K. Pierre Eklou, assistant professor in the #School of Nursing, shares expertise on what #behaviors may be signs of #suicidalthoughts and how to help.
The #pandemic has increased general awareness and promotion of #mentalhealth; however, roughly 46,000 #Americans die by #suicide each year, according to the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (#CDC). This translates to about one death every 11 minutes. #Suicide is the second leading cause of death among people ages 10-14 and 25-34.
During #SuicidePrevention Awareness Month (September), K. Pierre Eklou, assistant professor in the Department of Nursing, shines light on this often-stigmatized topic and promotes #suicideprevention.
“#Suicide does not occur in a vacuum. There are always warning signs; knowing those can help prevent #suicide,” said Eklou, who is a Board-Certified #Psychiatric #MentalHealth #Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and runs Mason’s PMHNP program. “#Suicidalthoughts can manifest differently in each person, so there’s a range of #behaviors to watch for. If you are worried about someone, seek help. If you are worried about yourself, seek help. You are not alone.”
Warning Signs of #SuicidalThoughts
Thoughts or discussion of wanting to die or having no reason to live
Thoughts of being a burden to others
Feeling isolated or withdrawn
Engaging in risky or reckless #behavior
Exhibiting mood swings
Lack of interest in future plans
Increasing use of #alcohol or other illicit substances
Acting anxious or agitated
Sleeping too much or too little
Giving away possessions
Saying “goodbye” to family, friends, or loved ones
Looking for ways to kill oneself
#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 Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
What should you do if you or someone you know is having #suicidalthoughts?
If you are having #suicidalthoughts, know that you are not alone, and help is available. If you know someone who is exhibiting #suicidalwarning signs, reach out to them and a professional for help. View Mason’s list of #suicideprevention resources here.
Anyone in the #UnitedStates can call or text #988, the #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline, to be connected to trained #counselors who will listen, understand how someone’s problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. The #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline is working to change the conversation from “#suicide” to “#suicideprevention” to promote help and healing and to give hope.
If you are in crisis or having #suicidalthoughts, contact #988 the #NationalSuicide&CrisisLifeline.
Dr. Kossi Pierre Eklou is an assistant professor for the #School of Nursing at George Mason University. He is a Board-Certified #Psychiatric #MentalHealth #Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and is Mason’s PMHNP program coordinator. Eklou’s education and research interests include #psychiatric / #mentalhealth nursing, #substanceusedisorders, and population health with a focus on the underserved. Born in Togo (West Africa), Eklou has a particular interest in the #mentalhealthcare and education of those living in Sub-Saharan Africa.
For media inquiries about Mason’s #mental and #behavioralhealth faculty experts, contact Michelle Thompson at 703-993-3485 or mthomp7@gmu.edu.
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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:
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
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