Each year the day is held to help raise awareness of #mentalhealthissues and encourage open conversations for sufferers
THURSDAY is #WorldMentalHealthDay and there are lots of ways you can get involved to raise awareness or money.
The day occurs annually on October 10 – but what else do we know? Here’s all the information you need.
What is #WorldMentalHealthDay?
The event takes place every year on October 10 and it aims to educate and raise awareness of #mentalhealthissues.
The day was set up by the World Federation for #MentalHealth and it was first celebrated in 1992.
Each year the event has a different theme and this year it’s psychological first aid and the support people can provide to others in distress.
#Suicideprevention is the primary focus for the 2019 theme for #WorldMentalHealthDay.
#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
Why are #mentalhealthissues important?
According to the World Health Organisation, “if we don’t act urgently, by 2030 #depression will be the leading illness globally.”
And while #suicide isn’t always related to #mentalhealth problems, there are links, and currently suicide is the most common cause for for men aged 20-49 years in England and Wales.
Having said that, you shouldn’t always assume that someone suffering from #mentalillness is also suicidal – but it makes it clear that more needs to be done.
This can range from improvements in #mentalhealth care provision on the NHS to more open conversations about #mentalhealth.
Other #mentalhealth facts to bear in mind
1. Mixed #anxiety and #depression is the most common mental disorder in Britain.
2. As many as 10 per cent of people in England will experience #depression in their lifetime.
3. The poorer and more disadvantaged are disproportionately affected by common #mentalhealth problems and their adverse consequences.
4. Ten per cent of mothers and six per cent of fathers in the UK have #mentalhealth problems at any given time.
5. One in five teens experience a #mentalhealth problem in any given year.
All statistics from The #MentalHealthFoundation.
How can you get involved?
You can get involved in a number of ways, including hosting a Tea&Talk fundraising event for friends and family.
If you want to hold one, simple gather up some people and talk about #mentalhealthissues over a tea and possibly biscuits.
If you want to make a donation to the #MentalHealthFoundation, text THRIVE to 70300 to give £3 or donate online.
Those interested can take action by educating themselves about #mentalhealth and recognise the signs of #mentalhealthissues.
They can also organise conversations at offices, schools and their local community with friends, neighbours and family members about the importance of #mentalhealth and how to quickly recognise the signs of #mentalhealth problems such as #depression.
Other ways to observe World Mental Health Day include volunteering or donating to #mentalhealth clinics and services that help people suffering from #mentalhealthissues, registering for group therapy sessions and practising proper #mentalhealth self-care for themselves, such as by exercising, eating healthy, volunteering, meditating and seeking counselling if necessary.
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
