(WTRF) — There have been shock waves throughout the country after professional golfer Grayson Murray tragically took his own life this week at the young age of 30.
The country has been seeing record numbers of suicide deaths over the past three years, but luckily, there are more resources now than ever before to help reduce those numbers.
“It’s okay to not be okay” is a phrase that is being used more now than ever due to suicide deaths reaching an all-time high in the U.S. The CDC reported more than 49,000 suicide deaths in 2021 and 2022, and studies show that it could remain the same for 2023.
Fortunately, in 2021, First Choice Services announced their 988 suicide crisis hotline, which is available for anyone at any time. First Choice Services representative Sheila Moran shares the issues they have been dealing with the most since they started the hotline.
“We end up hearing about whether it’s problems with romantic partners, parents or children, that tends to be one of the top things. We hear a lot about interpersonal problems, workplace problems, school problems, bullying problems, mental health problems in general, you’re feeling anxious, feeling depressed, day to day, that sort of thing.
Thomas Fellows is an author who has written several self-help books, and he says it may not be easy, but reaching out for help is one of the first steps in reducing the record numbers.
“It’s important to reach out for support if you’re not feeling okay and you know, you might feel a little bit weird about telling somebody that you don’t feel okay.
The 988 suicide hotline is now one of the easiest ways to access the kind of support needed when dealing with mental health problems but there are also plenty of organizations locally that are always willing to help.
“NAMI is another, we’re not a crisis hotline, but if you are looking for resources in the community you can always give us a call and we can connect you with mental health resources that are available in the community. Peer support is an individual who has gone through lived experience and maybe received additional education and certification. And so it’s a really awesome way to connect with somebody who has gone through something similar to you.
#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
Fellows says when dealing with mental health struggles it is important to understand that what you’re going through is never permanent.
”Being suicidal is the scariest thing because somebody is trying to kill you and that person is you and just know that whatever you’re going through is temporary.”
For more information on the 9-8-8 suicide crisis hotline and other mental health resources click here.
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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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