#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
“I think as #adults, we need to do a better job of supporting #LGBTQ+ #youth,” said Jessica Holzbauer, a #therapist at Huntsman #MentalHealthInstitute.
“If individuals are called by their preferred pronouns, we see a 65% decrease in #suicideattempts,” she said.
Jay Evans is a #transgender #teen. He said without that recognition of his pronouns, he feels lost.
“I feel like there’s no hope,” Evans said. “I feel like I’m just going to be this person that I’m not for the rest of my life, and I’m never going to be seen as who I am.”
According to that same #CDC study, in 2021 more than 1 in 10 #LGBQ+ #students did not go to #school because of safety concerns; nearly 1 in 4 experienced #sexualviolence and nearly 1 in 4 were #bullied at #school.
Evans said he too has been #bullied at #school.
“People just don’t understand it, so they #bully you for it,” Evans said.
Evans said he was able to find a safe space at his #highschool, on his color guard and band team.
“Regardless of who you are, you are welcome in that family,” he said.
He said he also finds safety in the #youth space at the Utah Pride Center, which offers resources like a queer closet, where you can dress in whatever clothes you feel most comfortable in.
“Seeing yourself as you in clothing that fits you … it’s the little bit of hope that everyone needs,” Evans said.
The center also offers activities for #youth each day, peer to peer support groups, and support groups for #youth and their #parents.
“It makes me feel like I’m not alone and I have other people I can reach out to and have people like me I can hang out with,” Evans said.
For more information on the Utah Pride Center and its resources, visit its website.
#Suicideprevention resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of #suicide, call #988 to connect with the #988SuicideandCrisisLifeline.
Crisis Hotlines
Huntsman #MentalHealth Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
#988SuicideandCrisisLifeLine at #988
#TrevorProject Hotline for #LGBTQ #teens: 1-866-488-7386
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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