#Mentalillness is real, hard, disabling and needs addressal and treatment.
Written by Aviva Parvez Damania
Many employed people may not get the time and the resources to get the help they need.
India has the highest rate of death by #suicide in the South-East Asia region at 16.5 suicides per 100,000 people (2016). Actor #SushantSinghRajput losing his life to #suicide just goes to show that contrary to the popular belief, success, fame and the like are not determinants of good #mentalhealth. While success, money, achievement may increase self-worth and therefore happiness, it is not the sure shot to happiness. There’s a lot more to it than what meets the eye. No one is immune to poor #mentalhealth.
#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
Causes
The most common cause of #suicide is #depression, though it is also linked with other psychiatric disorders. In spite of efforts to reduce the #stigma around #mentalhealth, there is an increase in societal and individualist pressures on individuals. However, there is no substantial increase in the awareness of #mentalhealth and its implications. This disparity may in turn cause #mentalhealth negligence and potentially suicidal thoughts or behaviour. We are conditioned to try and meet expectations that are made by people other than themselves, and pressure or failure to meet those expectations may cause distress. A few other causes of self-harm or suicidal thoughts are internalising negative emotion and #mentalhealth concerns, family history of #mentalhealthissues, knowing, identifying, or being associated with someone who has committed #suicide.
Self-isolation, too, can trigger such thoughts and actions. Withdrawal from social activities can lead to feelings of #loneliness and this leads people to believe that they have no one and their absence will be unnoticed, thus leaving little to stand between them and the final act. Another faulty perception that they may have is that they don’t matter, that they are a burden, that #suicide will solve the problem, or that the loss of their life would be a relief to some. Sometimes people attempt #suicide not so much because they really want to kill themselves but because they are unable to find another way out and #suicide is seemingly the only available option. Many different factors can contribute to #suicidalideation and often occur when one feels hopeless, finds life meaningless or purposeless or beyond control. These feelings may be due to relationship problems, trauma, substance abuse, a crisis of some sort, pressure at work, a physical health issue, or financial difficulties.
How to spot signs
Some of the signs to look out for are, signs of clinical #depression, withdrawal from friends and family, #isolation, feelings of sadness and #hopelessness, lack of interest and motivation in activities that were previously enjoyable, an increase in substance use or misuse, recklessness, #anxiety, change in appetite or weight, change in sleep patterns, lack of energy, low self-image and negative self-talk, talk of death or #suicide, history of self-harm and giving away possessions. Having said this, it may not always be easily identifiable as individuals learn to mask their emotions and that prevents them from being identified. A composed exterior need not mean a composed interior.
What to do if you’re having suicidal thoughts
Talk about it! Don’t underestimate the power of sharing your concerns. Let a trusted friend or family member in by disclosing what you’re going through. When you have thoughts of self-harm or #suicide, distract yourself and allow that thought to pass. Prevent suicidal thoughts from becoming suicidal behaviour by nipping it in the bud. Seek professional help, visit a #mentalhealthspecialist, psychologist or a psychiatrist. For immediate aid, seek assistance from #suicide helplines. Often professional help is pursued only when an issue escalates beyond control; however, prolonged neglect leads to prolonged recovery. Address #mentalhealthconcerns immediately, no matter how small you may assume it is.
How to help someone
When trying to help someone suffering from #depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts show your concern, be present, have the courage to ask direct questions, listen without judgement. Do not avoid the conversation of #suicide, this can be counterproductive. Discuss the emotions the person is going through and don’t allow the conversation to be about your reaction. There is no substitute for professional help, push them to seek #mentalhealthservices. Telephone helplines can also be useful when worrying about a friend or family member who is suicidal.
At workplace
In the workplace, it is the duty of employers to ensure employees are mentally healthy as sometimes work may be a cause of #stress. Many employed people may not get the time and the resources to get the help they need. An in-house counsellors, employee assistance programmes and access to #mentalhealthspecialists can help keep employee #mentalhealth in check.
In schools and universities
More education on #mentalhealth at early stages will increase the likelihood of #children speaking up about any issues they may be facing and get the help they need at the earliest. Merely having a school counsellor isn’t enough, active initiatives must be made to ensure that students avail the counselling services and help parents to identify risk factors in #children.
When trying to help someone suffering from #depression, self-harm or suicidal thoughts show your concern, be present, have the courage to ask direct questions, listen without judgement.
Systemic changes
A revolution in #mentalhealthcaresystems is needed, where clinicians, psychologists, etc. are trained in #suicideprevention as a part of the curriculum. Inter-agency working such as referral to a psychologist by GP’s can help early identification of issues. In terms of policy, it is of importance to have guidelines, reports or visions for #mentalhealth.
In conclusion, be kind, compassionate and empathetic towards all. Everyone is fighting their own battle, some more silently than others. It’s time to add value and enrich one another’s lives. #MentalIllness is real, hard, disabling and needs addressal and treatment. I urge people to seek professional help as soon as the need arises. Early detection and intervention of a psychological condition will allow you to live the life you deserve.
Aviva Damania is a #mentalhealthspecialist with an M.Sc. from the City University of London.
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
