#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – #SuicideRiskFactors And Warning Signs

It’s valuable to be able to recognize signs that might warn of a #suicideattempt

#Suicide is a devastating act that can seem to have come from nowhere. While we can’t accurately predict an attempt, it can be helpful to understand what might put a person at risk. If you think a loved one is at risk for #suicide, please call: #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

#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

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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

#SuicideRiskFactors

Conditions that could make #suicide more likely:

#Depression or other #mentalhealthillness¹

If several of the following conditions occur nearly every day for 2 weeks or more, it could indicate #depression:

• Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, sad
• Loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities
• Changes in eating, sleeping patterns
• Exhaustion, low energy
• Feeling anxious, irritable, restless
• Physical pain without a physical cause
• Drop in performance at work or #school
• Trouble focusing or making decisions
• Not wanting to be around other people
• Thoughts of death or #suicide

Other risk factors

• #Alcohol and #drug use
• A previous #suicideattempt
• A family history of #depression, #suicide, abuse
• A major loss–a death, relationship, home
• An event that causes shame, #guilt, disgrace
• Physical health problems
• Learning of someone else’s #suicidalbehavior
• Easy access to the means to commit #suicide
• Being impulsive or isolated

Warning Signs of #Suicide

These signs may indicate that a #suicideattempt is close:

• Direct threats to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for a way to commit #suicide, for example, buying a gun or stockpiling pills
• A focus on death–either by talking, writing, drawing, or posting online about death or #suicide; listening to music or looking at websites related to death
• Having a plan for an attempt; generally, the more detailed the plan, the higher the risk
• #Behaviors and moods associated with #depression as described
• A change in personality or mood–including suddenly becoming happy or calm after being sad
• Neglect of appearance or cleanliness
• Doing risky or self-destructive things
• Giving away meaningful belongings
• Taking care of end-of-life affairs, such as making a will, or getting life insurance in order
• Saying goodbye to friends and loved ones

Take extra caution if a person exhibits one or more warning signs and also has one or more risk factors or appears intoxicated. For more information, visit #SuicidePreventionLifeline.

If you or a loved one is considering #suicide, please call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)

James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.

If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org