#Mentalhealthcounselors say the effects of the #Coronavirus are far-reaching.
That’s why it’s important to know what to do if you or someone you know is struggling with #depression or suicidal thoughts.
And one phone call could potentially save a life.
#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
“So now you are dealing with all this pain and suffering, and you don’t know how to help it, and you are breaking down,” said Katrina Sunivelle, the Executive Director for Contact Helpline. “It’s OK to reach out for help, even the #doctors and #nurses need help because they are dealing with this #pandemic head-on. We all need help, and its OK.”
Sunivelle said in the spring, volunteers there were averaging maybe 7 to 8 calls a day, now that is doubled.
“In June, we had 50 calls and May we had 28 calls, in one week we had 19 calls,” said Sunivelle.”They see our number, and they want somewhere to call and talk to someone because they are experiencing things they have never experienced before during this #pandemic.”
But, Sunivelle said the call increase can be seen as a positive, and people who need help are asking for it.
“Well, the suicides have increased, and that is unfortunate, but our calls have increased,” said Sunivelle. “When you hear our calls have increased, that’s a good thing for us. That means more people are calling, that means they are reaching out for help, and that means we are doing the work.”
Sunivelle said that can make all the difference in the world.
#SeptemberisNationalSuicidePreventionMonth. The national hotline number is 1-800-273-8255.
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
