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James Donaldson on Mental Health – Understanding Mental Health – A Beginner’s Guide
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If you break a bone, you go to the doctor for a cast. If you have a headache, you take a pain reliever to help yourself feel better. If you have a cold, you nourish your body and rest until symptoms ease. Physical health issues can be obvious because their symptoms can be seen, but what happens when you don’t feel well because of issues you can’t see or detect as easily?
This is why learning to understand and pay close attention to your mental health is just as important as paying attention to your physical health. The human mind is a complex system, and just as you can feel physically unwell, you can also feel mentally unwell, too.
What causes mental health issues?
Mental health issues are often difficult to conceptualize and understand because they can be caused by multiple factors, such as…
Family history.
Some mental health issues and disorders can be inherited through family trees. For example, mental health issues such as schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder (to name just a few) have genetic components that contribute to their formations.
Past trauma or experiences.
People who experience trauma can develop mental health issues because of it. For example, traumatized people can develop issues with depression and anxiety after going through a particularly traumatic experience.
Brain chemistry.
If your brain chemistry is even slightly off, you may be predisposed to developing mental health issues. For example, if your brain doesn’t produce enough serotonin (a feel-good chemical), you may be more likely to develop problems with depression or anxiety.
Social factors.
People experiencing isolation or loneliness can develop serious issues with their mental health. Humans are social creatures, and social interactions provide a sense of safety, security, and companionship needed to feel stable.
Medical conditions.
Some medical conditions can cause mental health issues, even if the conditions are physical. Chronic illnesses, brain injuries, or hormonal imbalances (such as thyroid problems) can affect your mental health.
Substance abuse habits.
People who abuse drugs, alcohol, and other harmful substances can develop imbalances in the brain, which can lead to mental health issues.
How can someone determine if they have a mental health problem?
Because mental health problems aren’t always obvious, it can be difficult to determine if you are struggling with a specific mental health issue. If you are ever feeling “off” or unlike your usual self, or if your mindset, thinking patterns, or emotions are getting in the way of your normal everyday life, you may have an issue with your mental health that needs to be addressed.
If you are ever experiencing these symptoms, reach out to your doctor. Just like a physical health problem, it is crucial to have mental health problems diagnosed so you can follow along the best course of treatment in order to begin feeling better. A doctor will be able to determine your issues and point you toward the best options for relief, whether that involves counseling, therapy, medications, or combinations of different treatment options.
#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
Unfortunately, because mental health issues aren’t always as obvious as physical health issues, they tend to have a negative stigma attached to them. Sometimes, people will insist that a person with mental health challenges just needs to “think more positively” or “get over it” in order to feel better. These assertions are harmful and not actually useful when trying to work through mental health issues.
Remember that this stigma is based in negative perceptions of mental illness and untrue. Just like physical health, mental health is important and deserves care and treatment like any other health concern.
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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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