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James Donaldson on Mental Health – We can all help prevent suicide
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James Donaldson on Mental Health – We can all help prevent suicide
DEAR EDITOR:
This month marks two years since our nation launched 988, the easy-to-remember, nationwide mental health crisis helpline. Since its launch, 988 has received more than 8 million calls from people in distress seeking support when they need it most. 988 is confidential, effective and available to everyone via phone, text or chat. America has a lifeline.
Spread the word that help is available. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration:
988 callers connect quickly with trained crisis counselors.
Crises are typically deescalated. Less than 2% of 988 calls require response from emergency services. Many callers report that their call prevented them from taking their life.
People feel better after calling. Numerous studies of 988 calls have shown that the majority of callers were significantly more likely to feel less depressed and more hopeful after speaking with a crisis counselor.
34% of 988 calls are about mental health concerns other than suicide.
#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
If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need by calling 988 or seeking help at a licensed behavioral health facility.
As a behavioral healthcare provider right here in Northeast Ohio, our team at Belmont Pines Hospital is dedicated to supporting individuals in a manner that promotes hope, resiliency, connectedness and recovery. We are proud to partner with the local 988 network and are a resource for individuals needing help.
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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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