BY KATHRYN ALTENA
Handmade signs posted to a tennis court fence are set to greet future patients at a temporary field hospital for #coronavirus patients on an adjacent soccer field in Shoreline, Wash.
Historically, during times of economic downturn and recession there has been an increase in #suicides.
Feelings of #hopelessness and periods of disconnection, increases in substance abuse, #mentalhealth disorders, and easy access to firearms and medications can also all lead to an increased risk for #suicides.
#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
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“There is the possibility here for a perfect storm in terms of an increase in #suicides,” said Jennifer Stuber, the director of #ForefrontSuicidePrevention at the #UniversityofWashington. “That said, I don’t want to paint a bleak picture because #suicide rates do historically also go down during times of national emergencies.”
Forefront is working to prevent an increase in #suicides during this #pandemic.
“At a population level, everyone’s #anxiety is up,” Stuber said. “And for people who already are living with #anxiety or other #mentalhealthchallenges, you can expect an increase in #mentalhealth, the need for #mentalhealth support.”
Stuber said she’s glad to see more options for tele-mental health, allowing people to receive care and talk to therapists from home. She also expects to see an increase in substance misuse, one of the leading risk factors for #suicide.
On the other hand, connections are very helpful in preventing #suicides. Neighbors checking in with each other, scheduling calls and video chats with family and friends, and sending letters can all be protective against an increase in #suicides.
“So that is one of the most hopeful and helpful things I see happening is the more activity that we can generate that brings us to this notion, this feeling that we are really all tacking this national emergency together,” Stuber said.
“I think we should really be thinking about using the terminology ‘physical distancing’ because #socialdistancing implies that we’re cutting off our social relations,” she added. “And in fact, that’s exact opposite of what we should be doing right now.”
#Forefront #SuicidePrevention has moved online, providing valuable programming to the community that can help reach students, parents, teachers, school counselors, and share the signs of #suicide and what they can do to help.
#Forefront has a live webinar scheduled Thursday night to help parents understand how to support youth who may be struggling. Stuber said had 500 people registered for the webinar within two hours.
“If you can’t join us live, I actually think the event might even be full at this point, we’re going to have it up on the website and recorded for people to listen to after the fact,” Stuber said.
She also warned that many people have easier access to medications and, in some cases, firearms during the #pandemic.
“Our young people, [and] frankly ourselves, we’re probably doing things that are out of character and unpredictable,” she said. “We’re [not at] our best selves right now, and people are much more erratic and impulsive perhaps than they would otherwise be.”
She said that when people have #suicidal thoughts, they can go into action quickly.
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“If you can limit their access to means that are readily accessible, you can prevent #suicide and help someone get the support they need as opposed to not being able to get that support.”
To find more online resources or watch the webinar, visit intheforefront.org.
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
