by Liz Bonis
CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Health care providers are sounding the alarm with a new campaign aimed at asking questions to help prevent suicide as teen suicide numbers continue to climb.
Tuesday is #NationalSuicidePreventionDay, and #mentahealthspecialists at the #CenterforSuicidePrevention and Research at Nationwide Children’s Hospital now say since half of all #mentalhealthissues start by the age of 14, parents and others should begin asking young people directly if they are thinking of taking their own life.
Nationwide Children’s says to help #teens open up about their emotions, they recommend you don’t wait for a crisis and you check in regularly with kids about thoughts of wanting to end their life.
#JamesDonaldsononMentalHealth –
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
It’s also suggested by these experts and those at the Lindner Center of Hope in Mason that some early warning signs include changes in mood, feelings of hopelessness and even if kids talk about bullying or don’t appear to recover from being bullied in the past. Dr. Shana Feibel from the center says many people do carry baggage from past bullying and that people don’t realize how much of an impact bullying can make.
If someone you love is thinking about #suicide, you can reach out to the Lindner Center of Hope here, or you can call the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). There’s also a crisis text line by texting “Start” to 741-741.
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
