James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, 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 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
After the reported suicide of Anthony Bourdain Friday morning (June 8), heartfelt messages and tributes have been pouring in from fans, friends, and co-workers.
Olivia Munn is the latest celebrity to offer her condolences, while also opening up about her own battles with anxiety and depression.
The “Magic Mike” actress first took to Twitter to offer her support to fellow actress and personal friend Asia Argento, Bourdain’s girlfriend.
Olivia Munn?@oliviamunn
My heart is broken for my sweet friend @AsiaArgento. … Anthony Bourdain
Then, in a followup tweet, Munn shared a note in which she detailed her own mental health struggles, revealing that she has “lived with anxiety and sporadic bouts of depression for most of [her] adult life.”
She stated that while she “tackled” the disease ten years ago and has since not felt “the dark depths of depression,” before then she had suicidal thoughts on more than one occasion.
“For those who don’t understand depression, when someone is in that place it’s not because they want to die… it’s because the ongoing, relentless darkness is too painful to endure anymore,” she wrote.
“You don’t have to suffer from anxiety and depression to feel that low. Something very sad or traumatic can happen to you just once to bring about that feeling of despair.
“But please listen to me — from someone who is telling you that she’s been where you are — when I say that SUICIDE IS NOT THE RIGHT CHOICE.”
Olivia Munn?@oliviamunn
Sending all of my love and thoughts to Anthony Bourdain’s loved ones.
Munn encouraged those suffering in silence to seek help and listed a series of phone numbers to international suicide hotlines: “A phone call could change everything.
“Even if you think you don’t want to get involved or don’t want your friend to be mad at you or if you’re the one suffering and don’t want to be talked out of it or feel insecure about asking for help. Those are temporary consequences. With suicide, there’s no do overs.
“Please try every single option you can before making a choice that cannot be undone.”
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
