James Donaldson on Mental Health – Coping with Suicidal Ideations

Coping with Suicidal Ideations: Finding Hope and Help

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to remember that you are not alone and there is help available. Suicidal ideation can be a distressing and overwhelming experience, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Here are some steps you can take when dealing with these thoughts:

1. Reach out to someone you trust: Confide in someone you feel comfortable with, such as a friend, family member, or mental health professional. Talking openly about your feelings can provide relief and support.

2. Seek professional help: Reach out to a mental health professional immediately. They are trained to provide you with the necessary assistance and resources to help you navigate through this difficult time. Therapists, counselors, and psychiatrists can offer guidance and effective treatment options.

3. Safety precautions: Ensure your immediate safety by removing or restricting access to any potentially harmful objects or substances. It may be helpful to share this information with a trusted individual, ensuring they are aware of the situation and can provide support during moments of vulnerability.

4. Create a support network: Surround yourself with individuals who understand and support your journey. Join support groups or online communities where you can connect with others who have had similar experiences. Sharing your struggles and learning from others can provide a sense of comfort and hope.

#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

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

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5. Develop coping strategies: Discover healthy ways to cope with distressing thoughts and emotions. Engage in activities that bring you joy and promote emotional well-being, such as exercise, art, music, or mindfulness practices. Developing a self-care routine can be instrumental in times of vulnerability.

6. Educate yourself: Learn about mental health, suicide prevention, and coping strategies. Gaining knowledge can empower you to identify warning signs, understand triggers, and effectively communicate with others about your emotions. Knowledge equips you with the tools needed to advocate for yourself and others.

7. Build resilience: Building resilience can help you navigate challenging situations. Engage in activities that promote your well-being and support your mental health. Nurture strong relationships, practice self-compassion, and learn effective stress management techniques. Each small step towards resilience contributes to your overall well-being.

8. Develop a safety plan: Working with a mental health professional, create a personalized safety plan that outlines steps to take during moments of crisis. Having a plan in place provides structure and guidance when you need it most.

Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It is essential to develop a support system and engage in professional assistance to aid your recovery journey.

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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
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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