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James Donaldson on Mental Health – You can help overcome stigma and prevent suicide deaths
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James Donaldson on Mental Health – You can help overcome stigma and prevent suicide deaths
Elizabeth Allen
One person dies from suicide about every 11 minutes in the United States.
The numbers are striking, especially in teens and young adults.
Fifty percent of mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% starts by age 24. In Pierce County, the 2023 Healthy Youth Survey showed:
17% of 8th graders considered suicide in the past year.
18% of 12th graders had considered suicide in the past year.
On average, youth feel sad and hopeless at a higher rate than the state average.
Suicide is difficult to talk about. But it’s an important subject. Talking about suicide—both with teens and adults—can help save lives.
Suicide is preventable. Mental health illness is treatable. It takes time and resources to understand the signs and symptoms.
Who is at risk for suicide?
September is Suicide Awareness Month. Some risk factors for suicides include:
A history of suicide attempts.
Depression, other mental disorders, or substance use disorder.
Chronic pain.
Family history of a mental disorder or substance use.
Family history of suicide.
Exposure to family violence, including physical or sexual abuse.
Having recently been released from prison or jail.
Suicide is preventable, and mental illness is treatable.
People of all genders, ages, and ethnicities can be at risk for suicide. You might want to seek help, or encourage others to seek help, when you notice:
Changes in sleeping patterns.
Constant worrying.
Irrational fears.
Negative thoughts.
Inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity.
#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
Family and friends are often the first to recognize the warning signs of suicide, and they can take the first step toward helping a loved one find mental health treatment.
If you notice warning signs of suicide–especially a change in behavior or new, concerning behavior–get help as soon as possible. Stigma can often stop people from asking for services or support. You can encourage people to:
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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