It may be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but having that talk could save someone’s life
by: Connor Kick
(WKBN) – #SeptemberisNationalSuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth. As this month comes to a close, #healthcareprofessionals, therapists and many others are reminding people that #suicide is a year-round problem.
Suicidal thoughts, much like #mentalhealthconditions, can affect anyone regardless of age, gender or background.
According to the #NationalAllianceonMentalHealth, #suicide is often the result of an untreated #mentalhealthcondition. Suicidal thoughts, although common, should not be considered normal and often indicate more serious issues.
It may be an uncomfortable conversation to have, but #mentalhealthexperts say having that talk — not just in September, but any time of the year — could save someone’s life.
Suzette Miller, with Mercy Health, says it’s never too early to intervene.
“The earlier you catch it, the more likely you’re going to be able to assist that person, and get them to where they need to be and the help they may need.”
#NAMI says 75% of all people who die by #suicide are #male. Although more #women than #men attempt #suicide, #men are nearly four times more likely to die.
#Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 34 and the fourth-leading cause of death for people ages 35 to 54.
According to #NAMI, the overall #suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 31% since 2001.
Miller says you should act quickly on any kind of warning sign.
“The biggest thing for people, to keep their eyes open, their ears open, listen and empathize, and reach out for help. Don’t be afraid to reach out. It’s better to reach out and be wrong than to not reach out and lose someone.”
If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources.
You can always call 911 or the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255) 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
#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 Help Network of Northeast Ohio is another great resource that offers local #suicide hotlines and help for specific situations and people, including substance abuse, #veterans, those with special needs, and people struggling with food or housing.
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
