By Laura Harris •
#DallasCowboys quarterback #DakPrescott opened up and shared details about his personal struggle with #mentalhealth during a luncheon in Dallas Tuesday.
Prescott, who was the keynote speaker in a conversation with NBC 5’s Laura Harris at Metrocare Services’ Meal for the Minds luncheon, shared personal stories and insight into his struggles with #mentalhealth, what #mentalhealth has meant in his family and what he is doing right now to keep #mentalhealth top of mind for people in all walks of life.
“It sounds cliché, but really, I try to always find strength in adversity,” Prescott said to a room of about 300 people Tuesday in the event’s first return to in-person events since the #pandemic started. “It was just so important for me to be here today just to share with you all. Dealing with my own battles, short-term battles with #depression and #anxiety. Then, losing my brother [Jace] to #suicide. Today would have been my brother’s 34th birthday.”
Prescott said that he has been working through his Faith, Fight, Finish Foundation to release the #stigma that comes with #mentalhealth and rather shine a light on where help is available. He is currently working to make that help even more accessible through a new legislative push.
“Time is sensitive. When people need help with their #mentalhealth they need it now. We’re doing everything that we can. I know that the Faith, Fight, Finish Foundation has partnered with others and pushing toward legislation with the #AmericanFoundationofSuicidePrevention to create a three-digit helpline, like 911, but this would be 988. On the other side of the phone would be trained professionals to help you or if you know someone who needs help,” Prescott said.
He said that it is his hope that people see his vulnerability when it comes to #mentalhealth and understand that a little empathy for others and what they may be going through can go a long way.
“Me being vulnerable and being genuine and being transparent is great for my platform. As much as I get to talk about it, it is like a therapy session for me too. Just to be able to do that and feel good, and feel good and whole and know who I am, is amazing. I want to inspire and share and maybe even save someone’s life. I am forever blessed to be able to do other things at once,” Prescott said.
#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,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Prescott’s candid conversation was at the forefront as Metrocare celebrates 55 years on the front lines of working to bring quality, accessible #mentalhealth and developmental disability services to #adults and #children in Dallas County.
According to Dr. John Burruss, CEO of Metrocare Services, it’s about getting the word out early and often. Especially when it comes to #communitiesofcolor.
“Dak is really important to this mission because we are seeing a startling rise in #suicide in #Black #men and #Black #boys,” said Burruss. “I’m talking about 12, 15 and 17-years-old, and that has risen more than any other group in the last 10 years. So, getting the story out there from a face that is not always telling that story. Having somebody who can make that powerful statement is important,” Burruss said.
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
