James Donaldson on Mental Health – Preventing suicide among women Veterans

VA offering programs and initiatives to save more lives

By Matthew Miller

Executive director, VA Suicide Prevention

You may not know the following facts, but it’s true that the suicide rate among women Veterans decreased between 2021 and 2022, and that it’s because VA suicide prevention programs are playing a part.

After climbing over the last two decades, the suicide rate among women Veterans decreased from 2021 to 2022, according to data from the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.

The age-adjusted suicide rate (which gives us a more accurate way to compare Veteran and general U.S. population data) among women Veterans decreased by 24.1% between 2021 and 2022 (the latest year for which data is available). This decline tells us VA programs may be effectively reaching this group.

#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

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Women Veterans: The latest data

The report reveals other notable improvements from 2021 to 2022, including:

• 12% decrease in the use of firearms in women Veteran suicide deaths.
• 30% decrease in firearm and suffocation suicide rates among women Veterans.
• 29.6% decrease in the age-adjusted suicide rate among women Veterans receiving care from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

Though we’re encouraged by these numbers, we will keep working to enhance our meaningful programs and resources for women Veterans.

VA efforts to support women Veterans

In addition to being the fastest-growing population in the Veteran community, women are the fastest-growing group of Veterans who use VA services. We continue to expand services so that women can receive trauma-sensitive, tailored care, particularly for those at increased risk for suicide.

Here are resources currently available:

• Women Veterans Program managers: These people are available at every VA medical center to ensure women receive tailored care and are connected to necessary services.
• Expanded mental health care access: A complete range of care, including telehealth and peer support, is available to address PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance use disorders.
• Military sexual trauma services: VA offers free services and resources to meet survivors where they are in their recovery.
• Whole Health approach: This type of treatment includes traditional care and therapies like yoga and meditation to manage stress and build resilience.
• Postpartum and perinatal mental health: These programs focus on health during and after pregnancy, addressing postpartum depression and related concerns.
• Reproductive mental health: VA offers treatments for reproductive mental health conditions.
• Research and data-driven interventions: Researchers constantly work to find ways to tailor suicide prevention treatments and programs.
• VA Women’s Health Research Network: This program ensures women Veterans’ health research is considered when creating new practices and policies.
• Center for Women Veterans: CWV advocates for access to VA benefits and services.
• VHA Assault and Harassment Prevention Office: This office oversees VA’s commitment to providing a safe, welcoming and professional environment for all employees, Veterans, volunteers and visitors. Harassment or sexual assault will not be tolerated at any VA facility.
• Women Veterans coordinators: Each Veterans Benefits Administration regional office has a coordinator who provides information, assistance and resources to women concerning VA benefits, non-VA resources and any additional benefits.

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7, confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. 

You can get more information about the Veterans Crisis Line and can access VA’s suicide prevention resources.

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A call to action

• Suicide is preventable.
• Everyone plays a role in suicide prevention.
• There is hope for people who have thoughts of suicide.

Experience tells us that when Veterans have access to the right support before a crisis happens, lives can be saved.

A commitment to women Veterans

As the women Veteran population has grown, it’s become a bigger focus for VA. We continue to create support systems and outreach programs to reduce suicides among women Veterans and improve their overall quality of life.

Through these efforts, VA is working to empower women Veterans to seek help and receive the care they’ve earned.

Learn how you can help prevent suicide at the Office of Suicide Prevention.

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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:

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