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James Donaldson on Mental Health – NBA retiree James Donaldson shares his self-help advice
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James Donaldson speaks to the Mill Creek Rotary.
By Chuck Wright Licensed Mental Health Professional
On March 6, retired NBA start James Donaldson addressed the Mill Creek Rotary with an emotional talk that acknowledged his long struggles with chronic despondency over 14 months.
Donaldson is a Washington State University, Pac-10, and Sacramento Sports Hall of Famer.
During those days, he said he lost his physical and mental health, financial security; his wife and stepson to divorce; his physical therapy business; going bankrupt; and selling his house under appraised value.
He also spoke of the loss of many friends who had provided support.
Those floods of misery didn’t stop there. Those painful losses were added to by the death of his mother. And over the next five years, he underwent four major heart surgeries.
Donaldson did not go public with his unbearable agonies for years.
But that changed when he heard about Tyler Hilinski, a WSU quarterback who died by suicide in January 2018. This event opened him up to tell his own story. By doing so, Donaldson said he hoped he might encourage others to reach out for help.
Now as a spokesperson for the prevention of suicide, and no matter how large or how small the group, he makes himself available to speak.
#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
After his heartbreaking introduction, James turned to positive things he learned about his deep dive and offered suggestions to others.
Spend time with friends, because together you can make it through challenging times.
Limit time spent on social media. We spend too much time looking and responding to emails, texting, and playing computer games.
Get regular mental and physical exercise.
Learn to forgive not only others but above all, yourself.
Get the sleep you need.
Let go of unhealthy relationships.
Become a pet owner. Donaldson said having his dog with him was a big help as he traveled his road to recovery.
Focus on changing your self-talking. Be positive. Start telling yourself that things will get better because you have the power to make them better.
Laugh at yourself, and laugh with others.
Along with those recommendations, he added we all can help each other during trying times.
Reach out to someone who is struggling with some of life’s complications. Act quickly and follow through on what you say you’re going to do.
Be patient, but be emphatically honest about your concerns for the person.
Express your support and together call 988, the suicide 24-hour person-to-person hotline; if they refuse to do so, call 911 and ask for a wellness check.
Out of those despairing times, Donaldson once again proved that he was a resilient person who climbed out of his anguish. From those hard-hit experiences of life, he teaches that no matter how much you tumble down, keep telling yourself there many people and organizations who are willing to give you their hand as you travel on that icy trail back to stability
James closed by pointing out, “Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all.”
To learn more about Donaldson’s path, you may wish to read one or both of his autobiography, “Standing Above the Crowd,” or his latest self-help book, “Celebrating Your Gift of Life.”
Help is available
Call 988
South County Fire has a free community outreach call program for those who need someone to talk to. You can call 425-320-5800 or email outreach@southsnofire.org
Snohomish County 24-hour local crisis line: 800-584-3578
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
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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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