James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for mental health awareness and suicide 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 suicidal thoughts 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
Let kids know it’s OK to get help for mental health
When teens hear about suicide, it’s scary. It’s also scary for their parents. With good reason: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 24, after motor vehicle accidents.
It is important to let kids know that friends never let friends keep secrets about suicidal thoughts. They can, and must, tell an adult.
At the same time, parents and schools should emphasize that no child should ever feel responsible for the safety or well-being of another child, student or friend.
What are red flags for suicidal thinking?
Family, friends and schools should be able to recognize and report the red flags that make us worry about suicide in a young person:
- Talking a lot, or writing, about suicide.
- Withdrawing socially.
- Having mood swings.
- Self-medicating with alcohol or daily marijuana.
- Saying things like, “I won’t be a problem for you much longer.”
- Taking risky, self-destructive actions.
- Giving away all belongings without a logical explanation.
When someone is depressed, he or she may seem really sad. But sometimes we may only see the tip of the iceberg.
The tip of the iceberg can be the other symptoms of depression, including difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much, or feeling numb, or self-harm such as cutting. The iceberg below may be the depression itself.
What can we do to prevent teen suicide?
We need to de-stigmatize emotional health and well-being so that young people feel comfortable reaching out for help to a trusted adult before a crisis occurs.
This begins at home by making sure each family member knows they can get help, if they need it, for their mental health.
We also never want to romanticize suicide. We want to focus instead on how to care for the living — on how to make each child’s and teen’s life meaningful.
We do this by making kids feel loved and valued — by expecting them to be their best selves and setting loving limits, at home and at school.
One of the best ways parents can build resiliency is to be a “lighthouse” rather than a “helicopter,” as Dr. Ken Ginsberg explains in his book, “Raising Kids to Thrive: Balancing Love With Expectations and Protection With Trust.”
Be your teen’s moral compass, their beacon of light. Guide them on issues involving their safety or ethics. Give them a sense of direction, but let them steer the boat.
What to do if you’re worried about a teen
Any parent concerned that a teen may feel suicidal should take them to the ER. Anyone concerned can also find expert, free and confidential help, 24/7, by:
- Calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).
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
