By WCAX News Team
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – How do you recognize when someone may be thinking of self-harm or #suicide? It’s a question we’re asking during #suicidepreventionmonth.
According to the Vermont Department of Health, only a third of people who died by #suicide in Vermont reported a history of #mentalhealthtreatment. Because most people who take their own lives are not seen by #mentalhealthagencies, it’s up to the people who know them to recognize when something is wrong.
#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
Cat Viglienzoni spoke with Karen Kurrle, director of intensive care services at Washington County #MentalHealthServices and Katie Aiken, with United Counseling Services.
TO FIND HELP:
VERMONT CARE PARTNERS INTAKE & CRISIS LINES: https://vermontcarepartners.org/intake-and-crisis-lines/
HOTLINES & SCREENING TOOLS:
-#SuicidePreventionLifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) — www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
-VT Crisis Text Line: Text “VT” to 741741
Text VT to 741741 – Crisis Text Line is FREE – 24/7 support.
You get an automated text response first, and then a response from a trained crisis counselor. They work with you until you are cool and calm and have a positive plan for next steps.
-The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org
Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386 www.TrevorSpace.org Trevor Chat: 202-304-1200 Trevor Text: Text the word “Trevor”
Providing crisis intervention and #suicidepreventionservices to #lesbian, #gay, #bisexual, #transgender, and questioning #youth.
-Vermont Statewide #DomesticViolence Hotline – 800-228-7395
-Vermont Statewide Sexual Violence Hotline – 800-489-7273
–VTHelplink.org: 802-565-LINK
Connects people to the drug and alcohol support services they need.
-Trans Lifeline: www.translifeline.org 877-565-8860
-#Veterans Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and PRESS 1
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
