CHARLOTTE, N.C. — While most people are looking forward to the holidays, it can be a tough time for those living with #mentalillness.
- Fonda Bryant, a mental health advocate, is speaking to CMS students about recognizing and protecting themselves from mental health issues
- CMS leaders tell Bryant suicide attempts rise during holiday breaks or long weekends
- Anyone in need of help can call the #NationalSuicideHotline at 1-800-273-TALK
Fonda Bryant, a member of the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness, is speaking to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools students this week about how they can better protect their #mentalhealth. The primary focus of Bryant’s speaking tour is to help students learn the warning signs for #depression and warning signs of being suicidal.
She says leaders with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools tell her, “When students have a long weekend or get out for the holidays, the #suicide attempts rise.”
Bryant is also giving out #suicideprevention wristbands and encouraging students to speak with a trusted adult or parent if they’re feeling sad or hopeless.
“I think that the foundation of talking to your young people with #mentalhealth, is communication,” Bryant says. “And being open and willing and like I said, listen nonjudgementally to what they have to say. Because it could happen to any child.”
Bryant says she’s glad to see that there are more signs in parking decks and other #suicide-prone places that remind people to call the #NationalSuicideHotline (NSH) if they are feeling suicidal.
#JamesDonaldson 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
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the NSH at 1-800-273-TALK.
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
