In Tennessee #suicide continues to be a leading cause of death.
In 2017, the most recent reporting year, 1,163 #suicides were recorded, according to the state’s Department of #MentalHealth. Of this total 75 youths between the ages of 10 and 19 took their own lives by self inflicting acts.
The threat of #suicide is just as prevalent here as it is in any of the state’s other 94 counties.
The World Health Organization estimates that approximately 1 million people die each year from #suicide.
#Suicide represents a final act for someone who is severely depressed and finds their place in life to be so desperate that they consider they are in a box-like prison where there is no escape from the despair they are suffering.
#Mentalhealthprofessionals explain that, while it may be difficult for many to understand, a suicidal person is in so much pain that he or she can see no other option.
Victims of #suicide are desperate to escape the suffering that has become unbearable. Their feelings of hopelessness and isolation lead them to believe that there is no other way of finding relief except by taking their own life.
Even though most want the pain they are suffering to stop, professional counselors say they are still conflicted about committing #suicide. They want a way out other than death, but can’t seem to find it.
In order to help prevent #suicides #mentalhealth organizations encourage individuals to be aware of signs or signals that someone might be considering taking their own life and to get help for them immediately.
Foremost warning signs include someone talking about killing or harming oneself; talking or writing about death; and seeking out materials, weapons or drugs that could be used in an attempted #suicide.
These warning signs can be even more dangerous if a person has a mood disorder such as #depression or bipolar disorder, suffers from alcohol dependence, has previously attempted #suicide, or has a family history of #suicide.
A more subtle but equally dangerous warning sign of #suicide is hopelessness. Studies have found that hopelessness is a strong predictor of #suicide. People who feel hopeless may talk about “unbearable” feelings, predict a bleak future, and state that they have nothing for which to look forward.
#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
Other warning signs that point to possibly a consideration of #suicide include dramatic mood swings or sudden personality changes, such as switching from outgoing to withdrawn or well-behaved to rebellious. A suicidal person may also lose interest in day-to-day activities, neglect his or her appearance, withdraw from friends and family, and show big changes in eating or sleeping habits.
Volunteer Behavioral Health, a nonprofit providing #mentalhealthservices in 31 Tennessee counties including here in through Hiwasssee Mental Health, has professional counselors on staff and available to provide assistance to those who may be contemplating harming themselves or for others including family members, friends, teachers, workplace associates, and clergy, who may recognize or believe someone they know is in danger of falling victim to #suicide.
• A 24 hour, 7-day a week Crisis Call Line is available toll free for assistance. The number to call is 800-704-2651.
• Volunteer Behavioral Health urges if someone detects some of the warning signs cited or suspects someone is considering a suicidal act to seek help immediately.
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
