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James Donaldson on Mental Health – The breaking point: Why mental health education can’t wait
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By Elvi Gray-Jackson, C.J. McCormick and Stanley Wright
The Alaska State Capitol in Juneau. (Sean Maguire/ADN)
The mental health crisis among Alaska’s youth has reached a breaking point. According to a recent study by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, nearly one in five high school students in our state have seriously considered attempting suicide. Rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses have skyrocketed over the past decade, with more students struggling than ever before. Yet for too long, our education system hasn’t provided young Alaskans with the mental health knowledge and skills they desperately need.
Senate Bill 24 seeks to change that by joining 20 other states in encouraging public schools to provide comprehensive mental health education. Mental health will be taught in conjunction with existing health curriculum, that includes but isn’t limited to physical health, neglect and dental health. The Center for Disease Control defines mental health: “Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices.”
Mental health education does not include referrals, diagnosis and/or treatment. This vital legislation encourages age-appropriate lessons teaching students how to recognize common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, how and where to seek help for themselves or others, and important coping strategies for building resilience and emotional well-being. Research shows such mental health literacy education significantly reduces stigma surrounding mental illness and gives youth the tools to understand and support themselves and their peers.
SB 24 ensures that districts can choose whether their schools have the capacity to implement new mental health curriculum — giving school districts more control over schools in their jurisdiction. Additionally, the bill provides parents with extra safeguards that include the ability to withdraw their student(s) from mental health education, review class content before mental health classes, and work with stakeholders to help guide the development of mental health guidelines.
#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
During the current legislative session and past sessions, through public testimony and conversations with legislators across party lines, young people have bravely shared their struggles and losses. They have spoken of friends lost to suicide, of silently suffering with untreated conditions, and of their desire to help end the shame and silence around mental illness. Students from rural villages and urban centers alike made the multi-hour trek to Juneau to ensure their voices were heard on this issue. After hearing directly from Alaska’s students, the need for SB24 to become law is vitally important and our obligation.
Alaska’s youth mental health crisis cannot wait. Each day without critical knowledge, more young lives are put at risk. Senate Bill 24 is a compassionate, commonsense solution supported by experts and, most importantly, the students themselves. In this time of need, the Alaska Legislature must act. For the tens of thousands of children depending on us, there cannot be delay — mental health education in our schools must become a priority. Our students deserve nothing less than the opportunity to understand themselves, support each other, and get help staying mentally well.
As the bill continues to move through the legislative process, we are hopeful that the Legislature will act quickly to ensure the passage of this much needed bill.
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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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