PORTLAND, Ore. – The stigma around #mentalhealth exists for everyone, however, it seems to be worse for boys.
#TheCentersforDiseaseControl report that while girls attempted #suicide almost three times as often as boys,
boys are four times more likely to go through with an attempt.
We’ve all heard the phrases through the years – boys don’t cry, man up, rub some dirt on it – you’ll be fine.
So how do we raise boys to feel comfortable expressing their emotions and to be compassionate? KATU’s Debora Knapp recently talked with two authors who say it’s an important process.
“The boy code which is all those things that are unhealthy, be strong, don’t cry you, don’t have feelings, et cetera,” said Dr. Peter Mortola, a professor at Lewis and Clark University.
It’s the wrong attitude aimed at young kids, especially for boys. He says it creates a precedent for them when they grow up.
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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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“We know that #men are not accessing #mentalhealth in the way females are,” Dr. Mortola said.
He’s created a book called The Bear Inside to address emotional development, particularly with #boys.
“We all have a bear inside. Sometimes the bear will act out in ways that hurt others – biting someone in preschool, hitting our sibling, or using vicious words to attack someone on #socialmedia.”
He says the book guides kids to know how to use the inner bear to help them and validate their feelings. One of the challenges, Dr. Mortola says, is to get some boys to open up and talk.
“Boys will not necessarily welcome you with open arms all the time and say ‘mom, how glad I am’ that you are coming here to be with me, or that you’re waking me up this morning, or that you’re driving me to school,”
He says that doesn’t mean they aren’t able to open up.
“In fact, it’s the opposite that’s true, I think. Not only is that boy reachable by someone – that’s what our research shows – but he’s actually in great need of being reached,” said Dr. Mortola.
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
