Heather Loeb
Guest columnist
September is one of my favorite months; it’s bittersweet, really — the start of my favorite season but also #SuicidePreventionAwarenessMonth. It reminds me of my own battles with #suicidalthoughts, the plans I made to die and my subsequent psychiatric hospitalizations. I’m also reminded that I won those battles and that I’m now in recovery from major depressive disorder. That I’m a survivor.
But not everybody makes it.
#Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-34 in the U.S., according to the #NationalAllianceonMentalIllness (#NAMI). It’s also the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. The #suicide rate in the U.S. has increased 35 percent since 1999. Seventy-eight percent of people who die by #suicide are #male. #Transgender #adults are nearly 12 times more likely to attempt #suicide than the general population. Annual prevalence of serious thoughts of #suicide by demographic group are:
- 4.9 percent of all #adults
- 11.3 percent of young #adults ages 18-25
- 18.8 percent of #highschoolstudents
- 42 percent of #LGBTQ+ #youth
This is not an isolated problem. And it’s not one we can ignore. So many people believe it should be swept under the rug, but obviously ignoring it isn’t the answer.
It’s okay to talk about #suicide, even to #children and #teens. Believe me, they’ve talked, heard or thought about it, and talking about it only after someone has died by #suicide isn’t right, either. We must allow youth to express their feelings in a healthy way and give them tools to combat #mentalhealthissues. One invaluable resource — for any age — is the new 988 crisis line. It’s free to call, open 24/7/365 and staffed by trained #counselors.
#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
It has been years since I was suicidal, but I remember the psychological brutality, the panicked confusion, the overwhelming #loneliness. My family and friends didn’t know what to do. That’s why the 988 crisis number is so important. But it’s also why we must openly talk about #suicide and know how to help someone who’s suicidal. Lives will be saved the more we talk. Is it uncomfortable? Sure. But it’s more comfortable than going to a funeral. So let’s keep talking.
If a loved one is struggling with #suicidalthoughts, you can help.
- Stay calm.
- Don’t leave the person alone.
- Take him/her seriously. Saying you’re suicidal is not attention seeking #behavior; never assume someone is lying or faking.
- Be blunt. Ask. “Are you suicidal? Do you have a plan? Are you going to hurt yourself?” If the answer is yes, call 988 or 911.
- Be willing to listen but withhold judgment.
- If you’re unsure what to do, call 988 or 911.
Attend the #SuicidePrevention Coalition of the Coastal Bend’s 9th Annual #SuicidePrevention Symposium Where: Del Mar College, 101 Baldwin Blvd., Corpus Christi
#NAMI Friends & Family Night, Guest Speaker Gabe Alvarado; 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 8Professionals and Providers Event; 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Sept. 9
Information: https://bit.ly/3A0oUX9
For more than 20 years, Heather Loeb has experienced major #depression, #anxiety and a #personalitydisorder, while also battling the #stigma of #mentalhealth. She is the creator of Unruly Neurons (www.unrulyneurons.com), a blog dedicated to normalizing #depression and a member of State Rep. Todd Hunter’s #SuicidePrevention Taskforce.
MIND MATTERS
Now more than ever we need to take care of our #mentalhealth. Guest columnist Heather Loeb discusses why and explores other important #mentalhealthtopics in this special series.
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
