James Donaldson notes: I am turning more and more of my time and efforts towards mental health issues, especially pertaining to our young people 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 suicidal thoughts 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
One-third of men have experienced suicidal thoughts over the past year with social media having a significant negative impact on their mental health, a major survey by GQ magazine has found.
The State of Man research, conducted by YouGov to mark 30 years of GQ, paints a “worrying” picture of the mental health of the publication’s target readership, editor Dylan Jones said.
When asked if, in the last year, they had ever felt that life was not worth living, a third of 25 to 44 year-olds said ‘yes’. In the LGBT+ community, the figures were starker still – almost half (45 percent).
Suicidal thoughts common Around a quarter of 25-44s had thought about taking their own life in the last year. This rises to over a third for LGBT+ people. Among 25-34-year olds, six percent had attempted suicide in the last year. The figure is one in 20 for the LGBT+ community. GQ editor Dylan Jones says talking to a therapist has improved his mental health Social media harmful The impact of social media has been overwhelmingly negative – just 3% said it had impacted their personal well-being “extremely positively.” Every single age group saw social media more negatively than positively. Men are becoming a little more comfortable talking about their feelings. Men are talking to therapists Around a quarter of everyone aged between 16 to 44 have used or would consider using, a therapist to talk about their emotions. The figure rises to a third for 45-54s. Jones said: “Although more men are seeking therapy, it’s terribly sad that men are still not as inclined to talk to each other about their feelings as women are. The survey gives an insight into who suicide is the biggest killer of men under 30.” The editor added: “The #MeToo movement offered a genuine opportunity for men to explore their mental health and whilst some have, it’s worrying that the response has not been as wholehearted as you would have wished.”
The full survey, which covers attitudes to sexual behavior and employment, in partnership with Gillette, will be published in the December GQ issue, on Thursday. The edition includes an investigation into the suicide rate for men under 30 and an interview by Alastair Campbell, who has spoken about his battles with depression, with Olly Alexander, the Years & Years singer and LGBT+ campaigner.
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
