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James Donaldson on Mental Health – NAMI of Greater Toledo raising awareness about the ‘holiday blues’
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This time of year we are constantly dealing with cold weather and cloudy days, which can have serious effects on mental health
TOLEDO, Ohio — Despite it being the holiday season, experts at NAMI of Greater Toledo said suicide rates and mood disorders are on the rise.
This time of year we are constantly dealing with cold weather and cloudy days, which can have serious effects on mental health.
“People really are feeling the stress of not only the holidays, and the shorter days, and less light but just the pressures of everyday humanity,” said Marriah Kornowa, executive director of NAMI.
NAMI encourages said seasonal depression is a real mood disorder, clinically diagnosed as seasonal affective disorder. It stems from the shorter days and less sun light that we normally see in the fall and winter months. And they also said it is one of the reasons that there’s a larger risk for suicide during the holidays.
Marriah Kornowa urges the pubic to look out for warnings such as:
Change in behavior
Change in appearance
Isolation and sadness
Lack of energy
Lack of interest in activities and normal routine
Kornowa said if you spot the warning signs in yourself, or others, don’t hesitate to reach out and find support.
“These are times to step in and say, I know this time of year is rough you’ve had loss. Or, our financial stability this time of year is stressed. So, just really making sure that we pay attention and sort of slow down and just check in on people,” Kornowa said.
NAMI recorded 90 percent of Americans who die by suicide are living with mental illness and 47 percent of adults ages 18 to 29 struggle with depression and anxiety.
That’s almost half of the population of young adults in the U.S.
Kornowa said mental illness can be treated and managed. If you are down, she said start by being aware of your thought patterns. Fight to shift your thoughts from negatives into positives.
#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
If you start having suicidal thoughts, make an appointment with your doctor and be honest with how you feel.
Kornowa also said to partner with your family members or friends to seek help. There are even one-on-one encouragement and support groups are available through NAMI.
The leaders at NAMI believe a person experiencing suicidal ideation has the power to be their own first line of defense.
“It’s important to take care of yourself this time of year, we are always giving for everybody else. It is about the spirit of the holidays, but what are you doing to take care of yourself?” Kornowa said. “Go into the holidays prepared, talking about boundaries with your family, and just recognizing and honoring your own feelings.”
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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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