RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – Mental health continues to burden Americans nationwide and locally. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports 474,000 adults in Nevada suffer from a mental health condition. That’s more than eight times the population of Carson City. However, Americans who are 65 years or older are more prone to mental health conditions due to stressors relating to age, decline in physical health and loneliness.
“I had one gentleman, he just talked about how he was angry at the fact that he was alone. He felt that his wife should have outlived him. That’s what he expected and now his world is very small,” said Annette Junell, Co-founder of Retired Living Truth Series. She is referring to the mental health crisis. “We actually know quite a few people. most of it has to do with loneliness or loss of a spouse.”
A Centers for Disease Control study shows these stressors could lead to suicide and ranks Nevada as the ninth-highest state in the number of suicides. Local mental health advocates say there are steps to combat those stressors. “As we age our mental capacity potentially changes. we start to lose family members and loved ones. Those things kind of lead to depression. Physical body changes and that can cause us to become depressed, we can’t do the things that we used to do,” added Brett Junell, co-founder of Retired Living Truth Series.
The organization hosts free monthly seminars with experts. They call it a safe place for difficult conversations. “First recognizing it is a problem. There are people your age or younger that could be an adult, children, or grandchildren who are dealing with mental health. So, how to recognize it, how to have a conversation with the person that you believe might be struggling, and then how to point them to appropriate resources and what those resources are within the community.”
Retired Living Truth Series is a monthly series of free candid conversations concerning today’s senior living issues and options. Thenext free Retired Living Truth Series seminar is on Thursday, June 20 (10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.) at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. It will address “The Truth About Our Mental Health as We Age.” It provides education and resources designed to help people live empowered lives and make informed decisions.
#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
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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