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James Donaldson on Mental Health – You can help prevent suicide if you’re willing to ask the question
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James Donaldson on Mental Health – You can help prevent suicide if you’re willing to ask the question
You don’t need be a superhero to save a life. You can simply begin with a caring conversation.
It’s not an easy conversation, but this month is Suicide Awareness Month, and the courage you show when you talk to someone who’s struggling might be lifesaving to a friend or family member.
It’s easy for us to pretend it’s not happening, but ignoring mental health conditions is not an option, because they have a potential serious outcome. The National Institute of Mental Health reports that more than 90% of people who die from suicide have depression and other mental disorders, or a substance abuse disorder. More than 50,000 people die by suicide in the U.S. every year.
Professionals in behavioral health care often refer to stigma. Nobody is embarrassed because they broke their leg. Few folks ask for apologies when it comes to a newly diagnosed disease like cancer.
But stigma with mental health exists. Talking about how we feel, inside and out, is not a “norm” in society, especially here in the Midwest where many people have the mentality of “pulling yourself up by your own bootstraps.”
Farmers and ranchers especially deal with stressors such as bad weather, rising expenses, unfavorable commodity prices, uncertain government policies and debt. In communities like ours, we are blessed with connections with those around us. Yet too many people might feel alone in their struggle.
#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
• Thinking, talking or writing about dying from suicide
• Developing a plan about attempting suicide
• Believing that death is the only solution to their problems
• Displaying depression, fatigue, anxiety, irritation, aggression or anger
• Holding onto feelings of humiliation, shame or hopelessness
• Withdrawing from relationships with family and friends
• Losing interest in things they usually enjoy
• Using alcohol or drugs
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Poor work or school performance
• Giving away things they own
How to Help a Friend or Family Member
If someone you care about seems to be displaying these signs, you can help. Research shows that directly asking someone if they are thinking about suicide in a compassionate and caring way is effective. It can open a meaningful, honest conversation that might save a life. Use these tips to ask the question sensitively and with sincerity:
• Be compassionate and respond with kindness.
• Allow the individual to express themselves in full.
• Actively listen. Be aware of their nonverbal cues as well as your own.
• Reaffirm that their concerns and pain are valid — and they are worthy of help and recovery.
• Be courageous and ask the question: “Are you thinking about suicide?”
If the person says “yes,” be sure to stay by their side and help ensure that person gets help.
Seeking Help
Your local primary care provider can help you or a family member with mental health concerns, and if needed, they can refer you to the right resources.
The national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You – or anyone you know – can call or text 988 and speak to a qualified person who can listen and refer you to additional resources or whatever else you might need. Calls are confidential.
In a crisis situation, go to your nearest emergency department.
If you or a family member is dealing with any type of mental health issue or stress, you can also call the Avera Farm and Rural Stress Hotline at 800-691-4336 to talk to a mental health professional who can connect you to resources close to home.
Talking about suicide with someone facing depression could be the step they need in order to take action toward positive outcomes. Learn more and find helpful resources at Avera.org/AskTheQuestion.
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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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