Martha is an 18-year-old #Latina college student from La Puente. She studies part-time and works part-time to support herself and her family. As the first in her family to attend college, she is a great source of pride for her loved ones. Yet, had a concerned friend not asked Martha if she was OK, we could be telling a very different story.
#JamesDonaldson notes:
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
Martha went through a stage of darkness when she came to terms with her sexuality at age 15. She felt confused, fearful, guilty, sad, and lonely, as many #LGBTQ youth do. “I felt like I was doing something wrong, so I did not want to face anyone,” she said. Martha isolated herself, avoiding social and family events. She turned to alcohol for comfort and to suppress her reality and feelings. When she finally did tell her family, she was rejected. This devastated her. She thought there was no hope for her future. It was then that she considered #suicide.
But out of this darkness came a light in the form of a close friend, who reached out to her, understood her and supported her. Drawing on her own experiences, this friend recommended she seek #mentalhealth services, which were available at no cost at her high school. Seeing a trained clinician allowed Martha to reflect on who she was and who she wanted to be. She learned how to better communicate with her family, whose involvement in therapy was critical and brought her hope for her future. She says that anyone who may be struggling with self-identity and #mentalhealth-related issues should speak up, find help and get professional assistance for the sake of themselves and their family.
Stories like Martha’s echo across our region and nation, yet fearing judgment from classmates and family members, young people too often suffer in silence and solitude. A new survey conducted by the Trevor Project of more than 34,000 #LGBTQ youth participants found that 39% of respondents seriously considered attempting suicide within the past year. Drugs, as in Martha’s case, become self-medication because many LGBTQ youth do not know how to express themselves. These issues, however, are not limited to the LGBTQ community. #Mentalillness does not discriminate: it affects all of us regardless of age, race, class, gender and sexual orientation.
Eighteen years ago, I secured federal funding to begin to seriously address the issue, placing local #mentalhealth provider Pacific Clinics in one high school and three middle schools; one of these schools was Martha’s. While resistant at first, teachers, school administrators and parents began to see the tremendous benefit to students. When funding expired in 2009, Los Angeles County began to cover the cost. Thanks to its steadfast support, we have reduced stigma, saved countless lives and expanded the program to 35 schools throughout the San Gabriel Valley and southeast Los Angeles County.
Last month I led a visit with U.S. Reps. Nanette Barragán and Alan Lowenthal, County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and Director of Mental Health Dr. Jonathan Sherin, to two schools in La Puente that have implemented the program, including Martha’s school. We heard stories much like hers, bringing us all to tears. Teachers and school administrators praised the structure and effectiveness of the school-based youth suicide prevention program, while students shared testimony on how after sitting down with someone they trusted, their self-esteem rose, family relationships became stronger and academic performances improved.
My new legislation, the #MentalHealthServicesforStudentsAct (HR1109) would fund on-site mental health services, like those administered in our area by Pacific Clinics, in schools nationwide. Passing HR1109 is an important step to help ensure our future leaders have every opportunity to succeed. With National Pride Month having just passed, I want to speak directly to youth like Martha: You are not alone. Support is available. If you or someone you know needs help, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
#Rep.GraceNapolitano, D-El Monte, represents the 32nd District in #Congress.
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
