OCTOBER 10, 2019
#WORLDMENTALHEALTHDAY
Annually, #WorldMentalHealthDay on October 10th raises awareness and mobilizes efforts to support #mentalhealth.
#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
#Mentalhealth is a hot topic. This is good news. It means the #stigma for #mentalhealthissues is slowly going away. #Mentalhealthissues are finally getting the attention they deserve. Healthcare workers and individuals feel they can discuss #mentalhealth more openly. However, that doesn’t mean there isn’t still work to do, however.
As a whole, we often misunderstand #mentalhealth because it is hard to define. Additionally, #mentalhealth includes several areas. These areas involve one’s social, emotional, and psychological well-being. #Mentalhealth affects thoughts, feelings, and actions. When one has positive #mentalhealth, they are better equipped to handle stress, be more productive, and realize their full potential.
When one has poor #mentalhealth, they are more likely to suffer from a #mentalhealth disorder. These disorders include the following diagnoses:
- #Depression
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Panic disorder
- Phobias
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (#PTSD)
Of these #mentalhealth disorders, most people experience #anxiety disorders. Statistics show about 4% of the world’s population has a form of anxiety disorder. In the United States, the percentage increases to just over 18% of the population.
Some people are at a higher risk of getting a #mentalhealth disorder. These include those with high-stress levels, those who have experienced trauma, and those who have few healthy relationships. However, family history plays a role in higher risk factors, too.
Thanks to increased awareness and increased funding for research, there are effective treatment options for most cases of #mentalhealth disorders. Conventional treatment methods include medication, psychotherapy, and hospital and residential programs.
HOW TO OBSERVE #MentalHealthDay
The #WorldFederationforMentalHealth organizes #WorldMentalHealthDay. Each year, a variety of events are held all around the world to increase awareness about #mentalhealthissues. Events include educational seminars, free #mentalhealth screenings, walk-a-thons, marathons, conferences, mass media promotions, and public service announcements.
If you know someone who struggles with a #mentalhealth disorder, #WorldMentalHealthDay is a great way to reach out to them. While many people don’t feel comfortable talking to others about their diagnosis, knowing they have someone to reach out to makes a real difference. You can also donate to an organization that advocates for #mentalhealth. A few include the #NationalAllianceonMentalHealth (#NAMI) and the Brain and Behavior Research Foundation. If you think you might have a mental health disorder or are at a high risk of getting one, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Share this day on social media with #WorldMentalHealthDay.
#WORLDMENTALHEALTHDAY HISTORY
The #WorldFederationforMentalHealth first observed #WorldMentalHealthDay in 1992 with members and contacts in many countries. While the federations first used a theme in 1994, previous years did not. The first theme was “Improving the Quality of Mental Health Services throughout the World.” Twenty-seven countries participated in that campaign.In 1995, the World Federation for Mental Health translated planning kits for #WorldMentalHealthDay into various languages. These languages included Spanish and French. Today, planning kits are translated into Hindi, Chinese, Arabic, and other languages.
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
