Editor’s note: If you or someone you know is having thoughts of #suicide or is in emotional distress, contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255) or at suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
#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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Former #OhioState offensive lineman #HarryMiller revealed on March 10 in a detailed #Twitter post that he was retiring from #football, citing #mentalhealth concerns after having #suicidalthoughts. On Monday, Miller appeared on Today and opened up further on his decision.
“I had no intention of this happening the way it did,” Miller said Monday. “People have called me brave, but to me, it just felt like not dying. It felt like being honest. Maybe bravery is just being honest when it would be easier not to, and if that’s bravery, then so be it.”
Miller began the Twitter post by chronicling a difficult conversation he had with Buckeyes coach Ryan Day prior to the start of last season, revealing that he told Day he planned to take his own life. After being put into contact with #mentalhealthprofessionals, he attempted to return to the field but eventually realized he was better served stepping away from the game.
On Monday, Miller detailed that he had had #suicidalthoughts since #childhood and that he had undergone treatment dating back to his #youth.
“I guess I’ve always been anxious and depressed,” Miller said. “Years passed. I felt good in #highschool. Got to college, and it’s just sort of difficult. You’ve got these young people being thrust under these bright lights. As a #studentathlete, you play a game, and perhaps you made a lot of mistakes, and people send you messages saying, ‘Transfer, you suck.’ Some people get death threats. … I’m trying to text my mom and that’s the first thing I see.”
Miller, a former five-star recruit, was a starter his sophomore year during the Buckeyes’ run to the 2020 CFP National Championship Game. He started in Ohio State’s Big Ten title win, but he did not play in the CFP semifinal after testing positive for #COVID-19. Miller came off the bench in the national championship game.
“While I was going through my therapy, I was seeing stories of Miss Americas and athletes all over the board, and I just kept thinking, ‘If somebody would just say something,’” Miller said. “And I’m just really grateful that I was able to receive the care and love and affection that I did so that I could.”
At the end of the segment, Miller looked to the camera to deliver a tearful message to those going through the same struggles he went through.
“When you’re preparing to not say words any more, you realize how important your words are, and even now, they feel so clumsy,” Miller said. “I would just say, hope is just pretending to believe in something until one day you don’t have to pretend anymore. Right now, you have all the logic, all the rationale in the world to give up on it. I would just ask to pretend for a little bit, and then one day you won’t have to pretend anymore and you’ll be happy.”
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
