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James Donaldson on Mental Health – World Mental Health Day is October 10
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James Donaldson on Mental Health – World Mental Health Day is October 10
UConn Health’s Psychiatry experts share step-by-step advice for finding balance in your life to help sustain you and improve your mental health including for work
Did you know that 1 in 5 of us in the U.S. currently struggle with a mental health condition, ranging from anxiety to depression, with 1 in 20 actually experiencing serious mental illness, such as severe depression, psychosis, or bipolar disorder?
“If you are struggling with a mental health condition that is impacting your thinking, feeling, behavior or mood, whether at work or at home, we want to make sure that you know that you are not alone,” says Dr. David Steffens, chair of Psychiatry at UConn Health. “We also want to remind everyone that we have effective, personalized treatments, including both therapy and medication management options, available to help care for you and make you feel better so you can live a fuller, happier life.”
This October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, with this year’s focus on the importance of mental health in the workplace where you spend a big part of your day and life.
For example, UConn Health is home to nearly 5,000 employees many of whom are health care providers. We have a growing Department of Psychiatry led by Steffens, with inpatient and multiple outpatient services, including the Mood and Anxiety Clinic, directed by Dr. Neha Jain.
“Rates of anxiety and depression have been increasing in Connecticut and beyond since the pandemic. While this is a place providing health care to patients from across the state, our academic medicine workforce at UConn Health needs nurturing as well. Health care providers have to take care of themselves so that they can successfully take care of others,” says Jain. “The Mood and Anxiety Clinic provides 30 percent of our services to our own employees and family members. There should be no stigma attached to getting the mental health services you need.”
Jain also says that we all have a responsibility to make our work meaningful.
“Think about how much time you spend at work. Your work life needs to be meaningful and bring you joy. If work is constantly stressful, no amount of outside coping skills with help you solve the problem,” she says.
#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 you are struggling or overwhelmed at your workplace, and you think it is impacting your mental health, Jain recommends as a first step that you stop to acknowledge there is an actual issue, remind yourself that you are human, and that your feelings are valid.
As a second step, ask for support, including from peers, and seek mental health services.
Also, find what gives you a greater sense of purpose both at work and outside of work and build upon that. Support your peers if you are able to do that.
Jain also reminds us, “Our work should bring us a sense of accomplishment. We should be able to enjoy our life outside of work. It’s good to be able to find time for yourself, doing whatever helps nourish you, whether it’s a daily nature walk or reading a book on the couch.”
She says, “It’s not always about doing more, but finding balance in your life to help sustain you and to improve your mental health.”
Given how common mental health struggles are in the U.S., Jain has a number one goal.
“Let’s talk about mental health,” she says. “We need to raise awareness of mental health’s importance in our country and our workplaces. We need to normalize talking about mental health and destigmatize seeking care services. Mental illness is a disease just like any other disease and can be managed and treated.”
Jain really enjoys her work as an associate professor of Psychiatry and medical director of the Mood and Anxiety Clinic at UConn Health.
“I love my work. At the end of the day, I go back home knowing I helped someone. Now, I want to help further increase access to mental health care for our communities, including our own UConn Health community.”
If you are ever struggling with severe depression or suicidal thoughts, UConn Health and its psychiatry experts urge you to alert your psychiatric provider immediately. If you do not have a provider, get help by calling: 9-1-1, 2-1-1, or the national Suicide & Crisis Hotline 988, or please visit your nearest Emergency Department where health care providers are always standing by to help you stay safe.
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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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