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
Author: Brittany Falkers
PORTLAND, Ore. — #Mentalhealth crisis incidents are not necessarily increasing in Portland, but they are not slowing down either, according to Portland Police.
“Our ECIT officers are called upon every day. Sometimes it’s not as drastic, sometimes it’s not as public, but they are truly out there making a difference every day,” said Sgt. Brad Yakots with Portland police.
The ECIT, or Enhanced Crisis Intervention Team, in Portland includes 70 officers with specialized training to gain rapport and work with someone in a #mentalhealthcrisis. Every officer in the bureau receives at least 40 hours of mental health crisis training, but these officers get 40 additional hours as well as refresher training throughout the year, according to Yakots.
They were there last Friday when police shut down parts of Interstate 84 for about eight hours. A man stood on the Northeast 12th Avenue overpass, preparing to jump into traffic the below, according to police.
Then, Sunday morning, police shut down the Steel Bridge downtown for over three hours. There, a woman suffering from a #mentalhealthcondition and was throwing objects onto the pavement.
“There’s a person, there’s a human being, there’s a loved one up there,” Yakots said. “That’s why we take the time to build that rapport to get them down safely.”
In both incidents police were able to safely bring these people back to the ground without injuries.
It caused a traffic nightmare for many, frustrating commuters trying to get around town. Portland police do work with transportation partners to ease the traffic impact, but when a life is on the line the way police respond cannot be rushed.
“By and large it’s patience, it’s building that rapport, talking slow, letting the person digest what the officer is telling them,” Yakots said. “And then, we’re very, very successful in getting that person back over the railing.”
Police got the people involved in both incidents to a hospital to be evaluated. But tackling mental health issues starts with the community, before it gets to the point of crisis.
“We know that there’s hope. We know that there’s recovery and we know that interventions can save lives,” Deborah Zwetchkenbaum with Lines for Life said.
Lines for Life is a local nonprofit dedicated to preventing substance abuse and #suicide. Zwetchkenbaum works with their crisis intervention line and says being part of the solution starts with being aware and listening to those around you.
“When we can slow down enough to really just give that person a chance to tell their story, to let that pain out and – even if we can’t change anything about their circumstance,” she said. “If we can really hear them and acknowledge their feelings and let them know we see them – I see you, I hear you, I care. That message can save lives.”
Resources
Learn more about the warning signs and risk factors from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
Get help now from the Lines for Life crisis line at 800-273-8255 or text ‘273Talk’ to 839863.
Find more resources for Lines for Life at: https://www.linesforlife.org/
#TheNationalSuicidePreventionLifeline can be reached at 800-273-8255. The Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7 crisis support by text. Text 741741 to be connected to a trained counselor.
Help is available for community members struggling from a #mentalhealth crisis or suicidal thoughts. Suicide is preventable.
The Multnomah County Mental Health Call Center is available 24 hours a day at 503-988-4888.
If you or someone you know needs help with #suicidal thoughts or is otherwise in an immediate #mentalhealth crisis, please visit Cascadia or call 503-963-2575. Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare has an urgent walk-in clinic, open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Payment is not necessary.
Information about the Portland Police Bureau’s Behavioral Health Unit (BHU) and additional resources can be found here.
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
