(Stefano Pollio, Unsplash)
This article was exclusively written for The European Sting by Ms. Alvija Ku?inskait?, a second-year medical student at Vilnius University, Lithuania. She is affiliated to the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), cordial partner of The Sting. The opinions expressed in this piece belong strictly to the writer and do not necessarily reflect IFMSA’s view on the topic, nor The European Sting’s one.
#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
Over the last two decades, worldwide #suicide rates have been continuously increasing and have consequently become the 2nd leading cause of death on a global level, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Not only does such statistical data reflect the result of unresolved issues in healthcare systems but it also indicates the poor condition of society’s #mentalhealth. However, pro-active measures can be taken in order to improve the current situation.
#Mentaldisorders, such as #depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, etc., have been shown to be one of the most prevalent factors of pre-suicidal state development. Nevertheless, the significance of impulsive suicides that happen in a moment of crisis, cannot be diminished. Both suffering from #mentalillnesses and dealing with stressful spontaneous breakdowns can lead people to seek #suicide as a way to escape resilience and emotional resourcefulness requiring life events or mental states. Therefore, strengthening people’s emotional intellect can be one of the main root-cause eliminating precautions in order to decrease the number of suicides. This solution can be understood from the salutogenic standpoint – the more peoples’ sense of coherence will be developed, the less they will be likely to choose such marginal measures as #suicide to cope with challenging situations.
Provided that due to various life circumstances (abusive, toxic families, traumas, etc.) not everyone is capable of developing a high level of emotional intelligence, kids from an early age should be educated on productive personality traits and healthy coping mechanisms. It is crucial that alongside traditional school subjects pupils would get to know at least the basics of human #mentalhealth, its risk factors, and most widespread disorders. Furthermore, educating adults is nonetheless important. By spreading knowledge and bringing the topic of #mentalhealth into the daylight, not only can people contribute to fostering a non-judgemental understanding of those who suffer but also develop an awareness of their own state of mind.
In addition to the #stigma attached to #mentalissues, problems in the healthcare system also pose a great threat to the already alarming #suicide rates. For instance, in Lithuania, an average of 15 minutes is provided to collect a thorough anamnesis, diagnose, prescribe medication and do the process of the documentation, during a consultation with a primary care physician. This time is not nearly enough for the precise and thorough examination of the patient, therefore, the mental aspect of the patient’s overall health tends to be overlooked. Additionally, this interferes with establishing connection between a patient and a doctor, leading to the unwillingness to share one’s emotional struggles that impair the quality of life. Hence, it is the healthcare systems’ disfunction that prevents the doctors to apply a biopsychosocial approach during a consultation, consequently contributing to undiagnosed and untreated mental disorders. In order to promote the progress of #suicideprevention in medical care facilities, the notable changes in the healthcare system have to be made. In addition to the extended consultation time, there should be a particular group of extra anamnesis questions that would allow the doctors to quickly determine a patient’s state of emotional well-being and intervene if needed.
The striking #suicide numbers are a desperate call for preventative actions to be administered. Nurturing emotional intelligence, destigmatizing harmful beliefs, and upgrading the medical care system can be extremely effective when trying to prevent #suicidal behaviors to escalate further. These interventions can be extremely effective if applied solely by themselves, but only when the complex of actions will be exerted can we foresee the future where people from risk groups are not bound to become just a common number in #suicide statistics.
About the author
Alvija Ku?inskait?, 19, is a second-year medical student at Vilnius University, Lithuania. She is a member of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations of Lithuania (LiMSA) and has been working with the SCOME team since 2019.
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
