This #coronavirus #pandemic has affected us in many ways. Some of these are good, and others — well, they’re quite unpleasant, to say the least.
The majority of #students agree that this whole online schooling thing is a negative result of the virus. Most #students would much rather be in school with their friends and teachers than being stuck at home all the time.
School is a safe space for many #students. Now, they’re forced to stay at home, which for some can be a toxic environment. According to an Aug. 6 Mayo Clinc article titled “#COVID-19 and the Risk of #Suicide,” #anxiety and #suicide rates are high because many people are feeling hopeless in these uncertain times.
#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
The #coronavirus #pandemic is a new experience. There have been a couple of winters where we were out of school for a few unexpected days, but there has never been anything quite like this.
Speaking of snow days, did you know that it’s a huge decision for a school district to make when determining whether or not school should be closed for a whole day due to the weather? School leaders want what is best for #students, and sometimes being at school in that safe environment is what is best for them and their #mentalhealth.
Families are being affected by all of this time together. Divorce rates are skyrocketing. According to Legal Templates, a company that provides legal documents, the divorce rate from March to June was 34% higher than it was in 2019. Families are fighting more now than ever.
It’s hard to be stuck at home all the time and not talk to as many people as you normally would. This is why it’s more important than ever to keep in touch with the people you care about.
Check up on your friends every so often. It couldn’t hurt and, if you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust.
• Gracie Miller is a junior at Eisenhower High School.
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
