SEATTLE — The month of May is observed for Mental Health Awareness. This may come as a surprise, but the Washington State Department of Health says suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24.
Thinking about those numbers is upsetting for any parent, but one dad is so concerned, he’s taking action.
“Be the change you want to see,” says Colby Wallace.
Sometimes you have to dig deep, and be bold.
That’s what Wallace hopes to do in his Queen Anne neighborhood.
“I mean, it’s rooted in love,” says Wallace.
A few weeks ago, he started posting signs all along the sidewalks near his daughters’ elementary school. The messages are simple.
“You are worthy of love,” says Wallace.
The message behind the message:
“Don’t give up. Everybody is struggling. You don’t know what people are going through,” says Wallace.
It’s a non-profit that started in Oregon and it’s spreading to neighborhoods all around the world, hoping to inspire hope, according to its website. Colby says his goal is to get people talking about mental health. He’s especially concerned about suicides among young people.
“As a parent, you feel really helpless when you hear these stories, that this is happening. This is happening a lot, but nobody wants to talk about it,” says Wallace.
You may be thinking it’s a big topic for such a tiny audience. But the words are on not lost on the little ones.
“If you give up, you will always not be good at something,” says 6-year-old Zoe.
“It’s definitely resonating with people,” says Wallace.
Even other parents seem to appreciate the notion.
“What’s wrong with having a positive message in general right? I think we need more of it,” says dad Deejay Alook.
Lately, Wallace says some of the signs have been vandalized. That’s why neighbors like Penny Scordas are hosting them in their own front yards.
“What a great idea to boost people’s feelings about themselves. I can’t think of anything that’s better than ‘You matter,’” says Scordas.
Wallace is hoping the message will spread. We spotted more signs sprouting up just a few miles away.
“It’s contagious, hopefully,” says Wallace.
To become the change you want to see, sometimes you have to dig deep and be bold.
“I don’t know where this thing ends, but for now, for today, this is what we are going to do. Don’t give up,” says Wallace.
Mental health experts have told us time and again, these are important conversations to have with your loved ones, especially young people.
SEATTLE — The month of May is observed for #MentalHealthAwareness. This may come as a surprise, but the #WashingtonState Department of Health says #suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people ages 10 to 24.
Thinking about those numbers is upsetting for any parent, but one dad is so concerned, he’s taking action.
“Be the change you want to see,” says Colby Wallace.
Sometimes you have to dig deep and be bold.
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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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That’s what Wallace hopes to do in his #QueenAnne neighborhood.
“I mean, it’s rooted in love,” says Wallace.
A few weeks ago, he started posting signs all along the sidewalks near his daughters’ elementary school. The messages are simple.
“You are worthy of love,” says Wallace.
The message behind the message:
“Don’t give up. Everybody is struggling. You don’t know what people are going through,” says Wallace.
It’s a non-profit that started in Oregon and it’s spreading to neighborhoods all around the world, hoping to inspire hope, according to its website. Colby says his goal is to get people talking about #mentalhealth. He’s especially concerned about #suicides among young people.
“As a parent, you feel really helpless when you hear these stories, that this is happening. This is happening a lot, but nobody wants to talk about it,” says Wallace.
You may be thinking it’s a big topic for such a tiny audience. But the words are on not lost on the little ones.
“If you give up, you will always not be good at something,” says 6-year-old Zoe.
“It’s definitely resonating with people,” says Wallace.
Even other parents seem to appreciate the notion.
“What’s wrong with having a positive message in general right? I think we need more of it,” says dad Deejay Alook.
Lately, Wallace says some of the signs have been vandalized. That’s why neighbors like Penny Scordas are hosting them in their own front yards.
“What a great idea to boost people’s feelings about themselves. I can’t think of anything that’s better than ‘You matter,’” says Scordas.
Wallace is hoping the message will spread. We spotted more signs sprouting up just a few miles away.
“It’s contagious, hopefully,” says Wallace.
To become the change you want to see, sometimes you have to dig deep and be bold.
“I don’t know where this thing ends, but for now, for today, this is what we are going to do. Don’t give up,” says Wallace.
Mental health experts have told us time and again, these are important conversations to have with your loved ones, especially young people.
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