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
CONCORD, N.H. —
First responders have high-stress, emotionally taxing jobs, making them particularly at risk for suicide, and mental health experts are working to get them the care they need.
An event Monday in Concord was focused on first responders and mental illness. Derry firefighter Todd Donovan said he has suffered from depression most of his life and has attempted suicide several times.
With the help of his family, Donovan got the treatment he needed, and he now travels across the state to speak with first responders.
“First responders are three times more likely to die by suicide than by in-the-line-of-duty deaths,” he said.
The state fire academy hosted the event to discuss the stigma that surrounds mental illness and emphasize the importance of getting help.
“We want to be able to teach firefighters, EMTs and paramedics that their mental wellness is just as important as not getting caught in a building collapse or not being burned by fire or making sure they are safe on the roadways,” said Ann Duckless, community educator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Officials said suicide rates are increasing because of post-traumatic stress disorder. Experts said recognizing the signs and symptoms early can save someone’s life.
“We are losing too many lives because people are feeling disconnected, hopeless and lonely,” said Deborah Pendergast, director of the state Division of Fire Standards and Training and Emergency Medical Services.
Duckless is working with other mental health workers to develop peer-to-peer support groups within fire departments. She said those groups would let first responders who are seeking help for mental illness confide in someone they trust.
Fire departments that are interested in learning more about the peer-to-peer programs are encouraged to call the fire academy in Concord.
Anyone who needs help can get immediate support from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 800-273-8255 or by visiting suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
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
