Accessing the support you need at a time like this is more important than ever. A recent study conducted by the University of Glasgow has found that #COVID-19 has had a “major impact” on #mentalhealth, with increased numbers of people experiencing suicidal thoughts. This was even more common among #young people. Here are nine UK organizations offering support for people having suicidal thoughts, including helplines and messaging services for immediate support and resources and information about #mentalhealth more widely.
#MentalHealth month has felt particularly pertinent this year. Organizations have highlighted that throughout the #pandemic more people have been experiencing difficulties with their #mentalhealth. The research conducted by the University of Glasgow found that there had been a general rise in suicidal thoughts, from 8% to 10%. This was higher in people aged 18 to 29. They found that suicidal thoughts had risen from 12.5% to 14%.
#JamesDonaldson 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
Although this only seems like a slight rise, chair in health psychology at the University of Glasgow’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Prof. Rory O’Connor told the BBC, “the majority of people did not report any suicidal thoughts, but this creeping rise over a very short period of time is a concern.” As the study looked at how 3,000 adults felt in three blocks of time between March 31 and May 11 Prof. O’Connor said, “levels of #anxiety decreased during the same period of time, but that relates to the past. Suicidal thoughts are about looking to the future.”
If you’re struggling with through lockdown, here are some UK-based organizations that can offer a listening ear and useful resources.
Papyrus is a specialist charity working with young people who are having suicidal thoughts. They have a helpline and email you can contact them on. Instead of staying silent, Papyrus want to bust the #stigma that surrounds #suicide and make sure information and help is accessible as it can be.
National #Suicide Prevention Alliance was set up in 2013 and is run by community organizations to support those having suicidal thoughts and people affected by #suicide. They have a map tool on their website which can point you in the direction of the closest local service which can help you.
Campaign Against Living Miserably is a leading charity raising awareness and providing support for people who are struggling with their #mentalhealth. They have a helpline and webchat which is manned seven hours a day, seven days a week and also run support groups.
Mind Out is a #mentalhealth organization run by and for #LGBTQ+ people. They offer understanding, non judgemental advice as well as peer support and mentoring. Similarly, they run advice sessions through their website and have an entire section dedicated to #suicideprevention.
The Mix is a #mentalhealth charity set up to support people under the age of 25. They can put you in contact with experts or peers to help you work through your feelings. They have group chats and discussion boards to help you build community as well as the option to speak to one of their experts.
Sane is an organization that raises awareness and combats the #stigma attached to #mentalillness and provides practical and emotional care for those struggling. Their website has a wealth of resources on different #mentalhealthconditions and a walk through on #suicide for people having suicidal thoughts or their loved ones.
Give Us A Shout is a text line that was opened in 2019 to help people feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or suicidal. You can contact them and they’ll put you in touch with trained volunteers to talk things over with. Texts are also monitored by clinical supervisors who can offer next step support and practical help.
Samaritans run a helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can also get in touch with them by sending an email or through their app. Their website says that they’re not only there for a moment of crisis, but also to prevent it. If you’re feeling low, isolated, anxious, depressed, or suicidal they can be a listening ear and also offer you practical advice to take the next step.
Mind is a leading #mentalhealth charity in the UK. Their website includes information on #mentalhealth and available support. Side by Side is the section of their website that offers community and resources for people struggling with their #mentalhealth. You can create an account and message other users, comment on posts, or post yourself.
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
