A modern-day discussion is never over without the mention of #mentalhealth. Even in our MENA region, the internet made therapy an easy topic to bring up in people’s conversations. However, we still have a long way to go in terms of what to say and when to say it. More importantly, never miss the signs of something so dangerous like #mentalhealthissues.
One of which is #suicidalthoughts and #suicide itself. A topic that is still considered taboo in our culture. This sensitive issue always must be proceeded with caution, generating even more delicate arguments that definitely must be proceeded with the utmost caution.
Positive Notes
Let’s start by assessing how caring is too late to fix the issue, and most definitely won’t bring back the dead. To avoid all the heartbreak and ache we need to know how to identify if a person close to us or in our circle is having this specific issue of battling his dark #suicidalthoughts.
Signs of #suicidalthoughts can vary from the subtle to the very alarming. According to a report by WebMD, these symptoms include long-lasting #depression, mood swings, sudden irritation, sleep problems, and #hopelessness. A loss of passion or pleasure in the activities the person used to enjoy can too be a serious sign.
One important thing to watch out for is sudden calmness. If someone is unexpectedly poised after a long period of #depression, it could be a sign that the person has made the decision to end their life. Additionally, avoiding close ones or social activities and constantly choosing to be alone are possible symptoms of #depression, a leading cause of #suicide.
All #suicide threats should be taken seriously; a study has shown that around 50 to 75 percent of all people threatening or talking about #suicide will give a close one a warning sign. They may talk an unusual amount about death or say things like “It would be better if I wasn’t here.” One important thing to bear in mind is that not everyone suicidal will say so and not everyone who threatens #suicide will follow through with it.
#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,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
#SuicidalThoughts
More formally known as #SuicidalIdeation is a major issue for many reasons. Firstly, it comes to anyone at any age. Secondly, it is more of a symptom for even bigger psychiatric issues like #depression, #bipolardisorder, and many others.
Another reason why this illness is very hard on people is that it’s difficult to detect and even harder to talk about. Even if a person is lucky enough to have a #therapist, it takes time and effort to go through the negative emotions and reach the bottom of things where #suicidalthoughts may lay in hiding.
This leads us to the main issue, the fact that #suicidalthoughts are looked down upon by society. It is always disregarded and put aside in the best cases, but a person in the MENA region expressing any signs of self-harming thoughts is scolded, and always looked at as attention-seeking.
#Suicide
A topic that is still extremely hard to talk about, especially in Islamic countries. Since it’s a sin in Islam to commit #suicide, the argument that follows any #suicide news is whether to pray for the recently deceased or not? Sometimes it’s even more absurd than that, with argument reaching to whether the deceased is going to heaven or hell.
Only recently that people started to regret the loss of someone and think where did they go wrong and what could’ve they done to prevent this. This naturally takes us back to the point of seeing the signs and the #suicidalthoughts as what they are and not as a way of attention-seeking.
Finally, this issue needs a lot of thorough discussions and back and forth with a big room for compassion and the fear for others from their own thoughts. #Mentalillness is a never-ending battle and people need to choose every day to live; however, when they waver they need to have support, backing them up at any second. Not shaming them.
Ahmed Gabr, an Arabic Language and Literature major, is an aspiring writer interested in all that the world has to offer in terms of culture, whether it’s art, food, entertainment, or even science. It is a Gabr’s world! And in it, literally anything of cultural significance is delightful and delectable to learn about. Stick around if you want to indulge in an all-you-can-eat buffet for the mind and soul.
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
