Torsha Hudson, who lost a close friend to #suicide, said the death of DJ tWitch is heartbreaking
Author: Rebecca Butcher
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In light of the death of the longtime DJ for “The #EllenDeGeneresShow”, #StephenBoss, #mentalhealth in the #Blackcommunity is in the spotlight.
One #woman who works in the medical field is sharing battling through the aftereffects of #suicide loss.
“We got into an argument one day,” shared Torsha Hudson. “I thought it was just a regular argument. But he went outside in the parking lot, got the #gun out of the glove box and shot himself.”
It was a horrifying moment for Hudson when her ex-boyfriend took his own life who she knew from age 12.
“He’s still missed,” she said. “I still deal with that at times and I’m an advocate now for the aftermath of #suicide.”
She says the death of DJ tWitch, who reportedly took his own life, is heartbreaking.
“Sometimes there are no signs and that’s the toughest part,” said therapist Dr. Justin Dodson. “Research tells us people giving away prized possessions, or making comments like ‘I’d be better off not being here, you all would be better off without me.’ Those are recognizable signs and then you have subtle things like people questioning their belongingness in the world.”
#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
Dodson has worked in #mentalhealth for 12 years and specializes in #Black #male #mentalhealth.
“Masculinity in the #Blackcommunity doesn’t always mean violence, being tough and paying the bills,” said Dr. Dodson. “It also can mean being vulnerable and saying I don’t feel so well today and I feel like I’m a burden on everybody around me allow people rallying around you and to care for you.”
He explained a loss of employment or a history of #mentalillness can be contributing factors to death by #suicide.
Hudson is a registered #nurse who has helped support #kids who attempted #suicide.
“Understanding #mentalhealth really helped me,” she said. “You’ll think about what if I could have done this what if I could have done that? That will go on and on and on. But understand that person was struggling with #mentalhealth which is bigger than you.”
What helps her daily is #self-care.
“I journal a lot I pray a lot, I meditate. I watch what I put into my ears,” she said. “I watch what I put into my ears because that plays out in your psyche.”
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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