RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and it is an important reminder that help is always there, even as men still sometimes face the idea that getting help is a sign of weakness.
At the Raleigh-based HopeLine, trained counselors are ready to listen to anyone facing life’s challenges.
“We’re going to support them, help find solutions, remind them that they are loved and cared about,” said Director Keri Christensen.
They said call volume has been steady, a sign that mental health is being talked about more and that more people are seeking help.
While both genders are at equal rates, when it comes to suicide rates, men are still more likely to successfully take their own life.
“Women are actually three times more likely to attempt suicide than men, but men have a higher rate of death from suicide than women and their means tend to be more lethal,” Christensen said.
#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
The center is also still working past stigmas for men and the wrong idea that getting help can make you a burden or weak.
“I think as a society we recognize that we all see the men that we love can tend to be a little more closed off maybe, and so I think that the stigma around mental health is always talked about and fight against it because it doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you,” Christensen said.
If someone needs help, they’ll be there to listen.
If you’re in crisis, you can call the 988 hotline or locally you can reach the HelpLine at 919-231-4525.
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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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