MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – Suicide is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and it impacts people from all backgrounds and ages, according to statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“It doesn’t discriminate; anybody can have this ideation,” Oceans Behavioral Health Care Therapist Chance Urias said. “Don’t forget to check on people.”
Urias said people fear discussing suicide with loved ones because they believe it will encourage them to commit suicide.
“In all actuality, that person already been thinking about it,” Urias said. “You have to ask questions. Are you okay? Especially if you notice them starting to withdraw and maybe give away their belongings, there’s some warning signs, but just be flat out, do you have a plan? Is there something going on? What’s going on?”
#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
