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
RICHMOND, Va. — As news emerged that two survivors of the Parkland, Florida school shooting and the father of a victim at Sandy Hook Elementary died by #suicide in recent days, Virginia advocates say now is the time to check in with loved ones and friends who may be suffering from a #mentalhealthcrisis.
The first thing you see when you walk into NAMI Virginia, a #mentalhealthsupport organization, is a poster that includes messages like “normal is a setting on a washing machine” and “no labels for mental illness” with a tomato soup can drawn next to the phrase. The signs were made by people in Virginia who have suffered and recovered from a #mentalhealthcrisis, according to Rhonda Thissen, director of NAMI Virginia.
“This is not the other. These are our family, our friends, our co-workers, colleagues,” Thissen said. “It’s really important that people feel like they are being heard.”
There is a concern that news stories and social media posts about well-known people who die by suicide will cause copycat situations; however, Thissen said it is more important to use this moment to talk with a loved one about their #mentalhealth and urge them to seek care from a professional if they are considering harming themselves.
“A lot of times in situations like this people don’t know what to say, so the first thing that might come to mind is, ‘well it’s not as bad as you think’ or ‘a lot of people have it worse.’ Whether or not that’s true is kind of irrelevant,” Thissen said. “It’s really important that we acknowledge people’s pain and understand where they are coming from and help them to see that with treatment, for example, that things will get better.”
The #suicide rate in Virginia has increased by more than 20 percent since 2005, and the number of teens suicides spiked at its highest level ever in 2016, experts said. A major method to slowing those numbers is to eliminate the #stigma around seeking mental health treatment, according to Thissen.
“It’s a health condition just like #cancer, #diabetes, #heartdisease. We need to talk openly and honestly about it because people don’t benefit from the care they don’t get,” Thissen said. “We wouldn’t tell somebody who had a heart problem, ‘just suck it up.’ We would say go see a cardiologist. Well, people who are having mental health problems need to see a #mentalhealthprofessional.”
While each situation is highly individualized, experts said there are several warning signs that can help identify if someone you know is experiencing a #mentalhealthcrisis that could result in self-harm:
- Talking about harming themselves
- Sudden mood changes
- Stockpiling of a method to self-harm
- Isolation or withdraw
- Preoccupation with death
- Giving away personal items of importance
- Speaking like they saying goodbye
The #NationalSuicidePreventionHelpline provides free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 1-800-273-8255.
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
