CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Taking care of Dad goes far beyond the physical factors. Doctor Kenneth Perry at Trident Medical says #mentalhealthawareness is important to fighting the #stigma behind it.
“But people still feel concerned in bringing up the fact that maybe they’re not as happy as they used to be,” Perry said. “Maybe they’re just not finding joy in the things that they used to find joy in.”
#MentalHealthAmerica reports more than 6-million men to suffer from #depression each year.
“Older males who have either been widowed or are alone for some reason, they have a really high risk of #mentalhealth and #suicide,” said Perry.
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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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The site reports more than four times as many men die by #suicide than #women in America. But #mentalhealth doesn’t only affect older men.
“It’s across the entire spectrum,” Perry said. “So no matter what age dad is, it’s important to make sure that you’re keeping engaged, and if there is something, bring it up. Don’t worry about talking about it.”
Doctor Perry says people sometimes resort to exercise as a means of overcoming #mentalhealth issues, thinking a job around the block can help them get back on track.
“#Mentalhealth is not something that you can fix just with exercise,” Perry said. “It sometimes takes counseling. It sometimes takes medication. And sometimes, it’s really intensive counseling.”
Perry said it’s important to know that #mentalhealth is a real disease that needs a lot of intervention.
“Sometimes you need to switch it up,” Perry said. “But make sure you’re talking to your family and realize that sometimes we all have to make a change.”
You should also consult with your doctor.
And know that it’s okay to not be okay.
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
