When news breaks that a beloved #celebrity commits #suicide, such as #KeithFlint of Prodigy, #Avicii, #AnthonyBourdain, #KateSpade, and #RobinWilliams, the conversation immediately turns to warning signs, helping to provide treatment for those who are depressed, and creating a safe atmosphere where those who are at risk can find solutions. One of those ways is to encourage people to speak up when dealing with #mentalhealthissues such as #depression, #bipolardisorder, #PTSD or #anxiety.
When celebrities speak publicly about their #mentalhealthissues and the struggles they fight on a continual basis, they need to be celebrated and praised and never shamed or cyberbullied. #BritneySpears is the latest celebrity to come forward saying she is going through a tough time and needs help.
Britney explained that her father’s health issues have left her emotionally vulnerable and in need of self-care. She checked herself into a rehab facility that will specialize in her #mentalwellness. She is expected to receive treatment for 30 days.
Other #celebrities who have publicly shared their #mentalhealth battles include #LiliReinhart, #AngelinaJolie, #DemiLovato, #Kesha, #KristenBell, #AdamLevine, #NickiMinaj, #JimCarrey, #AmandaBynes, #SineadO’Connor, #JustinBieber, #KendallJenner, #DwayneJohnson, #AmandaSeyfried, #LadyGaga and #CarrieFischer.
There are many #celebrities who struggle with the same #mentalhealthissues that the average citizen faces. Some have suggested that the constant media scrutiny, life in the spotlight, and #socialmedia have compounded problems that many #celebrities face.
This doesn’t mean that their problems are more severe than the average persons, but it does mean they have a platform where they can create awareness and support.
When #DemiLovato went to rehab recently, she cited online #bullying from #socialmedia sites such as Twitter as being a contributing factor. Though there were people #bullying Demi, she also had many fans who supported her and encouraged her.
#BritneySpears also has many online supporters who are praying for her health and recovery.
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
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
