by Jennifer Munoz
#SeptemberisNationalSuicidePreventionandAwarenessmonth, #mentalhealthcounselors in Pensacola for emphasizing the importance of #suicideawareness during the #pandemic.
Over the past 6 months, some people have experienced illness, loss, separation, and uncertainty, this all impacts out #mentalhealth.
“Pensacola and the surrounding areas are like a lot of the country we are overwhelmed a lot and we just don’t deal with things the way we usually do,” said David Josephs, Clinical Director at the Lakeview Center.
#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
We need to let people know they aren’t alone right now, Josephs said other people may be feeling the same way.
“It’s really amazing that once we reach out, the stigma of #suicide, there is a #stigma of #depression, it is lifted people really do well,” Josephs said.
#Suicide can be prevented, Josephs said there are resources in Northwest Florida that can help. But first, it’s critical that people recognize it’s a problem.
Also, look out for warning signs, this can include withdrawal from family and friends, impulsive or reckless behavior, and many times they even say they want to commit #suicide.
“People actually say I think I should kill myself and we don’t take it seriously sometimes so we really need to pay attention when people say things like that,” Josephs said.
If someone does open up to you, Josephs said listen to them, you could be saving their life.
“The best thing friends and family can do is listen, allow that person to express what they are saying and help them and say well there are resources,” Josephs.
These are resources that are available to help
- Always call 911 in a #suicide crisis
- Lakeview Center Mobile Response Team 866-517-7766
- Text GULF to 741741
- #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 800-273-8255
- Trevor Project Lifeline – Saving Young #LGBTQ Lives 866-488-7386
- The Veterans Crisis Line 888-640-5443
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
