James Donaldson on Mental Health – NBA retiree James Donaldson shares his self-help advice

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

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

If you’d like to follow and receive my daily blog in to your inbox, just click on it with Follow It. Here’s the link https://follow.it/james-donaldson-s-standing-above-the-crowd-s-blog-a-view-from-above-on-things-that-make-the-world-go-round?action=followPub

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
• 24-hour chat service
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)