Writer: Rachel Ehmke

A lot of teens might wonder if they need help with an emotional or mental health issue, but they aren’t sure how to tell their parents, or are afraid to bring it up.

It’s understandable — telling parents that you’re facing something that feels really big, like anxiety or depression, can be tough.

If you’re very anxious, maybe it’s embarrassing to admit that things that seem easy for other people are very hard — actually painful — for you. Maybe you already feel like they’re angry at you for not doing things they think you should be able to do.

If you’re depressed, and you’ve been withdrawn, spending a lot of time in your room and avoiding the family, maybe you worry that they won’t understand, and will just tell you to “snap out of it.” Or that they will be disappointed in you.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

But it’s a parent’s job to help you out, and they are almost always more sympathetic, and less judgmental, than you imagine. You’re likely to be more important to them than you realize, and they’re not really feeling happy if you’re not happy. First, of course, you need to let them know how you’re feeling. Here are some tips to make talking about it a little easier.

1. Know that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help

“It’s just like having a hard time in math,” says clinical psychologist Jerry Bubrick, PhD, who treated many teens with anxiety and OCD at the Child Mind Institute. “You’d go to your parents and say, ‘Listen, I’m really struggling with math, and I need extra help. Can you help me get that help?’” Keep in mind that experts say people who are successful in life are not those who don’t have any problems, but those who are good at getting help and rebounding from adversity.

2. Bring it up

Pick a low-key moment. It’s easier to talk when everyone is feeling comfortable. You don’t want to be competing for their attention with other things or siblings.

3. Explain how you’re feeling

Say what you’re having trouble with, and how it’s affecting you. For example, “I’m realizing it’s really hard for me to participate in class. Even if we’re just reading out loud, I’m terrified the teacher will call on me. I get really anxious and I can’t concentrate. Sometimes I feel so anxious I say I’m sick so I can stay home from school.”

Or maybe, “I’m not feeling like myself these days. I’m tired all the time, and I don’t want do things after school. I feel sad all the time — I don’t feel right.”

4. Say you want help

Don’t get caught up trying to analyze or explain why you might be feeling this way. Just say, “I want to see someone who can help. I want to learn some strategies so I can start feeling better.”

If they say what you’re describing sounds normal — everybody gets nervous or down sometimes — let them know that you’re pretty sure this is more serious than that. The way you feel is making you unhappy and keeping you from doing things you want to do.

5. If you need to, try again

“It isn’t always a good time for parents to talk,” says clinical psychologist Rachel Busman, PhD. “If you feel like your parents brushed you off before, try asking them again.”

Sometimes it takes parents a little time to get the message. But Dr. Busman recommends this time setting aside time to talk. Say, “There’s something that I want to talk to you about, and it’s important. When are you going to be free to talk?”

Dr. Busman says going to another adult you trust can be helpful, too. An aunt or an uncle can help you talk to your parents about how you’re feeling. A trusted adult at school, like a teacher or a school psychologist, is also a good option. “Even if you’re having problems at school, someone there will want to help you,” says Dr. Busman. “It’s their job to help you feel successful.”

6. Don’t wait

The sooner you ask for help, the sooner you’ll start feeling better, so don’t put the conversation off. You’ll be proud of yourself afterward, and feeling less alone can be a big relief. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-how-to-talk-to-your-parents-about-getting-help/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Smartphone use in kids under 13 linked to depression, suicidal thoughts: Study

By Shea Taylor and Craig Nigrelli

Smartphones for kids

A new study shows using smartphones before the age of 13 can significantly damage kids’ mental health, with researchers warning they shouldn't be allowed to have them.

Worse for girls

The study linked smartphone use to suicidal thoughts, poor emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, with the effects proving worse for girls.

Age matters

Researchers also found that the younger the smartphone user was, the worse their mental health and well-being were likely to be.

A newly published study shows using smartphones before the age of 13 could damage kids’ mental health. So much so that researchers are now calling for global protections.

What did the study find?

Researchers with the nonprofit Sapien Labs found that smartphone use by kids younger than 13 could be linked to higher rates of suicidal thoughts, poorer emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality. It also found that this was especially true for girls.

Specifically, the negative mental health symptoms strongly linked to earlier smartphone ownership include not just suicidal thoughts and detachment from reality, but aggression and even hallucinations.

In addition to lower self-worth, earlier smartphone ownership was also linked to diminished self-image and confidence, lower emotional resilience among females, and lower stability, calmness and empathy among males.

The study also found the impacts compounded –– meaning the younger the smartphone user was, the worse their mental health and well-being were likely to be. Researchers say that could be because smartphone use exposes them to social media and cyberbullying at earlier ages, while also being linked to sleep disruption and poor family relationships.

How does this compare to other studies?

This is far from the first study on the impacts of screen time, social media use and smartphone access on children and teenagers. 

A Pew Research Center study published in April found nearly half (48%) of 13- to 17-year-olds say social media sites have a mostly negative effect on people their age, but only 14% think they negatively affect them personally. That study also echoed Sapien Labs’ study, showing teen girls are more likely than boys to say social media hurt their mental health, confidence or sleep.

However, a study out of the University of South Florida (USF) found that despite negative mental health outcomes linked to social media use, smartphone ownership could actually benefit children.

“Kids with smartphones, for example, reported convening in-person more frequently with friends each week than kids who have no phone or share a phone with someone else,” the USF study’s authors wrote.

“Our findings indicate that the effects of smartphone ownership are complex,” said Wendy Rote, USF associate professor of psychology. “It’s what kids do with cell phones and challenges in regulating their device use, rather than merely owning a smartphone, that may cause difficulties or inversely benefit their lives.”

What do researchers recommend?

The Sapien Labs study’s authors say the findings are so concerning that they want to see global restrictions on smartphone and social media use for kids under 13.

“Based on these numbers, restricting smartphones during childhood, and in particular social media, has the potential to significantly strengthen capabilities and functioning by reducing clinical level mental distress in up to 8.5% of younger populations and suicidal thoughts in up to 20%, while improving emotional resilience and self-confidence in 12%,” the study’s authors wrote.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-smartphone-use-in-kids-under-13-linked-to-depression-suicidal-thoughts-study/

By Shea Taylor and Craig Nigrelli

Smartphones for kids

A new study shows using smartphones before the age of 13 can significantly damage kids’ mental health, with researchers warning they shouldn't be allowed to have them.

Worse for girls

The study linked smartphone use to suicidal thoughts, poor emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality, with the effects proving worse for girls.

Age matters

Researchers also found that the younger the smartphone user was, the worse their mental health and well-being were likely to be.

A newly published study shows using smartphones before the age of 13 could damage kids’ mental health. So much so that researchers are now calling for global protections.

What did the study find?

Researchers with the nonprofit Sapien Labs found that smartphone use by kids younger than 13 could be linked to higher rates of suicidal thoughts, poorer emotional regulation, lower self-worth and detachment from reality. It also found that this was especially true for girls.

Specifically, the negative mental health symptoms strongly linked to earlier smartphone ownership include not just suicidal thoughts and detachment from reality, but aggression and even hallucinations.

In addition to lower self-worth, earlier smartphone ownership was also linked to diminished self-image and confidence, lower emotional resilience among females, and lower stability, calmness and empathy among males.

The study also found the impacts compounded –– meaning the younger the smartphone user was, the worse their mental health and well-being were likely to be. Researchers say that could be because smartphone use exposes them to social media and cyberbullying at earlier ages, while also being linked to sleep disruption and poor family relationships.

How does this compare to other studies?

This is far from the first study on the impacts of screen time, social media use and smartphone access on children and teenagers. 

A Pew Research Center study published in April found nearly half (48%) of 13- to 17-year-olds say social media sites have a mostly negative effect on people their age, but only 14% think they negatively affect them personally. That study also echoed Sapien Labs’ study, showing teen girls are more likely than boys to say social media hurt their mental health, confidence or sleep.

However, a study out of the University of South Florida (USF) found that despite negative mental health outcomes linked to social media use, smartphone ownership could actually benefit children.

“Kids with smartphones, for example, reported convening in-person more frequently with friends each week than kids who have no phone or share a phone with someone else,” the USF study’s authors wrote.

“Our findings indicate that the effects of smartphone ownership are complex,” said Wendy Rote, USF associate professor of psychology. “It’s what kids do with cell phones and challenges in regulating their device use, rather than merely owning a smartphone, that may cause difficulties or inversely benefit their lives.”

What do researchers recommend?

The Sapien Labs study’s authors say the findings are so concerning that they want to see global restrictions on smartphone and social media use for kids under 13.

“Based on these numbers, restricting smartphones during childhood, and in particular social media, has the potential to significantly strengthen capabilities and functioning by reducing clinical level mental distress in up to 8.5% of younger populations and suicidal thoughts in up to 20%, while improving emotional resilience and self-confidence in 12%,” the study’s authors wrote.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-smartphone-use-in-kids-under-13-linked-to-depression-suicidal-thoughts-study/

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Cannabis Use Increases Depressive and Suicidal Thinking

New studies raise concerns about cannabis use, especially for young users.

Teens and drugs

By Mark S. Gold

Key points

- There’s a strong relationship between cannabis use and suicidal thinking only partly explained by depression.
- Cannabis may be taken for depression but could make depression worse when more successful treatments exist.
- Genetic moderators and developmental vulnerabilities may clarify those most at risk for suicidal behaviors.

Cannabis use has become increasingly normalized in the United States, and at least half the states have “medical marijuana” laws. This reversed criminalization, but rather than following FDA-like testing and approval, cannabis was suddenly "a medicine." Access to cannabis or its intoxicant THC has never been greater. Adolescents may not legally purchase cannabis; however, their access has increased.

Cannabis is largely unstudied or has failed rigorous medication trials, so its impact on mental health is mostly unknown. However, new findings indicate distressing results, causing experts to call for a reassessment of the risks and benefits of cannabis, as nearly 30% of users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). For adolescent users, risks for addiction are twice that of adults, and after four years, 1 in 5 adolescents develop problematic use. Disturbingly, new studies suggest elevated cannabis risks for depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in adolescents and young adults.

A Self-Medication Tragedy

A CDC study of 16,000 adolescents 13-18 years old found the most common reasons for marijuana/THC use were: to feel calm or relaxed (73%), have fun/experiment (50%), sleep better (44%), forget problems/ memories (44%), and alleviate anxiety or depression (40%). In contrast, a cohort of adults reported these primary uses: stress management (58%), anxiety relief (36%), and headache/pain relief (~11%) and self-medication reasons; others used the drug “to feel well” (83%) or “forget life’s problems” (20.6%). A new article in Drug and Alcohol Dependence delves into the relationships between cannabis use, depression, and suicidal behaviors. After adjusting for depression, adolescent cannabis use was significantly associated with increased risks for thinking about suicide and more than double the risk for suicide attempts. Among adolescents, cannabis use was linked to a 1.85 times higher likelihood of attempting suicide.

Depression may contribute to the relationship between cannabis use and suicidality, but doesn’t fully explain it, suggesting cannabis use poses independent risks for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Cannabis may act as a catalyst, accelerating depressive processes.

Cannabis for Teens Should Be Considered Dangerous Until Proven Safe

Even FDA-approved medication use is a concern in young people. In contrast to adult FDA trials, pediatric trials are very closely monitored due to stricter ethical considerations. Pediatric trials include enhanced monitoring for suicidality, given increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger populations—a concern that led to the FDA’s black box warning on all antidepressants for individuals under age 25. (And as noted earlier, there were no successful adult or adolescent drug trials of cannabis for depression.)

Additionally, pediatric drug studies that occur monitor potential effects on growth and neurodevelopment. Informed consent processes are complex, requiring parental consent along with age-appropriate assents from children/adolescents. Long-term follow-up is often more critical in pediatric studies to assess the impact of the drug over time on physical and psychological development. But none of this research was performed with cannabis.

Corroborating Studies on Cannabis and Depression

Recent high-quality studies reinforce findings that cannabis use during adolescence can predict increases in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Gobbi et?al. in JAMA Psychiatry reported a strong association of cannabis use in adolescence to risks for depression, anxiety, and suicidality in young adulthood. For example, cannabis use in adolescence was associated with an increased risk for major depression and suicidal ideation (about 1.5 times greater). Much worse, adolescent cannabis was associated with suicide attempts in young adulthood (3.4X greater).

A longitudinal study of 2,000+ Norwegians from adolescence into their late 20s found frequent adolescent cannabis use (?11 times/year) correlated with nearly a three times greater risk for suicide attempts in adulthood. In a 21-year study in New Zealand of individuals ages 14-21 years later followed up, cannabis use frequency and psychosocial outcomes were linked to depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Frequent adolescent cannabis use (weekly or more) predicted higher risks of later suicidal ideation and attempts. Cannabis use was also significantly associated with increased suicidal thoughts after adjustments for other factors, such as other substance use.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Adolescent Cannabis Use and Future Depression and Suicidality

Some researchers examined the association between cannabis use in adolescence and later adult depression, suicidality, and anxiety disorders. In a cohort of young adults (n = 591) from Zurich, Switzerland, subjects ages 19/20 were asked about past cannabis use in adolescence. In this study, adolescent cannabis use was associated with adult depression and suicidality. Younger age at first cannabis use and more frequent use in adolescence related to a particularly increased risk for adult depression.

A study in Frontiers in Public Health found cannabis use associated with higher risks of major depressive disorder, as well as suicidality. Another study demonstrated that adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms were more severely ill than adults, suggesting a developmental vulnerability. Experts concluded youth cannabis use likely fuels depression and suicide in young people.

Adolescent users had a persistently higher severity of cannabis use disorder symptoms compared to adults. The earlier the use, the more severe the patterns. Cannabis targets the brain to change thoughts, moods, and behavior. Although it does not produce overdoses, it can lead to schizophrenia, accidents, depression, and suicide. As Harvard Professor Bertha Madras said in May 2024. “This is not a war on drugs. It’s a defence of the human brain at every possible age from in?utero to old?age.”?

Summary

Multiple recent studies have presented convincing evidence supporting likely causal pathways from youth cannabis use to depression and suicidal outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Trauma or minority stress and self-medication heighten vulnerability, making cannabis a perceived treatment or coping mechanism in the absence of FDA-approved treatments, psychological support, or treatment.

Depressed patients should be assessed for cannabis use as a possible additional risk factor for suicidal behavior. Also, cannabis users in turn should be assessed for depression and suicidal behaviors. Lastly, future cohort studies should track the onset timing of cannabis use, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors.

Teens and drugs

https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-cannabis-use-increases-depressive-and-suicidal-thinking/

New studies raise concerns about cannabis use, especially for young users.

Teens and drugs

By Mark S. Gold

Key points

- There’s a strong relationship between cannabis use and suicidal thinking only partly explained by depression.

- Cannabis may be taken for depression but could make depression worse when more successful treatments exist.

- Genetic moderators and developmental vulnerabilities may clarify those most at risk for suicidal behaviors.

Cannabis use has become increasingly normalized in the United States, and at least half the states have “medical marijuana” laws. This reversed criminalization, but rather than following FDA-like testing and approval, cannabis was suddenly "a medicine." Access to cannabis or its intoxicant THC has never been greater. Adolescents may not legally purchase cannabis; however, their access has increased.

Cannabis is largely unstudied or has failed rigorous medication trials, so its impact on mental health is mostly unknown. However, new findings indicate distressing results, causing experts to call for a reassessment of the risks and benefits of cannabis, as nearly 30% of users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). For adolescent users, risks for addiction are twice that of adults, and after four years, 1 in 5 adolescents develop problematic use. Disturbingly, new studies suggest elevated cannabis risks for depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in adolescents and young adults.

A Self-Medication Tragedy

A CDC study of 16,000 adolescents 13-18 years old found the most common reasons for marijuana/THC use were: to feel calm or relaxed (73%), have fun/experiment (50%), sleep better (44%), forget problems/ memories (44%), and alleviate anxiety or depression (40%). In contrast, a cohort of adults reported these primary uses: stress management (58%), anxiety relief (36%), and headache/pain relief (~11%) and self-medication reasons; others used the drug “to feel well” (83%) or “forget life’s problems” (20.6%). A new article in Drug and Alcohol Dependence delves into the relationships between cannabis use, depression, and suicidal behaviors. After adjusting for depression, adolescent cannabis use was significantly associated with increased risks for thinking about suicide and more than double the risk for suicide attempts. Among adolescents, cannabis use was linked to a 1.85 times higher likelihood of attempting suicide.

Depression may contribute to the relationship between cannabis use and suicidality, but doesn’t fully explain it, suggesting cannabis use poses independent risks for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Cannabis may act as a catalyst, accelerating depressive processes.

Cannabis for Teens Should Be Considered Dangerous Until Proven Safe

Even FDA-approved medication use is a concern in young people. In contrast to adult FDA trials, pediatric trials are very closely monitored due to stricter ethical considerations. Pediatric trials include enhanced monitoring for suicidality, given increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger populations—a concern that led to the FDA’s black box warning on all antidepressants for individuals under age 25. (And as noted earlier, there were no successful adult or adolescent drug trials of cannabis for depression.)

Additionally, pediatric drug studies that occur monitor potential effects on growth and neurodevelopment. Informed consent processes are complex, requiring parental consent along with age-appropriate assents from children/adolescents. Long-term follow-up is often more critical in pediatric studies to assess the impact of the drug over time on physical and psychological development. But none of this research was performed with cannabis.

Corroborating Studies on Cannabis and Depression

Recent high-quality studies reinforce findings that cannabis use during adolescence can predict increases in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Gobbi et?al. in JAMA Psychiatry reported a strong association of cannabis use in adolescence to risks for depression, anxiety, and suicidality in young adulthood. For example, cannabis use in adolescence was associated with an increased risk for major depression and suicidal ideation (about 1.5 times greater). Much worse, adolescent cannabis was associated with suicide attempts in young adulthood (3.4X greater).

A longitudinal study of 2,000+ Norwegians from adolescence into their late 20s found frequent adolescent cannabis use (?11 times/year) correlated with nearly a three times greater risk for suicide attempts in adulthood. In a 21-year study in New Zealand of individuals ages 14-21 years later followed up, cannabis use frequency and psychosocial outcomes were linked to depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Frequent adolescent cannabis use (weekly or more) predicted higher risks of later suicidal ideation and attempts. Cannabis use was also significantly associated with increased suicidal thoughts after adjustments for other factors, such as other substance use.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Adolescent Cannabis Use and Future Depression and Suicidality

Some researchers examined the association between cannabis use in adolescence and later adult depression, suicidality, and anxiety disorders. In a cohort of young adults (n = 591) from Zurich, Switzerland, subjects ages 19/20 were asked about past cannabis use in adolescence. In this study, adolescent cannabis use was associated with adult depression and suicidality. Younger age at first cannabis use and more frequent use in adolescence related to a particularly increased risk for adult depression.

A study in Frontiers in Public Health found cannabis use associated with higher risks of major depressive disorder, as well as suicidality. Another study demonstrated that adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms were more severely ill than adults, suggesting a developmental vulnerability. Experts concluded youth cannabis use likely fuels depression and suicide in young people.

Adolescent users had a persistently higher severity of cannabis use disorder symptoms compared to adults. The earlier the use, the more severe the patterns. Cannabis targets the brain to change thoughts, moods, and behavior. Although it does not produce overdoses, it can lead to schizophrenia, accidents, depression, and suicide. As Harvard Professor Bertha Madras said in May 2024. “This is not a war on drugs. It’s a defence of the human brain at every possible age from in?utero to old?age.”?

Summary

Multiple recent studies have presented convincing evidence supporting likely causal pathways from youth cannabis use to depression and suicidal outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Trauma or minority stress and self-medication heighten vulnerability, making cannabis a perceived treatment or coping mechanism in the absence of FDA-approved treatments, psychological support, or treatment.

Depressed patients should be assessed for cannabis use as a possible additional risk factor for suicidal behavior. Also, cannabis users in turn should be assessed for depression and suicidal behaviors. Lastly, future cohort studies should track the onset timing of cannabis use, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors.

Teens and drugs https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-cannabis-use-increases-depressive-and-suicidal-thinking/

New studies raise concerns about cannabis use, especially for young users.

Teens and drugs

By Mark S. Gold

Key points

- There’s a strong relationship between cannabis use and suicidal thinking only partly explained by depression.

- Cannabis may be taken for depression but could make depression worse when more successful treatments exist.

- Genetic moderators and developmental vulnerabilities may clarify those most at risk for suicidal behaviors.

Cannabis use has become increasingly normalized in the United States, and at least half the states have “medical marijuana” laws. This reversed criminalization, but rather than following FDA-like testing and approval, cannabis was suddenly "a medicine." Access to cannabis or its intoxicant THC has never been greater. Adolescents may not legally purchase cannabis; however, their access has increased.

Cannabis is largely unstudied or has failed rigorous medication trials, so its impact on mental health is mostly unknown. However, new findings indicate distressing results, causing experts to call for a reassessment of the risks and benefits of cannabis, as nearly 30% of users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). For adolescent users, risks for addiction are twice that of adults, and after four years, 1 in 5 adolescents develop problematic use. Disturbingly, new studies suggest elevated cannabis risks for depression and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in adolescents and young adults.

A Self-Medication Tragedy

A CDC study of 16,000 adolescents 13-18 years old found the most common reasons for marijuana/THC use were: to feel calm or relaxed (73%), have fun/experiment (50%), sleep better (44%), forget problems/ memories (44%), and alleviate anxiety or depression (40%). In contrast, a cohort of adults reported these primary uses: stress management (58%), anxiety relief (36%), and headache/pain relief (~11%) and self-medication reasons; others used the drug “to feel well” (83%) or “forget life’s problems” (20.6%). A new article in Drug and Alcohol Dependence delves into the relationships between cannabis use, depression, and suicidal behaviors. After adjusting for depression, adolescent cannabis use was significantly associated with increased risks for thinking about suicide and more than double the risk for suicide attempts. Among adolescents, cannabis use was linked to a 1.85 times higher likelihood of attempting suicide.

Depression may contribute to the relationship between cannabis use and suicidality, but doesn’t fully explain it, suggesting cannabis use poses independent risks for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Cannabis may act as a catalyst, accelerating depressive processes.

Cannabis for Teens Should Be Considered Dangerous Until Proven Safe

Even FDA-approved medication use is a concern in young people. In contrast to adult FDA trials, pediatric trials are very closely monitored due to stricter ethical considerations. Pediatric trials include enhanced monitoring for suicidality, given increased risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in younger populations—a concern that led to the FDA’s black box warning on all antidepressants for individuals under age 25. (And as noted earlier, there were no successful adult or adolescent drug trials of cannabis for depression.)

Additionally, pediatric drug studies that occur monitor potential effects on growth and neurodevelopment. Informed consent processes are complex, requiring parental consent along with age-appropriate assents from children/adolescents. Long-term follow-up is often more critical in pediatric studies to assess the impact of the drug over time on physical and psychological development. But none of this research was performed with cannabis.

Corroborating Studies on Cannabis and Depression

Recent high-quality studies reinforce findings that cannabis use during adolescence can predict increases in depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Gobbi et?al. in JAMA Psychiatry reported a strong association of cannabis use in adolescence to risks for depression, anxiety, and suicidality in young adulthood. For example, cannabis use in adolescence was associated with an increased risk for major depression and suicidal ideation (about 1.5 times greater). Much worse, adolescent cannabis was associated with suicide attempts in young adulthood (3.4X greater).

A longitudinal study of 2,000+ Norwegians from adolescence into their late 20s found frequent adolescent cannabis use (?11 times/year) correlated with nearly a three times greater risk for suicide attempts in adulthood. In a 21-year study in New Zealand of individuals ages 14-21 years later followed up, cannabis use frequency and psychosocial outcomes were linked to depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempts. Frequent adolescent cannabis use (weekly or more) predicted higher risks of later suicidal ideation and attempts. Cannabis use was also significantly associated with increased suicidal thoughts after adjustments for other factors, such as other substance use.

#James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Adolescent Cannabis Use and Future Depression and Suicidality

Some researchers examined the association between cannabis use in adolescence and later adult depression, suicidality, and anxiety disorders. In a cohort of young adults (n = 591) from Zurich, Switzerland, subjects ages 19/20 were asked about past cannabis use in adolescence. In this study, adolescent cannabis use was associated with adult depression and suicidality. Younger age at first cannabis use and more frequent use in adolescence related to a particularly increased risk for adult depression.

A study in Frontiers in Public Health found cannabis use associated with higher risks of major depressive disorder, as well as suicidality. Another study demonstrated that adolescents with cannabis use disorder (CUD) symptoms were more severely ill than adults, suggesting a developmental vulnerability. Experts concluded youth cannabis use likely fuels depression and suicide in young people.

Adolescent users had a persistently higher severity of cannabis use disorder symptoms compared to adults. The earlier the use, the more severe the patterns. Cannabis targets the brain to change thoughts, moods, and behavior. Although it does not produce overdoses, it can lead to schizophrenia, accidents, depression, and suicide. As Harvard Professor Bertha Madras said in May 2024. “This is not a war on drugs. It’s a defence of the human brain at every possible age from in?utero to old?age.”?

Summary

Multiple recent studies have presented convincing evidence supporting likely causal pathways from youth cannabis use to depression and suicidal outcomes in adolescence and adulthood. Trauma or minority stress and self-medication heighten vulnerability, making cannabis a perceived treatment or coping mechanism in the absence of FDA-approved treatments, psychological support, or treatment.

Depressed patients should be assessed for cannabis use as a possible additional risk factor for suicidal behavior. Also, cannabis users in turn should be assessed for depression and suicidal behaviors. Lastly, future cohort studies should track the onset timing of cannabis use, depressive symptoms, and suicidal behaviors.

Teens and drugs https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=15232

James Donaldson on Mental Health - Separated men are nearly 5 times more likely to take their lives than married men

A person sitting and feeling depressed on bed with city view in dusk moment. Stay home, depression and loneliness concept.

Breakups hurt. Emotional and psychological distress are common when intimate relationships break down. For some people, this distress can be so overwhelming that it leads to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

This problem seems especially the case for men. Intimate partner problems including breakups, separation and divorce feature in the paths to suicide among one in three Australian men aged 25 to 44 who end their lives.

Men account for three in every four suicides in many nations worldwide, including Australia. So improving our understanding of links between relationship breakdown and men’s suicide risk has life-saving potential.

Our research, published today, is the first large-scale review of the evidence to focus on understanding men’s risk of suicide after a breakup. We found separated men were nearly five times more likely to die by suicide compared to married men.

What did we find?

We brought together findings from 75 studies across 30 countries worldwide, involving more than 106 million men.

We focused on understanding why relationship breakdown can lead to suicide in men, and which men are most at risk. We might not be able to prevent breakups from happening, but we can promote healthy adjustment to the stress of relationship breakdown to try and prevent suicide.

Overall, we found divorced men were 2.8 times more likely to take their lives than married men.

For separated men, the risk was much higher. We found that separated men were 4.8 times more likely to die by suicide than married men.

Most strikingly, we found separated men under 35 years of age had nearly nine times greater odds of suicide than married men of the same age.

The short-term period after relationship breakdown therefore appears particularly risky for men’s mental health.

What are these men feeling?

Some men’s difficulties regulating the intense emotional stress of relationship breakdown can play a role in their suicide risk. For some men, the emotional pain tied to separation – deep sadness, shame, guilt, anxiety and loss – can be so intense it feels never-ending.

Many men are raised in a culture of masculinity that often encourages them to suppress or withdraw from their emotions in times of intense stress.

Some men also experience difficulties understanding or interpreting their emotions, which can create challenges in knowing how to respond to them.

Overall, our research found relationship breakdown may lead to suicide for some men because of the complex interaction between the individual (emotional distress) and interpersonal (changes in their social network and availability of support) impacts of a breakup.

Many of these impacts don’t seem to feature in the paths to suicide after a breakup for women in the same way.

#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Breakups also impact social networks

As intimate relationships become more serious, we tend to spend less time investing in our friendships, especially if juggling the demands of a career and family.

Many men, especially in heterosexual relationships, rely on their intimate partner as a primary source of social and emotional support – often at the expense of connections outside their relationship.

This can create a risky situation if relationships break down, as it seems many men are left with little support to turn to. This rang true in our research, as men’s social disconnection and loneliness seemed to increase their suicide risk following relationship breakdown.

We also know people can struggle to know how to support men after a breakup. Research has found some men who ask for support are told to just “get back on the horse”. Such a response invalidates men’s pain and reinforces masculine stereotypes that relationship breakdown doesn’t affect them.

So, what can we do?

There is no simple answer to preventing suicide following relationship breakdown, but a range of opportunities exist.

We can intervene early, by educating young people with the skills to end relationships healthily, handle rejection and regulate the difficult emotions of a breakup.

We can embed support groups and other opportunities for connection and peer support in relationship services that are regularly in contact with those navigating separation, to help combat loneliness.

We can ensure mental health practitioners are equipped with the skills necessary to engage and respond effectively to men who seek help following a breakup, to help keep them safe until they can get back on their feet.

Most importantly, if men come to any of us seeking support after a breakup, we can remember that time is often a great healer. The best we can do is sit with men in their pain, rather than try and get them to stop feeling it. This connection could be life-saving.

A person sitting and feeling depressed on bed with city view in dusk moment. Stay home, depression and loneliness concept. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/james-donaldson-on-mental-health-separated-men-are-nearly-5-times-more-likely-to-take-their-lives-than-married-men/