If you are suffering from feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, and have contemplated #suicide, help and hope are as close as your telephone.
In Madera County, from 18 to 22 persons every year take their own lives, according to Dennis Koch, executive director of Madera County Behavioral Health Services. But those unhappy deaths could largely be prevented if those who suffer suicidal feelings would take a deep breath, pick up their phones and tell the person who answers that they are thinking of taking their own lives. Help can then be on the way.
The people on the other end of these #suicide hotlines are trained to provide help in a time of #mentalhealth crisis, times that can lead the sufferer to contemplate ending — or even ending — his or her own life.
The Crisis Help Line is 1.888.506.5991, and it is staffed 24 hours a day by trained people. I have met some of these people, and they are dedicated to helping others who suffer from #anxiety or feelings of hopelessness.
The #NationalSuicidePreventionHotline’s number is 1-800273-8255. Or help can be reached by texting TALK to 741741.
Some of the people seeking help include drug users who may be going through a medical crisis brought on by inappropriate drug use and may be in need of medical intervention. Others may be suffering from alcoholism.
#Veterans often suffer from drug and alcohol use that they turn to as a relief from #stress, or pain, or both. A phone number for #veterans is 1-800-373-TALK.
#LGBTY youth, when they lose friends or fail in love affairs, often turn to drugs and/or alcohol to relieve the pain of continual grief, frustration or loneliness. For these folks, the Trevor Lifeline connects lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender or those questioning their sexuality to a #suicideprevention and counseling phone line staffed by trained counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Many people who need help with the stresses of their lives aren’t aware that help is as near as their telephone, and less than a block from the post office, at the corner of South 7th and D Streets.
A person who feels he or she may need the help of a counselor can merely walk in and get an appointment. All contacts are private, and those who need more help than a single appointment can get one. The help is generally free.
Most who seek #mentalhealth treatment are trying to get their lives straightened out because of substance abuse, which can be hard to deal with, or merely help with chronic sadness, anxiety or other frustration.
It is true that a psychiatrist may prescribe a benzodiazepine — such as Valium or Ambien — to help a patient temporarily deal with #anxiety or alcohol withdrawal. But use of such drugs is carefully monitored, and usually is not recommended until other psychological remedies such as cognitive behavioral therapy have been tried.
Sometimes a little banter can help. For example, a psychologist in Wyoming was trying to help a patient understand how opposite emotions differ:
“What is the opposite of joy?” the psychologist asked.
“Sadness,” the patient replied.
“And what is the opposite of #depression?” the psychologist asked.
“Elation,” said the patient.
“And woe,” said the psychiatrist. “What is the opposite of woe?”
“Anybody knows that,” the patient said. “It’s giddy-up!”
Remember, though, that there is help for you, serious help — usually just a phone call away.
#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
Or you can giddy-up down to East 7th and North D Streets where help and a happier life may be waiting for you.
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
