Every September the topic of suicide comes to the forefront as we recognize National Suicide Prevention Month. It floods social media platforms with messages of empathy and support. For those of us who live with suicidal thoughts, who have attempted suicide and survived, and those who have lost a loved one to suicide, we think about this topic every single day of our lives.
The question we ask ourselves is how can we save someone in pain? How can we prevent another death?
Suicide is the 11th-leading cause of death in the United States, according to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention. In 2022, some 49,476 people died by suicide, and there were an estimated 1.6 million suicide attempts. The U.S. has one death by suicide about every 11 minutes.
Now I know it isn’t easy to hear about this, but the statistics tell the story and put this crisis in the dire perspective it so deserves.
#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
As a peer who lives with mental health challenges and has dealt with passive suicidality throughout my life, I know first hand how hard it can be to reach out for support. As a peer professional I have seen so many people share that they do not have anyone they trust or feel safe enough with to tell them they are thinking about suicide. This is where the disconnect lies. The keys to prevention are education, conversation and stopping the shame that exists around this subject, both understanding it and talking about it.
Are you wondering what can lead a person to suicide? Well, there is no single cause. Depression is the most common condition linked to suicide, but there are also life stressors, anxiety or substance use that can also be contributing factors.
These conditions can lead to a sense of hopelessness and pain that can feel unbearable. It isn’t that those who feel suicidal want to die, they want the pain to stop. So what we can do to prevent suicide is to pay attention to those around us. How are they feeling and what they are saying, are they withdrawing, changing their behavior, talking about being a burden to others? Are they saying they think they would be better off dead, or have no reason to live? All of these can be warning signs and something to look out for.
Additionally, it is asking them directly, are you thinking about killing yourself? It’s hard and can be uncomfortable, but it can save someone’s life. It also normalizes speaking about it, letting a person know it is OK to not be OK and that you are there to support them. Here in the Valley suicide, suicide prevention and mental health are still not talked about enough, but I have seen a lot of progress, which gives me hope.
My recommendation to everyone in the community is to learn about suicide prevention. There is a ton of great resources online, consider taking a suicide prevention training, or a mental health first-aid class, Imperial County Behavioral Health Services has these available to the public. Get involved, talk about it and encourage others to do the same. It is within these conversations that we can dispel the shame that surrounds asking for help, and as a result, save more lives.
Lastly, to anyone who finds themselves struggling right now, I want you to know that you belong here and you make this world better just by being in it, so please STAY ALIVE!
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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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