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#SeptemberisNationalSuicidePreventionMonth – Speak Openly About #Suicide; It Could Save Someone’s Life
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Someone may hear you and call a friend who has isolated themselves and they may prevent that final disconnection
By Readers’ Forum
Artist Roger Whiting, of Community Arts of Utah, left, and project assistant Mati Simonds stand near their mosaic mural on 2700 West between 3500 South and 3100 South in West Valley City on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. Earlier, Gov. Spencer Cox and West Valley Mayor Ron Bigalow held a bilingual press event at West Valley City Hall to unveil the mural, dedicated to those who have taken their own lives, and a media campaign to raise awareness of mental health and #suicideprevention resources available to Utah’s Latino community.
I am slowly processing my brother’s death by #suicide. In the past, I have consoled friends when someone they knew died of #suicide. I never thought I would be a member of the club.
I’ve learned that a depressed person may never become suicidal and a person who has never been depressed can become suicidal. That sometimes what you have been able to cope with in the past, you are no longer able to. There is no light at the end of the tunnel and you are not able to reach out. No matter how strong you are, like my brother, you just can’t do it anymore.
#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
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book, #CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
By speaking openly about #suicide, we not only reduce the #stigma, we can help others. Someone may hear you and seek help. Someone may hear you and call a friend who has isolated themselves and they may prevent that final disconnection.
I am slowly telling friends about my brother’s death. It takes a lot of energy. I hope that by honoring his life and sharing, it will lead to something positive; that it could one day save someone’s life or help someone who has lost someone feel so not alone and less pain.
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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:
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 [email protected] 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
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