BY CENTRAL OREGON DAILY NEWS SOURCES
On a cold Saturday morning folks gathered in Heritage Hall at First Presbyterian Church in Bend to mark a solemn day.
They’re part of a group that no one wants to be a member of, brought together by the loss of someone they know who died by #suicide.
“It’s a very difficult grief to get through,” said Leanna Leyes.
Leyes and the others were marking the International Survivors of #Suicide Loss Day.
“I lost my son in 2014 to #suicide, and I’ve done a lot of community events and teaching and that sort of thing. I want people to know that they’re not alone, that you can get through this,” said Leyes who was volunteering at the event.
The Central Oregon #SuicidePrevention Alliance along with Deschutes County Health Services sponsored the event, which included a screening of a documentary produced by the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention and discussion groups for those dealing with loss.
“It helps me to be able to help others. I found that the more that I connect with others, the better that I do,” said Leyes.
“It’s just it’s a very moving day, but it’s also a very healing day,” said Caroline Suiter who coordinates #suicideprevention programs with Deschutes County Public Health.
#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
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
In 1999 Congress designated the Saturday before Thanksgiving as a day for those affected by #suicide to gather together for healing and support, it’s sometime referred to as Survivor Day.
“It’s a journey. And it has its ups and downs. It can it can look different year to year. So kind of keeping in mind your own personal signs when you may need more supports and going to events like this or connecting with any of the resources we list off is always good, even if the loss was ten or twenty years ago,” said Suiter.
“Being able to connect with someone who’s actually been through it is so incredibly helpful,” added Leyes.
If you, or someone you know, is in crisis or struggling with thoughts of #suicide you can dial 988 to reach the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline. Help is also available by calling the Deschutes Country Crisis Line at 541–322-7500 Ext 9. Both are free and confidential.
You can also find more information on #suicideprevention and #mentalhealthresources here.
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
