by Allison Snell
TRI-CITIES, Wash. — #Suicideprevention advocates explain it’s never too early to talk to children about #mentalhealth.
Kimberly Starr lost her son to #suicide and now she works to advocate for other parents to have difficult discussions with loved ones.
“Are you feeling so bad you are thinking about #suicide?” asked Starr.
According to experts, people who die by #suicide really die from a disease such as #depression or #mentalillness that became too much for them to handle.
“We are just now starting to talk openly about #mentalillness,” said Starr.
She explains if someone says they are thinking about #suicide you should take it seriously. “When somebody says I am thinking about killing myself, even if you just think they are trying to be funny or that they are being a drama queen, you need to take it seriously,” said Starr.
After a 4th grader at Holcomb Elementary School in Oregon City took his own life Dec. 10th, it’s raising the question, what age should you talk to children about #suicide and #mentalhealth?
#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
Experts told Action News it is never to early to start talking to your children about their health.
- For kindergarten age students it’s best to explain to them the concept of dying
- For children ages eight to 10 it’s best to use short and truthful answers
- For ages 11 to 14 you can provide more information about what #suicide means but never give graphic details
If someone says they are thinking about #suicide, there are a few ways you can respond.
- Acknowledge how someone is feeling
- Let them know you care about them and are here for them
- Tell someone you trust
The FCC has approved a proposal for a new three-digit number as the #suicide prevention hotline. They are hoping to implement 9-8-8 as a #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline within the next 18-months.
Until then, if you or someone you know needs emotional support you can call the #SuicidePreventionHotline at 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
