What You Need to Know
By
Today’s topic is heavy, but it is also necessary. With #suicide on the rise within and outside of the faith community, it is time we discuss this subject that for some is still considered taboo. #Suicide affects individuals regardless of race, culture, gender, religious beliefs and socioeconomic status. It is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States. What is also important to note is that #suicide is not relegated to a particular age group. More and more youth are determining #suicide to be the best option for dealing with the pressures of life. We need to explore why #suicide occurs and how it can be prevented.
First, let’s explore the reasons for #suicide. There is no single cause for #suicide. It can and does occur for a myriad of reasons. #Suicide can occur when a person experiences #depression, #anxiety, a sense of hopelessness and/or despair. An individual can become suicidal when their #mentalhealth goes unmanaged and unaddressed.
A person experiencing severe changes in behavior or beginning to engage in entirely new behavior that is uncharacteristic may be at risk for #suicide. Other factors may heighten someone’s risk. These risks include but are not limited to: feeling hopeless, feeling like a burden to others, talk of #suicide, increased substance abuse, insomnia, increased fatigue, giving away prized possessions, previous #suicide attempts, family history of #suicide.
In these and many other instances, it is important for the child or adult that is affected to understand that they have a support system and that their life has value. It is also important to take any warning signs seriously. Encourage a potentially suicidal person to seek professional help through a therapist, call a hotline and be willing to discuss what is bothering them.
Suicide occurs when an individual’s life stressors exceed their current coping capabilities. Many times for children, bullying, abuse and other forms of trauma render them unable to deal with their experiences if professional guidance is not applied. Never underestimate when a child or adult discusses their trauma or pain. Even if the situation seems insignificant to you, remember that our perception is our reality. Your support, love and listening ear may be just what a vulnerable person needs in order to overcome thoughts of #suicide.
#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
I also want to encourage leaders to remind their congregations, employees and circle of influence to get help when needed. It is absolutely OK to not be OK! Additionally, leaders should take time to ensure their own #mentalhealth is being managed on a consistent basis. Pastors, CEOs and community leaders are not exempt from struggling. At one point or another, we all feel anxious and overwhelmed.
The key is to speak with a trained professional at the onset of these feelings in order to ensure our emotions remain in balance. #Suicide does not have to consume us, we can demolish it by continuing the conversation, being informed and looking out for signs. Together, we can greatly reduce the rate of #suicide among our children and within our communities at large.
Be Well,
Mya
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
