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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Learn the suicide risk factors
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John S. Westefeld
To reach the suicide hotline, callers can dial 988 starting from any phone, just like dialing 911
According to the latest data available from the American Association of Suicidology, in 2021 there were 48,183 completed suicides in the United States, which is 132 per day. In 2021, 549 Iowans ended their own lives, an average of 1.5 every day. Suicide is a public health crisis. The suicide rate is the highest it has been since 1941, according to preliminary 2022 data reported by USA Today in November.
#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
As 2024 begins, it is important to review basic information about suicide, as well what to do if you are concerned about someone being potentially suicidal.
Even after many years of research, it remains very difficult to predict suicidal behavior. However, there are a few key risk factors. These risk factors include but are not limited to depression, feeling hopeless and helpless, talking about wanting to die, low self-esteem, isolation/loneliness, experiencing violence and victimization, increased use of drugs/alcohol, and a previous attempt. Access to firearms is an additional concern, because for many years firearms have been the No. 1 method people have used in carrying out suicide. In 2022, 26,993 people ended their lives using a firearm, according to CDC provisional data in July 2023. In my view, reducing firearm access would lower the suicide rate, and is of paramount importance.
If you are concerned about someone being suicidal, it is important to reach out and ask what many suicidologists call “the question,” which is “Have you been feeling so badly lately that you have thought about harming yourself” or some approximation of this wording. A myth remains that by introducing the topic, we will give people the idea to carry out a suicide. You are more likely to save a life than cause a death by raising the issue and giving the individual permission to talk about how they are feeling. It is also important to provide the individual with hope, monitor them for risk, and encourage seeking help. Don’t give up encouraging the individual to seek treatment. It has been my experience people will frequently initially resist going for help — but with continued support and encouragement, many will eventually seek treatment. A very important resource is the phone number 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This number can also be texted. You can contact the 988 Lifeline for your own support should you be feeling suicidal, but also receive help in terms of assisting someone else who you consider potentially suicidal.
There have been some positive advances related to suicide prevention. One of the most recent and important is that after many years of discussion, a netting system has been put in place at the Golden Gate Bridge. I believe there is also more general awareness about the issue.
We need to educate the public about warning signs, what to do if concerned about someone, and available resources. We also need increased funding for mental health generally, and suicide prevention/response specifically. Hopefully, we can begin to reduce the suicide rate — and save lives.
John S. Westefeld is board-certified in counseling psychology, a suicidologist and a professor emeritus at The University of Iowa. The views expressed are his own.
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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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