We are probably familiar with terms, such as childhood trauma, narcissism, healing, shadow work, and more. It is also common to hear people say that the current younger generation is ‘weak’ compared to the older generation. How plausible is this statement? I believe the older generation also struggled with mental health issues – they just were not openly discussed. Granted, some people developed healthy coping mechanisms, while others resorted to negative ones. In both small and large ways, they managed their symptoms – knowingly or unknowingly. Another reason for the increased visibility of mental health today is the internet. As my dad often says, we are living in the Information Age, where information spreads faster and more widely than ever before, leading to greater awareness of mental health issues.
While many of us may seem fine on the outside, if you take time to have a meaningful conversation, you’ll realize that everyone is battling something. It is so easy to judge others without recognizing that we are all climbing the same mountain, just from different sides. According to a 2024 study on mental health conducted by the University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences in California, anxiety is the most common mental health disorder, followed by depression. The study also found that 33.5 per cent of adults with a mental illness also have a substance use disorder, and 17 per cent of adolescents aged 12 to 17 years have experienced a major depressive disorder.
Alarmingly, for every woman who loses their life to suicide, four men die by suicide, although more women attempt suicide. The study further reports that one in five people has considered suicide, one in 14 individuals engages in self-harming activities, and one in 15 has attempted suicide. The Ministry of Health has acknowledged that Kenya is experiencing a rapid increase in suicides, mental health conditions, substance use, and addictive disorders of epidemic proportions, with 25 per cent of all outpatient clients and 40 per cent of inpatient clients in Kenya’s health facilities suffering from a mental health condition. It is estimated that for every five Kenyans, one will have a mental illness in their lifetime, with depression being a major concern, ranking Kenya 4th in prevalence in the African region, with 1.9 million cases of depression.
Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) place Kenya’s suicide rate at 11 in 100,000 people, which translates to about four suicide deaths per day. According to data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) and the National Police Service (NPS), Kenya had recorded 1,576 suicide deaths over the past four years. For each life lost to suicide, 135 individuals are affected by the aftermath. Most of the mental health and suicide cases occur concurrently with a substance abuse disorder, especially alcohol use disorder. Research by the National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (Nacada) in 2022 found that drug and substance use are key risk factors for depressive disorders. To address the growing incidence of mental health issues and suicide, three major challenges must be addressed. First, the stigma surrounding mental health is a significant barrier that needs to be tackled at the individual level. People are more likely to be understanding when someone has a physical illness, but mental health issues are still often met with judgment. Phrases like “I am in therapy” are too often followed by skeptical glances and questions like, “Are you crazy?” This stigma has caused many to avoid seeking help for fear of being labelled “mad”. Secondly, there is a critical shortage of mental health professionals. In Kenya, the current ratio of psychologists to clients is one for every 4.6 million people, while the ideal ratio is one for every 15,000 people. Lastly, only 0.01 per cent of the national health budget is allocated to mental health, which falls far below the recommended Sh250 per capita.
#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
Despite these challenges, it is important to acknowledge the positive progress being made. Insurance companies have increasingly recognized the importance of mental health, offering coverage for mental health services alongside physical health. Wellness programs are now a major focus for many insurance providers. Employee Assistance Programs are also being formulated to offer free counselling services to employees. Numerous webinars, workshops, and public discussions on mental health are being organized, raising awareness and providing much-needed education on the subject. It is my belief that, in the future, mental health and emotional well-being will be recognized and treated with the same importance as physical health, and access to care will be available at all levels of society.
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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 [email protected] 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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