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#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – How To Ask the Question: Are You Thinking About #Suicide?
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When someone shows warning signs of #suicide, those around them are often at a loss: What should I do? What should I say? A critically important starting point is to simply ask the question: “Are you thinking about #suicide?”
It’s a myth that asking this question will somehow plant a seed in someone’s mind. In fact, it shows that someone saw and someone cares.
“People may already have had the thought and you asking the question, research tells us, often provides relief,” said Amber Reints, PMHNP, #psychiatric #mentalhealth #nurse practitioner of Avera #BehavioralHealth. “Asking the question gives the person an open door to respond honestly.”
The risk of #suicide is too serious to ignore. Consider these statistics:
#Suicide is a leading cause of death in the #UnitedStates. In 2020, 1.2 million attempted #suicide and nearly 46,000 died by #suicide, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.
In 2021, South Dakota Department of Health reported 198 #suicide deaths — the highest number since tracking began.
The devastation left in the wake of #suicide leaves no question that prevention is critical.
Warning Signs of #Suicide
It’s important that we all are informed about the warning signs of #suicide. Knowledge allows us to recognize when someone is at risk and then support them in getting help.
Warning signs of #suicide include, but aren’t limited to:
Expressions of #hopelessness or feeling trapped
Talks about feeling empty or having no reason to live
Increase in #drug and #alcohol use
Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
Going through a current crisis or significant life change, such as #divorce, job loss, legal issues or #financial problems
“It’s better to ask, than to have wished you would’ve asked,” said Reints.
How to Ask If Someone Is Considering #Suicide
Approaching a person you’re concerned about can be difficult and should be handled sensitively. Allow these tips to guide you through the process:
Be compassionate.
Allow the individual to express themselves in full.
Actively listen.
Reaffirm that their concerns and pain are valid — and they are worthy of help and recovery.
Be courageous and ask the question: “Are you thinking about #suicide?”
If the person answers “yes,” be sure to help them take the following steps:
Remove means of #self-harm. “#Suicidalthoughts are fluid,” said Reints. “Even a person who received help and denied having thoughts of #suicide could begin to have #suicidalthoughts at a later time. They can remain at risk of an impulsive attempt.”
Because of the high impulsivity of #suicide, it’s important to modify our environment to increase safety. It’s recommended to immediately remove firearms, medication and other means of #self-harm from the living space of someone struggling with their #mentalhealth.
Create a plan for help — together. The individual should get help as soon as possible. Remain with the person until they can be evaluated.
Praise the person for their courage. “It’s courageous to admit you’re struggling with #suicidalthoughts,” said Reints. Praise the individual for the courageous choice they made to be honest with their thoughts.
#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
Don’t minimize their pain or lecture them about things they should be grateful for. This can be very invalidating and lead to #isolation as it may reinforce the distorted belief that “no one understands.”
Don’t try to fix them. “You wouldn’t fix someone having severe chest pain all by yourself,” said Reints. “Leave the evaluation and treatment to the professionals. It’s your role to connect the individual to an expert.”
Don’t NOT follow up. A person who’s receiving help will appreciate your support. Along the journey, continue to check in and share your support.
“Every life is valuable and everyone can make a difference,” said Reints. “You can make a difference.”
Thoughts of #Suicide? Get Help Now
These resources are open 24/7 for immediate access:
#988 – Call or text the #Suicide&CrisisLifeline for immediate help for you or someone you love.
800-691-4336 – Call this Avera #BehavioralHealth Urgent Care number to find #behavioralhealth services to fit your needs, whether that’s outpatient or inpatient care.
#BehavioralHealth Urgent Care – If you live in Sioux Falls, go to the #Behavioral Health Urgent Care during a #mentalhealthcrisis.
Emergency Department – If you don’t have a specialized urgent care, go to your local emergency department for immediate help.
#BehavioralHealth Navigation – If not in crisis but seeking information on #behavioralhealthservices, reach out to Avera #Behavioral Health Navigation at 605-322-5142.
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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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