November is Men’s Health Awareness Month. This brings to light an often overlooked issue within our society: men’s #mentalhealth.
Statistically, #men suffer more than #women in issues concerning #mentalhealth. #Male #suicide rates are alarmingly higher than that of #women as #men die by #suicide 3.65 times more often than #women.
#Men are also far more likely to become substance abusers. Men are two times more likely to binge drink than #women. Men are more likely to start using drugs at a younger age and become addicted to them.
With such alarming statistics, it is natural to wonder why #men suffer with #mentalhealth far more greatly 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
The answer lies within our own societal expectations of #men. As a patriarchal society, we place high expectations upon #men that they are expected to achieve. For example, #men are often the “breadwinners” and are supposed to provide for their whole family. Our society associates showing emotion with weakness and therefore showing emotion is a quality only acceptable for #women.
When #men show emotion they are criticized, told to toughen up, and that “#boys don’t cry.” By not allowing #men to show their emotions, we stunt them. This leads to some #men never learning how to properly process their emotions in a healthy and productive way. When #men cannot handle the #stress in their life, they are more likely to rely on drugs and #alcohol rather than turning to someone for help.
#Men of all age groups are affected by #mentalhealthissues, especially those in college. College #students are one of the groups that suffer the most with #mentalhealth. A 2020 survey reported that 40% of college #students have experienced #depression. Young #adults from the ages of 18-25 are at the highest risk of suffering from several #mentalhealthissues.
In order to improve #male #mentalhealth, we must first break the confining gender roles that are placed upon us as a society. #Men should be allowed to show their emotions without fear of judgement and retribution. Asking for help is never something one should feel ashamed or scared to do.
There are many resources available at Orange Coast College for #students who are suffering with #mentalillness. OCC offers short term therapy and crisis interventions for #students. Listed below are the links for more information on those resources.
- OCC #MentalHealthCare
- OCC #MentalHealthCrisis Numbers
- Emotional Wellness and #COVID-19 Resources for #Students
- 24 Hour #MentalHealth Hotline
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
