TW: #Suicide, #Self-Harm
In honor of #BIPOC #MentalHealthMonth this July, we’re acknowledging and celebrating the strides taken to create more accessible #mentalhealthresources in the #UnitedStates and the progress made towards breaking the #stigma.
In case you missed it: as of 16 July 2022, persons in the #UnitedStates dealing with a #mentalhealthcrisis can dial #988 for The #988 #SuicideandCrisisLifeline (formerly The #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline) to receive assistance from trained professionals. The traditional 10-digit number, 800-273-8255, has been simplified to be more swift and memorable in an emergency situation. However, the number still operates but will be automatically rerouted to #988.
The code was developed with the goal to be as easy to dial as 911, but keep the emergencies separate. The issue with dialing 911 during a #mentalhealthemergency is that the line wasn’t built to address those specific needs and people seeking help often have to wait too long to receive the necessary care or interact with operators who are not trained to deal with #suicide or #mentalhealthcrises.
In order to make #988 more widely-known, effective, and accessible, it can also be reached across three channels: calls, texts, or chats. According to The #988 #Suicide&CrisisLifeline, persons seeking assistance are connected to a trained #counselor at a crisis center closest to them. If a local crisis center is too busy to respond right away, the call gets routed to one of 16 backup centers around the country. These centers are accredited, provide training for #counselors, and disseminate best practices. They usually serve the entire community, often 24/7, and free of charge.
#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
Data from the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention states that in 2020, about 12.2 million #adults seriously thought about #suicide and 1.2 million attempted #suicide, resulting in 45,979 deaths. These alarming figures require drastic changes, and we’re hopeful that #988 will be a strong shift in the right direction and more funds and resources will continue to be put behind this initiative so that as many people as possible are helped.
If you or someone you know is ever in need of assistance, please don’t think twice – dial #988. Read more on #BIPOC #MentalHealthMonth on our blog post.
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
