MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) – In honor of Men’s Health month this June, we’re highlighting one aspect of men’s health that experts say is often overlooked — their mental health.
Dr. Kevin Michaels discusses the issue more, starting out mentioning some starling statistics, “One out of every five men have some type of anxiety disorder that may go undiagnosed and … are three and a half more times likely to commit suicide than women. … suicide is like the seventh leading cause of death out there. And so it’s really important to address these things.”
One of the significant barriers men face in addressing their mental health is the fear of judgment and a lack of awareness.
To address these challenges, Dr. Michaels advocates for open communication.
“Talking with a friend helps boost one’s mental health,” said Dr. Michaels. “Talking with religious leaders or clergy helps a person so they can get resources or access to care from multiple areas and recognizing they’re available. There are also workplace initiatives for those people that are working. There’s the Employee Assistance Program, which a lot of people aren’t aware that they have that resource in the workplace. That they can get some initial mental health or behavioral health support to help them through a difficult time.”
This month Dr. Michaels encourages the public to break the stigma and encourage the men in our lives to prioritize their mental health.
Another valuable resource you can use is the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline, which offers free and confidential support.
#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
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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