James Donaldson on Mental Health – Tackling men’s mental health gap: Experts urge immediate action as male suicide rates climb

From false accusations to emotional abuse and legal harassment, men often suffer in silence leading to clinical depression and in some cases even suicides

The importance of men’s mental health can’t be overstated. The recent National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) report highlights the rising mental health issues among men. As per the data, men accounted for 72 per cent of suicides committed in India in 2022. 

Mental health experts have also raised concerns following the report, especially in those cases where men are falsely accused and domestic violence. 

The traditional masculinity norms can discourage men from expressing emotions or seeking help, leading to untreated issues like depression, anxiety, and even drug abuse. Prioritizing men’s mental health promotes emotional well-being. 

Experts believe that the stigma surrounding mental health discussions can prevent men from seeking help, exacerbating the problem. By addressing these issues, without judgment, openly and encouraging vulnerability, the number of suicides among men could be brought down. 

The incidents of atrocities against men, ranging from false accusations and emotional abuse to domestic violence and legal harassment, not only cause significant psychological trauma but also reflect systemic neglect of male emotional well-being.

#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

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

A study conducted in rural Haryana revealed that 52.4 per cent of married men experience gender-based violence, often without access to legal recourse or psychological support.

Dr Shweta Sharma, General Secretary of the Indian Association of Clinical Psychologists and Founder of Mansa Global Foundation for Mental Health said that men, who experience violence or are wrongfully accused often suffer in silence, fearing ridicule or disbelief. “These experiences not only impact their mental health but also distort their sense of identity, purpose and safety,” she was quoted by PTI.

The fallout often includes clinical depression, anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and long-term emotional trauma. 

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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