A View From Above on Things That Make The World Go 'Round
#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – Don’t Allow #Veterans To Struggle In Silence. Help With #Addiction, #MentalHealth
Posted on by
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
Veronica Raussin
Special to the Daily News
This Memorial Day, millions of #Americans will honor the memory of the #men and women who died while in U.S. military service. It commemorates all those individuals who sacrificed their lives.
Outside of this day, we must never lose sight of the millions of servicemen and #women who made it home to their families but are fighting a new battle. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health estimates that more than 3.9 million veterans have a substance use disorder or #mentalillness.
Moreover, substance use disorders significantly increase suicidality among veterans ages 18 and older. #Suicidalthoughts and #behaviors occur frequently among veterans ages 19 to 49.
In Massachusetts, there are more than 300,000 veterans, over half of them over age 65. There are many reasons why veterans struggle with addiction and mental health issues.
“There is a correlation between veterans and #substanceusedisorders, #homelessness, and #suicide. Yet, this is preventable with early intervention and treatment,” said Michael Leach, of Addicted.org.
Many veterans struggle to adjust to civilian life, face #financial hardships and have difficulty finding employment or accessing benefits. Mental and emotional health concerns can lead to significant problems, such as unwanted thoughts or feelings.
Untreated #trauma is common among veterans, which can lead to substance use as a means of coping. Veterans also face barriers when accessing help, such as cost and insurance gaps. Communities experience inadequate funding and limited access in rural locations. #Stigma regarding addiction and #mentalillness is also problematic.
#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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
Fortunately, there are options to consider. Outside of the VA-Facility locator through the U.S. Department of #VeteransAffairs, other resources include:
#Military and veterans services are offered through city websites and the state website Mass.gov;
SAMHSA provides a treatment facility locator where veterans can find services specific to their needs;
Helpful hotlines include the #VeteranCrisisLine, 1-800-273-8255, and the Lifeline for Vets, 1-888-777-4443.
When covering costs, families may consider combining VA benefits with other forms of insurance, such as private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare to reduce costs.
Families play a significant role in supporting veterans. Speak to them often, openly and honestly about their #substanceuse. Express concern, but do not pass judgment. Help them find treatment. Be patient and show compassion for what they’re going through. Remember, addiction and #mentalhealthissues are treatable.
Drug and alcohol treatment centers often offer specialized treatment programs for veterans and treat co-occurring disorders. Treatment centers have become increasingly better equipped to help #veterans.
It takes families and communities coming together to help our #veteran population. Too many #men and #women who served this country are struggling in silence.
While on this #MemorialDay, we honor those who lost their lives, we must also continue to fight for those who are alive with us today.
Veronica Raussin is a community outreach coordinator at Addicted.org, the website associated with Drug Rehab Services. She is passionate about spreading awareness of the risks and dangers of #alcohol and #drug use.
Please follow and like us:
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
Related
READ LATER - DOWNLOAD THIS POST AS PDF >> CLICK HERE <<
