ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Men make up 80% of all suicides in the U.S. A mental health counselor is taking matters into his own therapy room, offering men a new way to get help.
Brian Costello says this men’s group was born out of necessity. He noticed that men struggling was viewed as a failure, as if they were not doing something right or they have a character flaw.
Costello says men tend to deal with isolation, anxiety, depression, substance use and struggles with relationships. That last part is key.
Costello says not expressing your trauma or anxieties leads to struggles with your relationships. You’re withholding information and that leads to a breakdown in communication and trust, not to mention the impact on mental and physical health.
#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
“Oftentimes people will develop a drinking problem and not even know it,” Costello said. “You know, because it’s our mind says it’s because of work stress and family stress. But in reality, it’s kind of developing or biting a substance use disorder, which creates a lot of emotional instability as well, and irritability.”
Enter 4teamBrock, a Buffalo-based nonprofit to help raise awareness and break the stigma of mental health and suicide. At just 24 years old, Brock Curtis took his life in 2021. Since then, his family has been doing major nationwide events. His sister Jen took on the challenge to run from Los Angeles to Las Vegas. Clocking 60 miles a day, she crossed the finish line this past Saturday.
His mom Debbie says Brock was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and struggled with a diagnosis before taking his life. She is urging anybody who is struggling to reach out and get help and for families to really watch loved ones who may be struggling.
“Don’t be afraid to start the conversation,” Curtis said. “And don’t come in with you have all the answers. I mean, I wish I knew back when Brock was going through things. I wish I knew some of the things that I now know. I wish I could have helped him. But, you know, no amount of love can really cure a person of mental illness. But with support, we can also help people to reach out.”
Debbie goes on to say if you see your friend struggling, tell their parents. She says she’s forever grateful for Brock’s friends who did reach out when he didn’t seem himself.
She reiterates the same thing as Costello, that mental illness is not a character flaw. It’s a health situation.
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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