But there are ways to cope and help yourself if these thoughts and emotions loom. We spoke to experts to get their insights on the best steps to take.
#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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Helplines are the most readily available resource for those in crisis mode, explains Dr. Ashley Smith, licensed #psychologist and co-founder of Peak Mind: The Center for Psychological Strength.
“Call or text #988 to talk to someone,” she states. “This is the #SuicideandCrisisLifeline, and someone is there 24/7 to help you. You can also call #911 or go to your nearest #emergencyroom if you feel unable to keep yourself safe.”
#Hopelessness and despair are often overwhelming emotions and can make getting through the following days or weeks feel impossible.
To make life more manageable, “take things one step at a time, even in five-minute blocks,” recommends Dr. Michael Groat, Chief Clinical Officer at Silver Hill Hospital.
“When distressed, we can sometimes feel overwhelmed and that we need to immediately solve everything difficult,” he adds. “Be patient with yourself.”
“Humans are social creatures,” states Dr. Laura Erickson-Schroth, M.A., Psychiatrist and Chief Medical Officer at The Jed Foundation. “Everyone is different, but reasons to live typically involve connection with others or a sense of purpose.”
Creating connections or purpose might involve volunteering at a local animal shelter, for instance, or learning a new skill in a group setting.
According to 2018 researchTrusted Source, volunteering to help others reduces #depression. It can also improve physical health, life satisfaction, and social well-being.
“Research on #suicide shows that, for most people, having a reason to live is powerful enough to keep them alive,” she notes.
While your mind might tell you nothing will ever improve, understand this isn’t the case.
“Our thinking can get twisted and become really negative, especially when we feel depressed, hopeless, or overwhelmed,” shares Smith. “Your mind might say, ‘There’s no other option except #suicide. It will never get better. Others would be better off without me.’”
But she continues, try to recognize your thoughts for what they are: just thoughts.
“Recognize that these feelings of #hopelessness can cause ‘tunnel vision’ and distort your emotions (which, in turn, can affect your actions),” agrees Dr. Taft Parsons III, Chief Psychiatric Officer at CVS Health.
“Reminding yourself that this pain can and will pass eventually is the first step to coping with #suicidalthoughts,” he adds.
If things seem hopeless, chances are you’ll find it tricky to recognize the good things in life — but they are there.
“Write a list of reasons to live,” says Smith. “Try to come up with as many as possible. Even the smallest reasons count!”
Groat suggests to “think about those you love, including pets. It’s important to remember that these people will miss you.”
Consider keeping a daily gratitude journal, as this can be a great way to consistently remind yourself of life’s positives.
When creating a list, it’s OK if you only start with a short list. But as you continue to incorporate this practice into your daily routine you may notice that your list will grow.
It might sound clichéd, but exercise really can help.
“Studies show that physical activity improves mood,” asserts Erickson-Schroth. “You won’t want to do it in the moment, but when you’re done, there’s a good chance you’ll feel a little better.”
Not into running? No problem: all movement counts. Consider engaging in exercises you enjoy which may include:
yoga
a dance workout
running
tai chi
lifting weights
Planning ahead can also incentivize you. “It can be hard to make yourself exercise when you’re already feeling down, so sign up in advance for a class or make a standing date for a walk with a friend every week,” she recommends.
#Depression is the condition most often linked to #hopelessness and #suicideideation. In reality, these thoughts occur across a much broader range of concerns.
“#Psychoticdisorders, such as #schizophrenia, have the highest rates of death by #suicide,” shares Erickson-Schroth.
“There are other conditions where people experience #suicidalthoughts often, even if they do not lead to as many deaths by #suicide,” she adds. “Those with complex #posttraumaticstressdisorder and #borderlinepersonalitydisorder have high rates of #suicidalthoughts.”
But those without diagnosed #mentalhealthdisorders can also feel like the best option is to give up on life.
“Many who are suicidal despair of belonging, [and] this can lead to painful feelings of #isolation and disconnection,” states Groat. “Accompanied by intense #self-hatred, #anxiety, or overwhelming distress, it is hard for individuals to imagine a time when things will ever be any better.”
Furthermore, Parson explains, environmental factors — such as prolonged #stress, life-altering events, or exposure to another person’s #suicide — can also increase an individual’s risk of developing feelings of #hopelessness.
For those feeling despair or #hopelessness, it’s essential not to sit in silence.
“Recognize that you shouldn’t — and don’t have to — manage #suicidalthoughts or #behavior on your own,” asserts Parsons.
“Bottling up your emotions can make things worse,” he noted. “As hard as it may be to open up, knowing someone is on your side can help you tackle them.”
If you think about not carrying on with life but don’t have active thoughts about #self-harming, “seek connection with a #mentalhealthprofessional who can provide support and guidance,” says Erickson-Schroth.
Search for a #therapist on The National Register of Health Service #Psychologists, while this guide on JED’s website provides tips on finding a culturally competent #therapist.
#TheTrevorProject has crisis #counselors available via call, text, or web chat
Contact a #counselor via the #Crisistextline (message ‘Talk’ to 741741)
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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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