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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Men at higher risk of suicide due to mental health struggles
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Despite being more susceptible to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety, men often struggle to express their emotions due to societal expectations. Studies show that 80% of suicides in Jamaica are committed by men, highlighting the urgent need for open conversations and support systems. Experts warn that suppressing emotions can lead to aggression, frustration, and self-harm, making it crucial to break the cycle of stigma surrounding men’s mental health.
Call for more talk around men’s emotions
Family therapist urges males to ignore stigma around discussing their feelings in order to avoid depression, anxiety
Jamaica Gleaner
MENTAL HEALTH issues continue to be a taboo topic among men, despite studies revealing that men are more susceptible to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety in comparison to women, thus making them more likely to resort to self-harm, and even suicide.
Jamaica has recorded that two people per 100,000 have committed suicide over a five- to 10-year-period, with men making up 80 per cent of that statistic.
In some countries, men are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with mental health issues, yet society continues to push the narrative that men should never express themselves. As such, many males struggle to properly manage their emotions.
According to Dr Barry Davidson, family therapist and CEO of Family Life Ministries, men often feel as if they can handle their emotions on their own, but often come to realize that this is a task that is difficult for one to handle alone. From an early age, boys are told that “crying is not for boys”, which affects them negatively, as they become socialized to feel lesser than everyone else emotionally.
“That’s very unhealthy,” davidson told The Gleaner. “People need to learn to vent. If they’re having issues, they need to find a way to talk about it, so that at least they can get some kind of objectivity.”
Davidson said it makes little sense if an individual is asking questions while giving themselves the answers, which, he said, is what men commonly do. This, he added, locks individuals in a shell of their own perception, driving them to think that what they believe is the only reality there is, when that might not always be the case.
#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
Additionally, Davidson said the suppression of emotions can have long-term effects. He mentioned the concept of “frustration-aggression”, which is when many males, especially young men, become so overwhelmed with pent-up emotions that the only way they can find to inevitably let it out is through anger, which is usually manifested verbally or physically.
Davidson also noted that young men need to be told that it is OK to acknowledge what they are feeling and find a way to express that appropriately, rather than in a destructive manner.
INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
In today’s age, social media continues to influence the kind of values and practices that young people observe and adapt. This involves how men perceive and treat themselves.
“Social media can be both positive and negative,” Davidson said. “And so, if social media is producing things that are not healthy and things that are not wholesome, and a person is feeding on those stuff, then clearly it is going to put them into a really difficult position, in that their thought patterns, their values, the way they perceive life, the way they perceive things are certainly going to be affected.”
Davidson also stressed the importance of self-esteem in maintaining mental well-being.
“If you think poorly of yourself, you’ll treat yourself poorly,” he warned.
In recent times, the rise of influencers across various platforms has contributed to the issues of concern. For instance, some influencers portray negative opinions that promote toxic masculinity, and this prevents men from portraying themselves as vulnerable. As many men are taught to be strong and independent, they, too, go on to have children and continue the cycle. The question is, how can this cycle be broken, and this issue resolved, to allow men to feel secure in expressing themselves?
STARTING WITH CHILDREN
Davidson said it starts with the children.
“I think it is unhealthy to tell children to hold in their emotions, whether boys or girls. We have to teach people to understand how they’re feeling; we need to let people know that it is quite fine to feel what they’re feeling,” Davidson explained.
He advocated for more discussions surrounding mental health in men, as this would lessen the notion that men’s emotions are unimportant. In fact, he implored men, and society on a whole, to cry if they see it fit, as crying, he said, is a sufficient emotional outlet.
“Sometimes crying can be very healthy. If you’re stressed or sad about the loss of a loved one or something happened and you want to cry, cry. Why not cry? It’s a healthy thing to do.”
Davidson was one of the many men who were told at a young age to suppress their emotions. Some, like Davidson, grew up to portray positive effects despite the stereotypes, while others express themselves only through anger, even as adults.
Therefore, it is important that society not only normalizes accepting men’s emotions, but also creates channels for men to express themselves. Whether it be through therapy, crying, or by expressing their feelings to a partner or friend, men’s emotions should never be treated as lesser than anyone else’s.
As suicide rates continue to climb, especially in young men, mental health facilities must be made more available, so that less men grow to believe that they must resort to anger in order to be heard. The society must engage in open discussions and check up on their male loved ones more frequently. Then, as a society, we can see a change for the better.
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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 [email protected] 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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