James Donaldson notes: I am turning more and more of my time and efforts towards mental health issues, especially pertaining to our young people 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 suicidal thoughts 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
By Daniel Cruse —
Talking about any sort of mental health or mentioning suicide carries a stigma that makes it very difficult for some people to feel comfortable opening up about them. U of L’s Mental and Physical Health Committee aims to change that on our campus.
The committee hosted #EndTheStigma on Sept. 19 in the SAC Ballroom.
“The purpose of the event is to contemplate and discuss the stigmas surrounding mental health and suicide while also celebrating life and being hopeful about helping others,” said Jaison Gardner, a co-host for the event, alongside Pan-African Studies professor Kaila Story.
Suicide is an epidemic that for many people goes largely unaddressed.
“Suicide rates have doubled in the last ten years, and this is especially the case for our demographic of college-aged Americans,” event organizer Bayley Amburgey said.
The event opened up the floor for planned speakers, musical performances and a workshop to encourage people sharing their stories and lifting up their fellow Cardinal students.
The Cardinals for the Appreciation of Musical Theatre performed a medley from the musical Spring Awakening as well as a song from last year’s “Dear Evan Hansen.” Both shows deal with suicide and mental health.
Local R&B singer Delmar James also came to perform his single “Seasons,” which also dealt with similar themes.
A storytelling workshop and a brief activity allowed the attendees to look for ways to lift each other up on campus.
Depression, one of the most common mental health disorders, is also one of the most overlooked. Events like #EndTheStigma are uplifting for young people who live with mental health disorders as they put a spotlight on continuously having genuine, open discussions.
“It was very eye-opening and I hope that I can help lift people up who may be struggling with these issues,” freshman Caroline Dew said.
Graphic by Arry Schofield / The Louisville Cardinal
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
