Submitted by the Community Health Plan of Washington.
Spring is in the air, bringing joy to many Washingtonians, but behind closed doors, some may struggle with thoughts of #suicide. We often associate the gloomy winter months with #depression, but data actually shows that in spring, suicide rates skyrocket, especially among teenagers and the elderly.
During these months it’s especially important to understand how to identify people who may be suffering and how to navigate getting help. #Depression is a disease – it is not a character flaw, and it doesn’t mean you are bad, weak or going crazy.
Feelings of #depression can lead to thoughts about #suicide. While people may feel helpless, hopeless and worthless, it doesn’t mean they want to die, but they may see suicide as an option to end the pain.
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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
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While it’s hard to know what to watch for, warning signs of suicide may include:
• Talking about death, including killing themselves, feeling hopeless, having no reason to live, being a burden, feeling trapped in life, or being in unbearable pain.
• Experiencing moods that reflect depression, #anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, shame or agitation.
• Engaging in certain behaviors, like increased alcohol or drug use, searching online for a way to end their life, withdrawing from activities and loved ones, dramatic sleep changes or going out of their way to say goodbye to people.
It’s important to note that these are warning signs and do not necessarily mean that the person is planning to do something. However, it’s critical to take any mention of suicide seriously. If you are concerned about someone, don’t be afraid to ask what’s wrong or bring up the subject of suicide. Offer your support by being kind and patient, offering to help and reassuring the person that they will get better with the right kind of treatment.
If someone you know is threatening suicide, Healthwise encourages the following steps to get help immediately: Call 911, the police or a suicide hotline – the #NationalSuicidePreventionLifeline’s phone number is 1-800-273-8255. Stay with the person. If you can’t, ask someone you trust to stay with them. Encourage the person to seek professional help. Don’t argue with the person (“It’s not as bad as you think”) or challenge the person (“You’re not the type to attempt suicide”). Tell the person you do not want them to die.
Community Health Plan of Washington’s online Mental Health Resource Center (https://www.chpw.org/for-members/mental-health-resources/) is free and aims to ensure people across Washington have access to information they need on mental health. The anonymous tool offers access to providers, crisis helplines, local support groups and information on managing #mentalhealth conditions.
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
