Aaron Connolly, from Glasgow, Scotland, has spoken out in the past about suffering from #mentalhealth issues
ByAndrea Lambrou
A footballer literally stepped back from the brink of #suicide after hearing his young son’s voice in his head.
#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
Aaron Connolly said the thought of his boy being without a father stopped him from stepping in front of a train, the Daily Record reports.
Aaron, 27, from Glasgow, Scotland, was on the cusp of killing himself after going missing on a night out earlier this year.
But he heard his son Ruairi’s voice in his head – and that brought him back from the precipice.
The 27-year-old has a history of mental health issues and previously described his ongoing battle with #depression.
The ambassador for #mentalhealth charity Back Onside said: “My intention was to commit #suicide that night.”
In April, the striker – who previously played for East Kilbride Thistle and East Kilbride FC – vanished while partying with workmates in Edinburgh.
His disappearance left wife Siobhan and his family and friends fearing the worst.
He added: “I allowed the feelings of negativity and worthlessness to get to me, and I made the decision I was done.
“But literally at the last second before I stepped out in front of a train, I had this sort of out-of-body experience and I heard my son shouting on me.
“From what I remember, I stepped back and just got on a night bus to Glasgow then another bus to Aberdeen.”
By this point, a nationwide appeal had been launched to find Aaron and thousands of people shared posts about him.
Aaron eventually got a bus back to Glasgow but his journey was far from over.
He was taken to hospital and doctors tried to send him home, only for Siobhan to step in.
He said: “Fortunately for me, my wife is an A&E nurse and she had the strength and courage to stand up to the doctor and say ‘No, I’m not happy taking him home right now, he’s not ready to go home’.”
Aaron was assessed by a crisis team and sent to the Leverndale mental health facility in Crookston, Glasgow, where he spent a life-changing four weeks.
He said: “I have no doubt that if I went home that night, I probably wouldn’t be here today.”
Following his recent struggles, Aaron has taken to Twitter to talk openly about his issues and to help raise awareness of #mentalill health.
He added: “I’ve had a lot of people message me about things they’re going through and people who I check in with daily to make sure they’re OK.
“It think it’s important to speak out, give advice and learn from other people’s experiences.”
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
