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James Donaldson on Mental Health – The silent struggles of men’s mental health and suicide prevention
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A person sitting and feeling depressed on bed with city view in dusk moment. Stay home, depression and loneliness concept.
Globally, the month of November is associated with campaigns to raise awareness and encourage conversation around men’s health, particularly on topics such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.
In the UK, around 1 in 4 adults will experience a diagnosable mental health condition in any given year and current 2024 figures suggest that 1 in 7 rate their mental health either as bad, or the worst it has ever been.
Although mental health conditions can affect anyone, suicide is the leading cause of death for men under the age of 50 in the UK, accounting for three-quarters of all deaths by suicide.
Men are less likely than women to access psychological therapies, making up only just over a third of referrals to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) talking therapies. Compared to women, men in the UK are also more likely to go missing and makeup almost 90% of rough sleepers.
#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
Depression affects men in unique ways, which has significant implications for diagnosis and treatment.
While women are more frequently diagnosed with depression, men are up to three times more likely to die by suicide in the UK alone. Disparities between depression diagnoses in men and women may be partly due to social stigma, which has been shown to reduce help-seeking behaviors among men.
Men living in deprived areas are also substantially more likely to have depression compared to those in non-deprived areas, highlighting the impact of environmental factors.
The most effective way we can address these issues is by making psychological services more accessible and adopting collaborative care models tailored to men’s needs. Non-stigmatizing platforms of care, such as community support groups, can facilitate access to treatment by providing safe spaces for men to address mental distress.”
Abhijit Nadkarni, NIHR Professor of Global Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Petra Gronholm, Assistant Professor at the Centre for Global Mental Health at LSHTM, said: “Men’s mental health struggles often go unrecognized or undiagnosed, as they are much less likely than women to open up to those around them about how they’re feeling or to seek help.
“We know that stereotypes around women’s looks and behavior are extremely damaging and it’s important to recognize that stereotypes also affects men. Mental health stigma and societal expectations of masculinity both attribute to why men may be more likely to suffer in silence. Traditional gender roles, toxic masculinity, and skewed expectations around how men should display emotion often lead to a fear of being judged or appearing weak. It is completely incorrect to assume that men do not struggle with their mental health as much, simply because they are often portrayed, or expected, to be ‘strong’.
“As men are typically less likely to ask for help they may, in turn, be more likely to use harmful coping methods instead, such as drugs or alcohol, or use escapist behaviors, such as fixating on work or hobbies. This can then mean that early indicators are potentially suppressed for longer periods of time before help is sought. For example, men are more likely than women to be detained under the Mental Health Act in the UK; a requirement to stay in a hospital for treatment or assessment due to risk to self or others from an urgent mental health concern.
“While monthly campaigns continue to be extremely important in raising awareness and encouraging conversations around topics that are often seen as ‘taboo’, it’s vital that conversations around physical and mental health happen year-round. If you are facing challenges with your mental health, remember that you are not alone. It may feel as though talking about it is a sign of weakness but that could not be further from the truth.
“A good first step is to learn about mental health conditions through resources online, such as the World Health Organization’s toolkit to end stigma, or to explore local services. Reaching out to a trusted friend or family member to share how you are feeling can also be an important step forward.”
A person sitting and feeling depressed on bed with city view in dusk moment. Stay home, depression and loneliness concept.
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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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