#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
*A study from The University of Toledo examined the suicidal behaviors of #BlackAmerican adolescents between the ages of 13 and 19, and determined there is a vital need for #mentalhealthservices in urban school districts.
As reported by medicalexpress.com, Dr. James Price, professor emeritus of health education and public health at UToledo, authored the study — published in the Journal of Community Health — which found “the rate of #suicide deaths among young #blackmales increased by 60 percent from 2001 through 2017,” the report states. When it comes to suicide deaths of young black females during that same time period, the rate increased 182 percent.
Georgia reportedly has the highest rate in the nation, followed by Texas, Florida, North Carolina and Ohio.
“There are far more #AfricanAmerican adolescents attempting #suicide than has been recognized in the past, and their attempts are starting to be much more lethal,” Price said.
#Suicide is the second leading cause of death after homicide for #BlackAmericans between the ages of 13 and 19, and most opt to die by way of a firearm.
“When we look at research with these adolescents, we find that they report their attempt to suicide is a cry for help. Two-thirds of the kids didn’t really want to die, but they’re using the most lethal form of attempting #suicide,” Price said. “If you can have those lethal forms of #suicide inaccessible to them, then that period of crisis and not seeing the irreversibility of this impulsive decision will pass. And with adequate #mentalhealth services available to young people, you may actually reduce the chance they’ll do that act again.”
July is #MinorityMentalHealthMonth. No matter what your background is, we’re here for you, 24/7/365. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) whenever you need someone to talk to. 631:45 PM – Jul 1, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy74 people are talking about this
The research suggests parents and caregivers who own a handgun to keep them unloaded and locked away and separate from ammunition.
“What needs to be done early on is to make sure that young people have adequate access to #mentalhealth-care services, and mental health-care services have always taken a backseat to other forms of health care,” Price explained. “If you look at where young people in urban areas, especially adolescents, are getting #mentalhealthcare, it’s in the schools.”
Researchers believe that an increase in #mentalhealthaccess in urban public schools could reduce #suicide attempts by as much as 15 percent, according to the report.
“While that doesn’t solve all the problems, it’s a good first step toward reducing the problem toward severe self-violence,” said Price.
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
