I think a lot of you have heard by now, http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle that I’ve been speaking out publicly as a voice and an advocate for mental health. Having gone through some serious mental challenges myself over the last several months, which included, depression, anxiety, stress and suicidal thoughts, now that I have “been there and done that” I have a greater sense of understanding and empathy than ever before.
Mental health difficulties affect about 1 in 10 children and young people, ranging from fears, phobias and panic attacks to obsessions, compulsions and even psychosis.
My focus leading into the “next chapter” of my life, is to continue being a voice and advocate for mental health. Especially at amongst our young people, young student-athletes and former collegiate and professional athletes. Being a former NBA player myself, I’ve worked closely with a lot of the former NBA players as they transition into “real and everyday life” along with all the challenges associated with that.
This book deals in particular with “Mental Health in Children and Young People”, and how early intervention is the key, and seeking professional help sooner rather than later is vitally important. I’ve been coming across quite a few resources pertaining to mental health recently, and this is one of the best ones I’ve seen so far.
This book will be an invaluable resource for parents, extended family, teachers, social workers and anyone concerned about a young person’s emotional well-being.
Topics include:
- When to worry
- Communicating with your child
- Practical techniques
- Bipolar disorder
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
- Trauma and grief
- Bullying and abuse
- Sleep and well-being
- Help from your doctor
- Red flags
- Managing emergencies
I would say it’s almost, “must” reading for every parent, extended family and anyone concerned about a young person’s emotional well-being.
What saved me, is that I was able to be “self-aware” and realize that something wasn’t quite right, then I checked with my family physician and follow the protocol set out for me. Which included behavioral health counseling, and prescription medication.
Also, my ability to reach out to a close circle of intimate friends, who knew me very well over the last 20 or 30 years, and I was able to speak honestly and transparently with them to let them know that I was going through some very difficult times. Those times when I needed to reach out to someone at 2 AM in the morning, they all agreed to be there for me, and I also asked them to check in on me two or three times a week, if nothing else, just to see how I’m doing and how my day is going.
I realize young people don’t have that type of “self-awareness”, and many times are scared, and feeling that “something is wrong” and that they can’t share this “secret” with anyone. So we as “grown-ups” have to be more perceptive than ever and look for behavioral changes, physical changes, mood swings etc., that seem to be out of the norm for the young people that we care about.
It’s time that this sensitive topic finally “comes out of the closet” and gets destigmatized, to the point where people feel much more comfortable talking about it. I for one will be a loud and vocal voice and very visible advocate for this subject matter that now is so “near and dear” to me because of my personal experiences.
Enjoy this fantastic book!
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:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
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
