Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicide prevention, 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
Chris BookerThe annual RUOK? The day was held Wednesday in the Ohio Union at The Ohio State University. Each March, students, and advisers from the Buckeye Campaign Against Suicide organize RUOK? Day to encourage students, faculty, and staff to start a conversation.
The goal is to think about people they know who may struggle with personal difficulties and ask if they are OK. Samantha Woodring, a third-year English major and co-president of the Buckeye Campaign Against Suicide, said the event makes an impact.
“I think there are a lot of people on campus that don’t know what exists for them resource-wise or they are afraid to go out and seek the help that they might need,” she said. “So having something like this where it’s very open, it’s very positive and everyone’s talking about it is incredibly helpful.”
Attendees to RUOK? The day was provided with resources and opportunities to pledge to ask a friend, co-worker or stranger, “Are you OK today?” Woodring said 30 organizations from across campus supported the event, showing broad support for mental health.
“It’s OK that you’re going through a rough time,” she said. “There are people here to help you and I think it’s pretty clear that there are a lot of people who are willing to do it.”
It’s OK that you’re going through a rough time. There are people here to help you and I think it’s pretty clear that there are a lot of people who are willing to do it.
Student organizations from across the university filled the hall in the Ohio Union, each group tailoring a message of support to the students they serve.
Raghad Kodvawala, a fourth-year student majoring in biomedical engineering, staffed an information booth on behalf of the Muslim Students Association. She said the organization has had a booth at RUOK? Day for three years.
“It’s not really talked about in our community. There’s a bigger stigma in our community. So we just want to make sure we’re educating people about it,” Kodvawala said.
“If you’re not feeling OK, then make sure that you’re getting help. And don’t be afraid to talk to somebody about anything, about everything,” she said.
Granello said she wants people who attend the annual event to walk away with one simple piece of information: “A simple conversation can save a life.”
For help, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255/TALK
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
