By: Isabella Bright
MAGIC VALLEY, Idaho — While the #holidays can bring cheer, they can also take a toll on #mentalhealth. This season, taking care of your well-being should be a top priority.
A study from the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (#NAMI) showed that 64% of people with #mentalillness report that holidays make their conditions worse.
#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
The holidays can be a complicated time for many, according to Dr. Paula Griffith, a #Child and #Adolescent #Psychiatrist at St. Lukes.
“Whether it contains anniversaries of difficulties in years past or honoring loved ones who may be are no longer with us it’s OK to have complicated feelings about the holidays but it’s important to reach out so that you don’t have to be alone in dealing with those,” said Griffith.
For many Idahoans, getting help can be difficult.
A study by #NAMI showed that in February of 2021, 40% of #adults in Idaho reported symptoms of #anxiety or #depression, and 24.7% were unable to get the counseling or therapy they needed.
For individuals needing someone to talk to, the Idaho #SuicidePreventionHotline is a resource for those needing someone to talk to, even if they aren’t having suicidal thoughts.
“If you feel like you’re in crisis yes you can use [Idaho #SuicidePreventionHotline], or you can go to one of the various 24 hour crisis centers we have around the state. They are walk-in and they don’t require insurance,” said Mike Sandvig, President Emeritus and Board Member Of Nami Idaho.
These centers are free.
“Walk in and they can take care of you they can help you during that crisis and figure out if you need some additional resources,” said Sandvig.
As we make sure our needs are met this season, it is crucial to have sympathy for loved ones who may be struggling with their #mentalhealth as well.
“If you’re a family member of someone with a #mentalillness and you see that they are being triggered, you should help them and maybe try to take off those pressures… if you’re not sure exactly how to do that you can call the Idaho #SuicidePreventionHotline,” said Sandvig.
The Harvard Medical School Affiliate, McLean, recommends that if you are dealing with loss or grief, remember that as circumstances change, traditions will change too. If you feel pressured to participate in activities you don’t want to be a part of, accept your limitations and be patient with others who may feel this way.
if you’re stressed about spending money buying gifts, opt for a Secret Santa exchange to reduce the amount of gifts needed, or let people know you aren’t able to give gifts this year.
Exercise, familiar routines, sunlight and taking part in activities that make you happy can be beneficial.
“This is the best time of year to remember all of the coping skills that you learn if you’re dealing with #depression and #anxiety, or some other #mentalillness,” said Sandvig.
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
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
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 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
