating #suicide, ask for help. There are resources to help you through tough situations beyond a friend or family member. Know whom to call when you are struggling.”

If someone is experiencing #mentaldistress, one can help by offering to stay with them while calling the #NationalSuicideandCrisisLifeline by dialing 988. Birmingham residents can also call a crisis line at 205-323-7777. 

Zhai says presence and support play a pivotal role.

The UAB community also can also find resources through the UAB CARES #SuicidePrevention Initiative.

Looking ahead

Although there have been concerns over the pandemic’s impact on #suicide among #collegestudents, the results from Zhai’s study revealed that the onset of the #pandemic was associated with a reduction in #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors.

“The findings suggest that certain #COVID-19 mitigation strategies might have protected #collegestudents from #suicidalthoughts and #behaviors,” Zhai said. “For example, governments and universities implemented various measures such as #mentalhealthservices, relief for federal #student loans, and academic accommodations and online instruction. It is also possible that some #students might experience less everyday stress and gain more support from families and communities during stay-at-home periods.”  

Moving forward, Zhai says, society has learned a lot about #mentalhealth during the #pandemic and emphasizes that ongoing #suicideprevention efforts are still essential due to the long-lasting psychological and socioeconomic effects of the #pandemic.

Photo by Andy Kuzma on Pexels.com
https://standingabovethecrowd.com/2022/11/jamesdonaldson-on-mentalhealth-factors-that-increase-suiciderisk-for-collegestudents/