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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Mental health officials share resources, services for suicide prevention month
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by Shawnia Butler
FLORENCE, SC (WPDE) — Mental health conditions and suicidal thoughts can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender or background.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, spread hope and share lifesaving resources to those who need it.
Healthcare professionals across the Pee Dee are spotlighting counseling services, hotline numbers and warning signs that your loved ones may be struggling with their mental health.
Studies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S.
ABC15 spoke with representatives at the Pee Dee Mental Health Center, and Susan Carter said signs you can look for vary but it’s important to know how to spot them.
Carter said sudden use or abuse of alcohol or drugs can be an indication a person may be having suicidal thoughts. Other warning signs can include isolation and withdrawal from daily activities.
Definitely medication can help with feelings of depression, but in terms of dealing with the stressors that cause the person to consider suicide counseling is very helpful and helping them come up with solutions to their crisis and to their.. to help them cope day to day living,” said Carter.
Carter said loved ones saying their “goodbyes”, having behavioral changes and giving away personal belongings can also pose as indicators a person is suicidal.
Professionals encourage anyone struggling to seek help as early as possible. Once medical providers can analyze the problem, they can seek proper care and treatment for the individual.
We can’t rule out the risk of suicide for anyone individual, and to always be alert both to our loved ones ourselves and to people we interact with to look for these warning signs,” said Carter.
If you or anyone you know may be contemplating suicide, mental health care professionals encourage you to let them know help is always available.
#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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