Authorities thrust into the spotlight in a crisis must not only try to quell hysteria and correct wrong information but also deliver crucial calls to action.
“Because of the ways we process information while under #stress, when communicating with someone facing a crisis or disaster, messages should be simple, credible, and consistent,” according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.
There is a need to discourage people from resorting to instinctive self-preservation behavior that disregards the greater public.
#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
Hoarding toilet paper is one example.
Rather than making people feel good, like when #PresidentTrump promised the #COVID-19 crisis wouldn’t be bad and would end soon, authorities should try to empower people to be part of the solution. Stay home. Wash your hands.
The fact is, people living in a time of crisis hear messages differently because they may be struggling with information overload, juggling layers of facts and directives or trying to interpret confusing guidance.
Here are a few suggestions for how to sort through what the professionals are telling you and find the most solid information:
BE WILLING to let go of current and traditional beliefs and be prepared to act against those beliefs. For example, authorities might ask people to evacuate during calm weather because a hurricane is coming. Likewise, our workplaces have always seemed safe but now we’re being told to stay home.
In the case of the #COVID-19 virus, scientists tell us you can have the #virus and not show symptoms, leading some people who should self-isolate, such as Sen. Rand Paul, to remain out in public — he attended meetings and worked out in the congressional gym while awaiting test results for the virus (he tested positive).
Similarly, guard against accepting a message from a source that might not have necessary expertise to accurately guide you, like a neighbor or a talkshow host.
Instead, turn to knowledgeable sources. UCHealth, for example, has been posting advisories on the #virus in mid-January. Keep up with these advisories at uchealth.org/today/covid19-coronavirus-recent-updates.
BE CAREFUL not to cling to the first message you hear from a person in authority. Trump, for example, downplayed the #virus for weeks. It’s human nature to resist a change in your daily habits, but be flexible and accept new information from those who base their information on scientific evidence.
BE SKEPTICAL of unfounded rumors that float about during any crisis, which can undermine the community’s group effort to work together.
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
[email protected]
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 [email protected] 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
