While men may sometimes be less willing to seek help, they are more likely to die by suicide — even though women attempt suicide three to four times more often.
“A big part of that, is that men tend to use firearms for their suicide attempts,” Johns Hopkins Associate Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Paul Nestadt tells 7News Anchor Megan Clarke. “Most suicide attempts are actually survived in this country, but if you have a firearm available to you, and men tend to, that’s what’ll be used, and the chance of survival becomes very slim.”
Nestadt said men often experience physical symptoms when it comes to depression — like headaches, trouble sleeping and eating, and using alcohol or drugs to try and self-medicate.
Nestadt said men experiencing depression may also seem to enjoy their favorite activities less.
“Generally, if you have someone in your life that you’re seeing a change in behavior–maybe they’re isolating more, maybe they’re not seeming to enjoy the things that they had enjoyed before, it’s worth talking to them about the idea that maybe what’s going on could be a depressive episode, because seeking treatment can be life-saving,” Nestadt said.
However, Nestadt acknowledged it can be scary to ask personal questions, like if someone is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
If you’re worried a loved one is struggling with suicidal thoughts, Nestadt urges you not to be afraid to ask them about it directly.
“There’s a myth that by asking if you’re having suicidal thoughts, you might plant the idea in their head for suicide,” Nestadt said. “People don’t work that way, we’re not that manipulable. If you ask about suicidal thoughts, they might not give you an honest answer, they might not want to open up about that–but what you’ve done by asking is at least tell them that you’re someone they can come to if they do decide they’re willing to start talking about that.”
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is always available, with help 24/7 for anyone experiencing a mental crisis.
Another important note, and especially for men, Nestadt cautions family and friends of a loved one going through a depressive episode to make sure any and all firearms are properly locked up.
Family members can also remove guns from the home until a loved one can get the treatment they need.
#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
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
