by: Stephanie Hudson
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — WAVY is turning November into “Movember.” Every Wednesday, we are featuring a story on the importance of men’s health.
This week, we are looking at #mentalhealth and why more #men than #women die from #suicide.
While driving — and lost — we know, many #men won’t stop and ask for directions or help. #Mentalhealth experts tell us that same independent attitude can be dangerous when it comes to #depression.
“Please, please, step back from feeling that you need to do this alone,” said Dr. Mark Cotterell, assistant professor of #psychiatry and #behavioralsciences at Eastern Virginia Medical #School.
Cotterell knows his advice is not easy for most #men to take. #Women ask for help more often than #men and the sad reality is that #men are dying by #suicide three times more often than #women.
#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
“#Male suicides are not being prevented by giving people numbers and encouraging them to reach out for help,” said Michelle Peterson, executive director of the Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation.
The Sarah Michelle Peterson Foundation is training #teens and #adults in Hampton Roads to recognize warning signs and reach out to those in need, which Peterson says can be especially effective for #men.
“Because our studies show that #men accept help when it is offered… but reaching out for it is another story,” she said.
Guns are another reason #men are more likely than #women to die. #Men use firearms more often in their #suicideattempts. Experts suggest when you or a loved one is feeling bad, lock up the weapons and the liquor cabinet. #Alcohol takes away inhibitions and makes you more anxious.
“I’m not saying I’m going to scold you for it, I’m just trying to be realistic its not going to help your #mentalhealth,” Cotterell told WAVY.
If you want to feel better, the #doctor prescribes staying active. #Men who go to church, volunteer, join a sports team, or just socialize usually cope better, he said.
“Step away from the preconceived notion of, you have to be a man,” Cotterell said, adding people should just be themselves. There is never any weakness in fighting for yourself.
The SMP Foundation has a training called “Question, Persuade, Refer,” or #QPR. It is offered for free to community groups, #schools and individuals.
If you want more information on upcoming training events click here.
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
