Recognize the warning signs of a person who may be suicidal and find ways to help.
For months, the #coronavirus #pandemic has been difficult — for those who are sick, for families of victims and for those at a higher risk of becoming infected. It’s been stressful for hundreds of thousands of people who have lost their jobs, for first responders and for so many others.
In addition to the ongoing #pandemic, the recent killing of #GeorgeFloyd, a black man who died in police custody Monday in Minnesota after a white officer pinned him to the ground, has spurred protests nationwide and impassioned discussions about #racism in #America.
Today, so many people are struggling during uncertain times.
#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’re feeling overwhelmed, here are some #mentalhealthresources in our area that can help:
Help for people in crisis
Resources
- #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline: 1-800-273-8255, or call 911.
- SummitStone Crisis Stabilization Unit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: summitstonehealth.org/services/
- Poudre Valley Hospital and Medical Center of the Rockies crisis centers: uchealth.org/services/behavioral-health/
#Suicide warning signs
- Feelings of being a burden, entrapment, unbearable pain
- Increased #anxiety
- Isolation
- Increased substance abuse
- Looking for access to lethal means
- Increased anger or rage
- Extreme mood swings
- Expressions of hopelessness
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Talking or posting about wanting to die
- Making plans for #suicide
How to help someone who is struggling
- Ask how they’re feeling (don’t be afraid to use the word “#suicide”)
- Find out how to keep them safe
- Be there for the person
- Help them connect with resources
- Follow up, even when they seem to be happy
SOURCE: U.S. #CentersforDiseaseControl and Preventionhttps:
Domestic violence
Resources
- Call Crossroads Safehouse’s 24/7 helplines, which are staffed by trained advocates: 970-482-3502 or 888-541-7233 (toll free).
- Call Alternatives to Violence at 970-880-1000.
Warning signs
Domestic violence is a pattern of abuse that can include physical, sexual, emotional, verbal and financial elements where the abuser’s conscious or unconscious goal is to gain or maintain control. There are not always physical signs of abuse.
Girls and young women ages 16-24 experience the highest rate of intimate partner violence.
Early warning signs of an abusive partner include: Get the NoCo Asks newsletter in your inbox.
- Controlling behavior
- Guilt trips
- Threats
- Intimidation
- #Isolation
- Jealousy
- Name-calling
- Manipulation
- Explosive temper
- Mood swings
- Checking your cellphone or email without permission
#COVID-19 and emotional support
Resources
- Connections, a 24/7 non-crisis (“warm line”) emotional support line for #COVID-19 in Larimer County, 970-221-5551. The line is a partnership of the Health District of Northern Larimer County and SummitStone Health Partners. Local behavioral health providers are available to answer questions, offer support, refer to local resources, and set up short-term counseling by telehealth. There’s no cost for #COVID-19–related services. Connections also provides these same services for people with other behavioral health needs.
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
