This is just tragic!!!
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
A teen survivor of the mass shooting at #MarjoryStonemanDouglasHighSchool in #Parkland, Fla., has died by #suicide.
Nineteen-year-old #SydneyAiello took her life over the weekend, mom Cara Aiello told Tampa news station WFLA, after suffering from #survivor’sguilt and #post-traumaticstressdisorder (#PTSD). Sydney was at school on February 14, 2018, when a gunman opened fire, killing 17 people. She was reportedly close friends with student Meadow Pollack, who died that day.
Cara, who did not return Yahoo Lifestyle’s request for comment, told WFLA that Sydney had difficulty in school because she was scared to sit in class. However, she didn’t seek help.
On Wednesday, a GoFundMe page was created by Brett and Blair Israel, friends of the Aiello family, to pay for her funeral. So far, it’s raised almost $8,000. “#SydneyAiello was born on January 27th, 2000,” read the fundraiser. “She was welcomed into this world by her loving family: her parents Cara and Joe, and her brother Nick.”
“Sydney spent 19 years writing her story as a beloved daughter, sister, and friend to many,” the Israels wrote. “She lit up every room she entered. She filled her days cheerleading, doing yoga, and brightening up the days of others. Sydney aspired to work in the medical field helping others in need. On March 17th, 2019 Sydney became the guardian angel to many.”
They concluded, “It was a privilege to have you in our lives. Sydney, we will miss you and always love you. May you find peace in His arms.”
Neither the Israels or representatives of #MarjoryStonemanDouglasHighSchool and the Broward County Public Schools district responded to Yahoo Lifestyle interview requests.
Ryan Petty, whose daughter Alaina died in the massacre, told WFLA, “It breaks my heart that we’ve lost yet another student from Stoneman Douglas.” Petty urged parents to check in on their children, asking questions like, “Have you thought of killing yourself and have you had any intention of acting on those thoughts?”
Julie Cerel, PhD., a licensed psychologist at the University of Kentucky and president of the American Association of Suicidology tells Yahoo Lifestyle that research on #survivor’sguilt is scarce due to sensitivity factors toward victims. However, post-traumatic stress syndrome is one risk factor for suicide, because it forces victims to mentally relive the trauma.
According to the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, feeling burdensome, isolated, and having a low threshold for death, are drivers of suicide. “Experiencing any of these demotivates someone to get help,” Cerel tells Yahoo Lifestyle. “Especially if they’re involved in a public trauma with the whole world watching.”
If you or someone you know are experiencing #suicidalthoughts, call 911, or call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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
[email protected]
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 [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