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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Suicides: most at risk are men aged between 30 and 60
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The National Strategy for the Prevention of Suicides in Malta has been launched for public consultation.
This aims to handle suicides, its impact on individuals, their families and the community.
Public consultation will remain open for eight weeks.
The strategy proposes a number of initiatives to address suicides directly and others to promote mental health and other related matters.
To TVMnews the Consultant for Public Health Dr Antonella Sammut worked on this document and shows a higher rate of suicides by males.
She said those most at risk are men aged between 30 and 60 who are either separated or divorced, unemployed not pensioners.
After consultation with more than 40 entities it resulted in major measures of efforts to prevent suicide should be a reduction of the stigma of mental health.
She said there has to be greater recognition on mental health and there is help for persons to access in time. There are resources and specialists to help people.
The Minister for Health Jo Etienne Abela said this strategy was a crucial initiative.
In a year, suicides around the world number more than 700,000 people but in Malta and Gozo this incidence is very small.
#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
However, Minister Abela’s appeal is that mental health attains a similar status of physical health and training be provided for the public to respond to suicidal tendencies and create an environment of support before it is too late.
Minister Abela said that helpline 1579 remains crucial for help in mental health.
He continued that although the Government is aware the suicide rate in Malta and Gozo is one of the smallest throughout the world, it is still felt that each suicide is a tragedy.
The Government is committed to do everything possible to ensure this low rate remains and if possible decreases. Thus, the Government is in collusion with Local Councils for these types of services to increase for the benefit of the community.
The strategy, the first of its kind, is designed to be implemented over the next five years.
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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 [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
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