by: Jessica Schaer
JOPLIN, Mo. — As we get older, we might not be able to do things physically we used to be able to do, which can be frustrating.
And days become more lonely as family members become busy with their own lives, while friends and spouses pass away.
#Seniors coping with #mentalhealth struggles is the next part of our series the #SuicideCrisis: Prevention, Information, and Awareness.
Lizzy, Joplin Senior Resident, said, “I felt helpless and hopeless.”
Lizzy lives in Joplin and is hiding her identity due to the #stigma surrounding seniors battling #mentalhealthissues.
“You get really aggravated with yourself, you know? Like it’s my fault that I am the way I am. But it’s not.”
#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
Dr. Henry D. Petry, Freeman Health Center for Geriatric Medicine Director, said, “One of the biggest things probably is looking for depression or #anxiety and #depression.”
Dr. Henry Petry says suicidal thoughts within the #senior population are more common than you might think.
“Sometimes we have family issue that are so strong, and #financial issues associated with the family issues that this will also bring on the tendency to want to commit #suicide and ‘I don’t want to deal with it anymore.’”
“There was a problem that kept going on about this family member and I was pushed to leave,” said Lizzy.
Family issues on top of frustration about being unable to physically do things like you used to. A fear of Alzheimer’s or dementia setting in. And just general #loneliness — it can all add up for people who are getting older.
Lisa Francis, Ozark Center Program Development Director, said, “The social network is really disrupted as you age, because so many changes and how you relate in the community, places that you go may have changed because maybe you don’t drive any longer.”
Dr. Henry D. Petry, Freeman Health Center for Geriatric Medicine Director, “I’ve often told people we are a herd animal. We are like buffalo. If we are all together, we do very well, but when we are separate we become a little bit distraught.”
“The family and the friends. They need to support, they really do. I stress that,” said Lizzy.
Thankfully, the community care program through Freeman Health System’s Ozark Center is fighting back.
“Help them with community resources and socialization, kind of making the connections. Reaffirming some of the things that they used to do or can get reconnected with,” said Francis.
“Psychiatric doctor. I have a therapist, or a counselor. Everybody has been wonderful,” said Lizzy.
Because our older generation needs cared for, to continue telling their stories for future generations.
“We’ve been there and done that. And now all we need is for family and friends to love.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their #mentalhealth and needs someone to talk to, we urge you to call the #suicideprevention hotline at 1-800-273-talk.
We also have more resources for you under the #suicide crisis tab.
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
