#SeptemberisNationalSuicidePreventionMonth – Social interactions are essential to mental health and suicide prevention

By: Chris Bovia

The Surgeon General declared loneliness an epidemic earlier this year, following the isolating events of the global pandemic.

Priority Health says it’s one of the strongest predictors of suicidal ideation and attempts.

With more than 1 in 5 adults and over 1 in 3 young adults living with mental health issues in the US, it’s more important than ever to offer connection to those struggling— often in silence.

A person struggling or experiencing a mental health crisis may seem withdrawn, become aggressive, experience mood swings, or stop participating in activities they once enjoyed.

They may even push back against social interactions, but it’s important to keep reaching out.

Social interactions add to the coding of your brain and impact everything from confidence and anxiety to your risk for common health issues— but it’s definitely one of those things where quality is more important than quantity, though. Deeper connections are more beneficial because they create a positive outlook and improve health.

#James Donaldson 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
Find out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundation
website www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy

Link for 40 Habits Signup
bit.ly/40HabitsofMentalHealth

www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com

How to help someone in crisis
Act quickly
Reach out and keep reaching out
Be patient, but honest about your concerns
Don’t shy away from asking direct questions like “do you plan to kill or hurt yourself?”
Express support
Call 988 for support and advice
Call 911 if you feel someone might be in danger of committing suicide.

If you or a loved one are struggling with loneliness or other mental health issues, reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for help.

You are not alone.

Priority Health members also have access to myStrength, a self-help virtual tool featuring a section specific to thoughts of suicide, self-care, and coping skills critical to build up your mental well-being.

Please follow and like us:

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