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James Donaldson on Mental Health – How to Support a Friend Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts
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Supporting a friend who is struggling with suicidal thoughts can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining. However, your support can make a profound difference in their life. This guide will provide you with actionable tips, important statistics, and real-life examples to help you navigate this difficult situation.
Understanding Suicidal Thoughts
Before offering support, it’s crucial to understand what suicidal thoughts are and why they occur. Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, can range from fleeting thoughts about death to detailed plans for taking one’s own life. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year, making it a significant public health issue.
Recognizing the Signs
Recognizing the signs of suicidal thoughts in a friend is the first step in providing support. Here are some common indicators:
Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves
Expressing feelings of hopelessness or having no reason to live
Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
Exhibiting extreme mood swings
Giving away prized possessions
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Engaging in risky or self-destructive behavior
How to Start the Conversation
One of the most challenging aspects of supporting a friend with suicidal thoughts is starting the conversation. Here are some tips to help you approach the subject:
Choose the Right Time and Place
Find a quiet, private setting where you won’t be interrupted. Make sure you have enough time to talk without feeling rushed.
Be Direct and Compassionate
It’s essential to be direct yet compassionate when discussing suicidal thoughts. You could start with something like, “I’ve noticed you’ve been going through a tough time lately, and I’m really worried about you. Are you thinking about hurting yourself?”
Listen Without Judgment
Let your friend talk about their feelings without interrupting or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, just being heard can make a significant difference.
Providing Immediate Support
Once your friend opens up about their suicidal thoughts, your immediate support can be crucial. Here’s how you can help:
Encourage Professional Help
Encourage your friend to seek professional help from a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Offer to help them find resources or even accompany them to their first appointment.
Create a Safety Plan
Work with your friend to create a safety plan that includes:
Emergency contacts
Warning signs that a crisis may be developing
Steps to take if suicidal thoughts return
Safe places they can go
Remove Potential Means
If possible, help your friend remove any means they could use to harm themselves, such as firearms, sharp objects, or medications.
Long-Term Support Strategies
Supporting a friend with suicidal thoughts is not a one-time effort. Here are some long-term strategies to consider:
Stay Connected
Regularly check in with your friend to see how they are doing. Simple gestures like sending a text or inviting them out for coffee can show that you care.
Encourage Healthy Habits
Encourage your friend to engage in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise, healthy eating, and adequate sleep.
Promote a Supportive Environment
Help create a supportive environment by encouraging open communication and reducing stigma around mental health issues.
Knowing When to Seek Emergency Help
If your friend is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to seek emergency help. Call emergency services or take them to the nearest emergency room. It’s better to be safe and ensure they get the help they need.
#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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Supporting a friend struggling with suicidal thoughts is a challenging but incredibly important task. By recognizing the signs, starting a compassionate conversation, providing immediate and long-term support, and knowing when to seek emergency help, you can make a significant impact on your friend’s life. Remember, you are not alone in this—resources and professionals are available to help both you and your friend navigate this difficult time.
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:
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
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