Photo by Fritz Busch 2B Continued founder Tammy Diehn of Arlington describes the journey to #mentalwellness at a Farm City Hub Club Farm Show seminar at the New Ulm Civic Center on Friday.
NEW ULM — A Minnesota State University Mankato #Student Health Services family #nurse practitioner who lost her sister to #suicide, who was a #mentalhealth #nurse, talked about the journey to #mental wellness at the Farm City Hub Club Farm Show Friday.
Lester Prairie native Tammy Diehn of rural Arlington founded the non-profit organization 2B CONTINUED in memory of Shelly “Teuby” Teubert, who was also a hospice and homecare #nurse.
“After my sister’s death, I was determined to gain a better understanding of #mentalhealth and raise awareness for #suicideprevention,” said Diehn. “I shared my story and connected with others touched by #suicide loss. The connections have been therapeutic for my personal #grief recovery.”
Diehn said people have told her others have benefited from her efforts.
“I believe it’s important to talk about #mentalhealth,” she added. “Anyone can play a role in #suicideprevention. Together, we can make a difference.”
Diehn said the organization she founded in 2019, 2B CONTINUED, offers #school programs being taught to #seniorhighschool #students a number of area #schools including Sleepy Eye and Sibley East High #Schools. Other #schools are on a waiting list.
Programs are designed for #parents, #teachers and #students.
The organization’s mission is to increase awareness of #suicideprevention, #mentalhealth and wellness through advocacy, education and outreach. A #suicide loss bereavement support group meets from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month in Hutchinson.
Diehn’s #mentalhealth action plan includes QPR (question, persuade and refer) #suicideprevention training.
“QPR saves lives,” Diehn said. “Hope prevents #suicide. In the #UnitedStates, a #suicide happens every 11 minutes. #Suicide is very complex. #Mentalhealth barriers include difficulty in asking for help. Sobriety is important.”
Diehn said #suicide can be seen as a solution to a perceived, unsolvable problem. People with untreated #depression are at higher risk.
She said asking a person if they are unhappy or thinking of #suicide can prevent it.
“Be persestant. Even ask a stranger, to save a life. Show concern,” Diehn said. “Listen to people’s problems. Don’t judge. Offer hope. Refer people to someone who can help. We have mobile crisis teams. Make arrangements to get help, give referral information.”
#Suicide warning signs include #suicide threats, previous attempts, #alcohol or #drugabuse, sudden #behavior changes, prolonged #depression, buying a gun or stockpiling pills.
#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
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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