By JOANNA SANDERSThe Jason Foundation

This time of year, filled with the holidays, quality time with friends and loved ones, and the sense of a fresh start can be a meaningful time for many. It’s a season most people look forward to, but for some, it can increase anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation. This holiday season, make time in your busy schedule to learn the warning signs of suicide, encourage your friends and family to do the same and know how to respond when someone asks for help.

Holidays can bring joy and connection, but they can also amplify feelings of isolation or sadness for those struggling with their mental health. Additional financial stress, increased social pressure and isolation can lead to serious mental health concerns if left unaddressed. In 2014, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) found that 64 percent of individuals living with a mental illness reported their conditions worsened around the holidays. A 2021 survey found that three in five Americans feel their mental health is negatively affected by the holidays.

#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/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite 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

Click Here For More Information About James Donaldson

Click here to follow James Donaldson's Blog

Four out of five individuals considering suicide show some sign of their intentions, either verbally or behaviorally. Warning signs may include verbal threats about suicide, persistent depression, sudden changes in appearance or behavior and a loss of interest in hobbies once enjoyed. Recognizing these signs can help you respond before a situation becomes a crisis. https://standingabovethecrowd.com/?p=16245