James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide prevention, 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 suicidal thoughts 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
INGHAM COUNTY, Mich. (WLNS) — – The holidays are here, and while it’s a happy time for many people, it’s really not for others. And if you are someone who struggles through the holidays, health experts want you to know, there is hope, both now and year-round.
Mental health is an important topic year-round. And it’s an all-too familiar statistic: Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States.
Jody Nelson, a Prevention Therapist at Community Mental Health of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties says the holiday season can be especially difficult for people who have suffered a loss or live away from family. But helping someone who might be suffering from depression or have thoughts of suicide can be as simple as reaching out and checking in.
“A lot of people when they get into that mindset where they’re actually thinking of taking their own life, they feel very isolated and cut off and alone. And it’s very important for them to know that there is help. There’s absolutely help and it can make a huge difference. And they’re not nearly as alone as they feel that they are,” Nelson said.
According to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s website, something to watch for is unusual changes in behavior. Some of those can include a person withdrawing, increased drinking or drug use, erratic behavior or extreme mood swings.
If you or someone you know are struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1.800.273.8255 or the Community Mental Health crisis line at 517.346.8460.
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:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
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
