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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Men’s mental health remains challenging topic
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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Men’s mental health remains challenging topic
According to Mental Health America, more than 6 million men across the United States are affected by depression and anxiety. Those stark numbers are made even worse by the fact that men’s mental health still holds a stigma that says seeking help and taking care of yourself isn’t “manly.”
This epidemic of mental health struggles has real and brutal consequences. MHA says male suicides have been on the rise since 2000 and suicide is the seventh-leading cause of death among males, 2.2% of all male deaths since 2011.
Beyond suicide, other difficult situations arise due to untreated and unrecognized depression, including problems with alcohol dependency and drugs. Approximately 1 in 5 men will develop an alcohol dependency during their lives. Military veterans experience nearly twice the rate of alcohol and drug use.
#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
While the stigma is still strong about men’s mental health, in recent years some notable names have come forward to shed light on this difficult topic, including famous athletes such as Kevin Love, Earl Campbell and Terry Bradshaw.
So, how can you help?
Experts agree the most important first step is to talk. Whether you are experiencing depression or a loved one is struggling, talking and creating a warm and welcoming environment can go a long way to help these issues.
Anyone interested in finding out more, including ways to donate to charities focused on mental health, can go to hhs.gov/mens-health-month-2024.
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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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