James Donaldson on Mental Health – Teach our communities to talk about mental illness without shame or secrecy

To the Editor:
As we enter a new year, I propose a resolution — let our focus for 2024 be on mental health.

Let’s make a collective commitment to prioritize not only our own mental well-being, but also that of our family, friends, and co-workers so we can create a community that actively changes the way mental health is perceived, reduces the stigma, and prevents suicide.

After a year of challenges that have highlighted the importance of mental health, it is time to take the small steps that can make a big difference.

Let us make 2024 the year we:

— 1. Prioritize mental health: Make a conscious effort to prioritize our mental well-being by incorporating self-care practices into our daily routines;

— 2. Check in on others: Extend our compassion to those around us by regularly checking in on friends, family, and colleagues. A simple conversation can make a world of difference;

— 3. Destigmatize mental health: Encourage open dialogue about mental health, dispelling myths and reducing the stigma that often surrounds it;

— 4. Raise awareness: Educate ourselves and others about the signs of mental distress and the resources available for support; and

— 5. Promote a culture of support: Create an environment where seeking help is not only accepted but encouraged.

It’s time to teach our communities to talk about mental illness without shame or secrecy. Together, we can stop the stigmas associated with mental health and suicide and save lives.

#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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

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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