Amy Schwabe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
I can’t tell you how happy I was to wake up to a snow day on Tuesday. Because I didn’t want to drive on the icy streets to take my #daughter to #school? Yes. Because I got an extra hour of sleep after telling my kids the good news? Also yes. But, mostly, I was happy because it was exactly what my 17-year-old #daughter needed. She struggles with #anxiety when she feels she isn’t studying hard enough and getting good enough grades. While I’ve often told her she doesn’t have to be physically sick to take a #mentalhealthday, she never wants to take a day off because that just means she’ll have to catch up when she gets back to #school. That’s why snow days are so beautiful. She got to sleep late, watch TV and play video games with her sister all day, and put schoolwork completely out of her mind.
#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
Something to do with your #kids
We all need those breaks in our lives to preserve our #mentalhealth. That’s especially true as we enter the third year of a #pandemic that has highlighted the #mentalhealthcrisis our #children are dealing with. I’ve written a bit about my own family’s journey toward better #mentalhealth, and one thing I’ve learned is how important it is to sit down and talk to our #kids about what they’re experiencing and to really listen to what they’re trying to tell us.
A few more things to do with your #kids
Are you excited for Mardi Gras, otherwise known as Fat Tuesday, otherwise known as Paczki Day? Here’s what to know about those oh-so-delicious doughnuts, and here’s where to go to get some on Tuesday.
Speaking of food, now is a good time to think about the delicious fresh produce you can eat when spring and summer arrive. Here’s information about joining a CSA and where you can order CSA boxes.
Cooking with #kids is a great way to fill your time. Here are some cookbooks for novice cooks if you need some inspiration.
Something to make you think
This report card on the state of #mentalhealth in our nation’s #children was just released, and, not surprisingly, the results are bleak. One of the most unsettling findings is that #schools throughout the country — including in Wisconsin — are failing pretty miserably at educating #students on the importance of #mentalhealth. The good news is that there are models for doing better from a few states.
Something to make you smile
I’m smiling because it’s almost fish fry season. I know that’s a very Wisconsin thing to be happy about. But, when I really think about it, I’m not sure why it’s such a Wisconsin thing. This article can help explain.
Contact Amy Schwabe at (262) 875-9488 or amy.schwabe@jrn.com. Follow her on Twitter at @WisFamilyJS, #Instagram at @wisfamilyjs or #Facebook at WisconsinFamily.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Talk to #kids about #mentalhealth
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
