If you are or someone you know is struggling, call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 1-800-273-8255
#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
Author: Lexi Wilson
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The #coronavirus outbreak is spreading beyond our physical health. Most #Americans are experiencing a variety of emotions, ranging from #anxiety to sadness.
Many are struggling with finding ways to cope with the increasing #stress.
The State of North Carolina loosening rules around telehealth and have expanded crisis hotlines to get residences the help they need.
According to the NC #DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices, people are turning to crisis hotlines for help.
The N.C. #SuicidePreventionLifeline gets around 325 calls a day. The Hope 4 NC Helpline sees about 44 callers every day, which officials say there has been an increase in volume calls for this hotline.
“In the hope line, in particular, we will see an uptick just day over day, I think we’ll see a peak six months after this ends”, Kody Kinsley N.C. DepartmentofHealthandHumanServices’ deputy secretary for behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities said.
The Hope 4 NC helpline connects North Carolinian’s to additional #mentalhealthsupport, whatever it may be. In the past, it was used for hurricane recovery efforts, now statewide during the #pandemic.
“13 hundred people die for #suicide in the state of North Carolina, 13 hundred deaths that are completely preventable” Kody Kinsley N.C. Department of Health and Human Services’ deputy secretary for behavioral health and intellectual and developmental disabilities said.
Relationships strained, workers, overwhelmed, millions struggling to make ends meet, that’s why checking in on your loved ones may be more important now than ever.
“If you think someone might be suicidal, you can not hold back, ask them straight out, are you suicidal, do you have a plan,” #MentalHealthAdvocate, Fonda Bryant said.
Bryant says there are several warning signs of #suicide. For example, a person not eating or sleeping, or giving away prized possession.
“People need to check on each other and don’t assume, you know, they just want attention, they’re just having a bad day, because when you set up and assume, it could cost someone their life,” Bryant said.
Bryant is also offering a free #suicideprevention course called QPR training.
The virtual QPR training is on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., click HERE.
If you need the #suicidepreventionhotline, that number is 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
