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#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – How You Can Help Prevent #Suicide
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When someone you care about is struggling, it can be hard to know what to do. Here are 5 suggestions from a #mentalhealthexpert
If you thought a friend or loved one was considering #suicide, what would you do?
“We’re seeing an increase in #suicidalideation among #teens and young #adults since the #pandemic started that’s quite dramatic,” said Cambria Bruschke, who holds a master’s degree in social work and is Kaiser Permanente’s national project lead for #suicideprevention.
In a June 2020 survey of more than 5,000 #Americans, 11% said they had seriously considered #suicide in the past 30 days. For respondents 18 to 24 years old, the number was 25%.
The statistics are alarming, but Bruschke recommends specific actions you can take to help support the people you love.
Don’t be afraid to talk about #suicide directly
Whether you’re thinking about #suicide or are concerned about someone else, the most important thing is to talk about it. If someone confides in you, listen and encourage them to seek help.
“Some people worry that bringing up the topic of #suicide with someone they are concerned about may put the idea in their mind,” said Bruschke, “but we know from the research that this isn’t the case. We need to be able to ask people directly if they’re having thoughts of harming themselves.”
Don’t be afraid to be direct. If you’re concerned, you can ask, “Have you been thinking about #suicide?”
Check out Find Your Words for more suggestions about how to bring up the topic with friends and family members in a nonthreatening and nonjudgmental way.
Educate yourself
Take the time to learn about #suicide. Learn what to say and what to do if someone you know is struggling.
“One of my favorite campaigns is Take 5 to Save Lives,” said Bruschke. “It guides you through 5 simple things you can do to get involved and stay informed.”
Know the warning signs
Keep an eye out for any changes, especially in #behavior. Listen for expressions of worthlessness, sadness, #isolation, or anger. Watch for either acting out or withdrawal, especially in #teenagers.
Create safe places
If someone you know has considered a specific method for #self-harm, remove access to that method from the immediate environment. For instance, if someone has considered using a gun for #self-harm, removing all #firearms or safely locking them away can make all the difference in a crisis. Any step that puts a barrier between thoughts of #suicide and a potential means for acting on those thoughts creates the space for a different choice.
#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
If you or someone you know is having a #mentalhealthcrisis, including thoughts of #suicide, call or text the #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline at #988 or chat #988lifeline.org. You’ll be connected directly to a crisis-trained #counselor, and support is available 24/7. The lifeline can also be reached at its previous phone number: 1-800-273-8255.
If you or someone you know needs immediate emergency medical services for a #mentalhealthcrisis, including thoughts of #suicide, call #911 or go to the nearest #emergencyroom.
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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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