Country star #NaomiJudd died by #suicide following a long struggle with #mentalillness. Her daughter, #AshleyJudd, said that it was important to make a distinction “between our loved one and the disease.”
#AshleyJudd revealed a number of details about the death of her mother, country star #NaomiJudd, in an interview with Diane Sawyer on Good Morning America. Judd said that her mother struggled with #mentalhealth. “Her brain hurt,” Judd said. “It physically hurt.”
Judd revealed that her mother killed herself, saying the family was very uncomfortable sharing the information, “but understand that we’re in a position that if we don’t say it someone else is going to.”
#NaomiJudd was part of the famed duo The Judds, with her daughter #Wynonna. They dominated the country charts in the 1980s until #NaomiJudd was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 1991. Her death was announced in April, a day before she was inducted in to the #CountryMusicHallofFame.
#NaomiJudd, country music matriarch of The Judds, is dead at 76
#James Donaldson 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
#AshleyJudd said that the praise and accolades of her peers couldn’t penetrate her mother’s #mentalillness.
Judd also revealed that she was the one who found her mother the day she died. “I have both grief and trauma from discovering her,” said Judd.
There are other details that the family is hoping to keep private, but Judd encouraged anyone else struggling with #mentalillness to reach out and talk to someone.
If you or someone you know may be considering #suicide, contact the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 (En Español: 1-888-628-9454; Deaf and Hard of Hearing: 1-800-799-4889) or the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
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
