As daily #stress intensifies over the #coronavirus, the need for #mentalhealthcounseling is also on the rise. #Suicidepreventionhotlines are providing a lifeline for people who need help now.
Crisis intervention workers at WellSpace in Sacramento are fielding a surge in phone calls like they’ve never seen before.
“We’ve seen a 40% increase in calls to the #suicidepreventionline just in the last month,” said Dr. Jonathan Porteus, chief executive officer for WellSpace.
The hotline typically gets 3,300 calls a month – but in March in peaked at 4,713.
The cries for help started rising with the spread of the #coronavirus, Dr. Porteus said.
“People are talking about the economic consequences of the #coronavirus,” Porteus said.
“People are watching their savings whittle away,” he added. “They just lost their jobs. They’re not sure even when there will be jobs in their industry to go back to. Yes, it seems to be causally connected to #COVID-19.”
#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
*** If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the #nationalsuicidepreventionlifeline at 1-800-273-8255
Demand is also rising for #mentalhealthcounselingservices at Natomas Unified School District, where a recent student death is being investigated by Sacramento Police as a #suicide.
“Teachers are doing email check-ins, they’re doing phone check-ins, they’re doing Zoom meetings both one-on-one and in small groups,” said Carol Swenson, associate superintendent for the Natomas Unified School District.
The district also offers online resources on its website for students, teachers and administrators, including a link for social and emotional support.
There’s also increased demand for services at the Twin Rivers Unified School District, where another student’s death is also under investigation as a #suicide.
“Twin Rivers offers a hotline Monday to Friday with our student services department that students, parents, communities can call into where we can connect them with various resources,” said Lori Grace, assistant superintendent for Twin Rivers Unified School District.
The district also has online resources available through its website.
At Sacramento State University, the annual walk to raise awareness about #suicideprevention is now a virtual event.
The Sac State campus is empty because classes are all online, but the Out of the Darkness event is deeply personal to University President Robert Nelsen, whose son took his own life years ago.
“We lost our son Seth and it’s been hard for everyone,” Nelsen told KCRA 3. “And it’s been hard for everyone. But now is the time to reach out and hug – even if it is virtual.”
Nelsen added, “Now is the time to see if someone is distancing themselves from you. If someone is not who you always knew them to be, talk to them, be there with them. We want to connect in every way we possibly can. “
It’s estimated that as many as 1,100 university students lose their lives nationwide each year to #suicide.
*** If you or someone you know needs help, you can call the #nationalsuicidepreventionlifeline at 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
