by Cynthia Gould
New program to help #teens and young #adults talk about #mentalhealth. (#SeizetheAwkward)
#Mentalhealth organizations say we must ‘#SeizetheAwkward.’ No question talking about #depression and #suicide are hard conversations. Now a new campaign encourages young #adults and #teenagers to open up to each other.
It’s a conversations that’s more important than ever with more than half of #parents concerned about their children’s #mental well being. Attempted #suicides rising 51% among #adolescent #girls.
Advocate and storyteller Donovan Beck reaches thousands on #socialmedia and uses his platform to help and encourage others. Like so many he’s struggled.
“In my own journey, throughout my life, I have suffered from #anxiety and #depression and as an artist I use those experiences today,” explains Beck. He works to create spaces online to talk openly. “75% percent of young people admit it’s easier to talk to a peer than #adult,” says Beck.
#James Donaldson 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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
Celebrating Your Gift of Life:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
WBMA
‘#SeizetheAwkward’ gives #teens and young #adults conversation starters when they notice something isn’t quite right with a friend.
“It doesn’t have to be in-depth. You as a friend know the way they act. Are they eating less, sleeping way more and haven’t been coming to as many events?” remarks Beck. He advises the best thing you can do is offer space, community and support.
The campaign also features videos from popular artists like Billie Eilish sharing their stories.
“We all have #mentalhealth just like we have physical health. It waxes and wanes over time based on lots of factors,” says Dr. Christine Yu Moutier, Chief Medical Officer at the #AmericanFoundationforSuicidePrevention.
She explains most importantly we have to get rid of the #stigma.
Four in 0 young #adults report they experienced persistent sadness or #hopelessness during the past year. The added disruption, uncertainty and isolation could have a lasting impact. “This is not just going to go away,” warns Dr. Yu Moutier.
Beck says simply letting someone know you care can be a game changer. “That can change the entire narrative from I’m alone in this, no one cares, to I’m feeling I have people who care and we can work through this,” remarks Beck.
Advocates say we can’t be afraid to take that first step worrying we will offend someone.
Leading medical experts have declared a national emergency for #youth #mentalhealth.
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
