People concerned about themselves or a loved one in crisis can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 800-273-8255.
#Suicide is a significant issue across the globe. According to SAVE (#Suicide Awareness Voices of Education), nearly 800,000 people die by #suicide across the globe each year, and #suicide is the second leading cause of death in the world for people between the ages of 15 and 24.
#Suicide poses a significant threat every year, but that threat might be even greater in 2020. The global #pandemic that resulted from the outbreak of the novel #coronavirus #COVID-19 in the winter of 2019-20 led many governments to encourage their citizens to isolate to help prevent the spread of the #virus. While such restrictions were necessary, a study published in the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry in April 2020 noted that the secondary consequences of #socialdistancing may include an increased risk of #suicide.
The researchers behind the study noted that social connections play a key role in #suicideprevention, which is why #socialdistancing concerns so many #mentalhealthprofessionals. However, the researchers also emphasized that #socialdistancing requires physical space between people, not #socialdistance. By staying six feet apart and wearing masks when around friends and loved ones, individuals at risk for #suicide can maintain the social connections that are so vital to their #mentalhealth.
SAVE notes that a lack of social support and a sense of #isolation are a risk factor for #suicide. But other factors also can increase #suiciderisk, and learning to recognize those risks can be especially important at a time when #socialdistancing may be putting more people in jeopardy.
SAVE notes that risk factors do not cause or predict #suicide. However, the presence of the following factors can increase the likelihood a person will consider, attempt or die by #suicide.
- #Mentaldisorders, particularly mood disorders, schizophrenia, #anxiety disorders and certain personality disorders
- Alcohol and other substance use disorders
- #Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- History of trauma or abuse
- Major physical or chronic illnesses
- Previous #suicideattempt
- Family history of #suicide
- Recent job or financial loss
- Recent loss of relationship
- Easy access to lethal means
- Local clusters of #suicide
- #Stigma associated with asking for help
- Lack of health care, especially #mentalhealth and substance abuse treatment
- Cultural and religious beliefs, such as the belief that #suicide is a noble resolution of a personal dilemma
- Exposure to others who have died by #suicide (in real life or via the media and Internet)
#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
People concerned about themselves or a loved one in crisis can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 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
