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#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – #Men’s #MentalHealth Needs More Attention
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In times where #mentalhealthresources are becoming more abundant, we should encourage everyone in our circles to check in with their #mentalhealth. Being open with feelings is a sign of strength and willingness to grow
CALIFORNIA; HAYWARD — #Mentalhealthawareness is huge for so many people. It’s a big component of the progress within communities that have been denied access to therapy and psychiatric care for so long. In 2021, #suicide had been attempted by 1.7 million #Americans according to the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention. Nearly 3% of these attempts resulted in death. While the ratio is considerably small, it is not insignificant.
When looking at the rates between groups of people, #men were nearly four times more likely to die from #suicide than #women. This statistic passes many people by and it is indicative of #men seeking help less than #women. According to Statista, only 12% of #men in the U.S. sought therapy in 2021. There is a clear lack of influence for #men to receive help with their emotions.
Recent #college graduate and #behavioral #therapist in training Javier Romero* talked about his experience and perspective as a psychology #student regarding men’s #mentalhealth.
“It is so sad to see the gap between #women and #men with their #mentalhealth,” Romero said. “I feel like so many guys go through the lowest of lows and not many people can see it.”
“Learning about people’s emotions over the years and how suppressed they feel in the world is a sign of our society failing us in many ways. It often starts early with #children and carries over into #adulthood if it isn’t checked or managed”, the young #therapist to-be said.
The 20-year old weighed in on the #suiciderates. “I’m shocked but I’m also not, because guys aren’t expected to open up. They’re discouraged from expressing vulnerability. It has to change.”
Romero felt like #men were overlooked in #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/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
“It’s a cultural issue that stems from #men being told that vulnerability is weakness”, he voiced. “I’ve met with guys who go to therapy and they come out knowing themselves much better. They actually navigate their feelings in a productive manner.”
In times where #mentalhealthresources are becoming more abundant, we should encourage everyone in our circles to check in with their #mentalhealth. Being open with feelings is a sign of strength and willingness to grow.
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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:
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
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