September was Suicide Prevention Month and it serves only proper to address this issue again since the holidays are rapidly approaching. For many veterans, seasonal cluster craziness can pound them mercilessly. PTSD and other mental health issues that go on undiagnosed and untreated, or sometimes ignored, can lead to the most desperate and tragic endings for a veteran. The unique healthcare needs of Vietnam veterans, whose mental health care went sadly unaddressed,and the new population of military folk, both men and women returning from the Middle East, must be addressed.
The results are staggering regarding the increase of vet suicides since 2014.
Since 2001, the rate of suicide among U.S. Veteran males has increased by 30.5%
Since 2001, the rate of suicide among U.S. Veteran females has increased by 85.2%.
Did that get your attention?
It’s pretty shocking. If you have a veteran in your family, and looks like they may be troubled, reach out. Find someone you can contact so you will be confident as well as compassionate and understanding when approaching them. (please see our Resource Page, Mental Health)
Veterans Day could be a challenging day for many veterans, some of who decided to deal with their memories in a different manner. And before you know it, Thanksgiving is staring you in the face and Christmas isn’t far behind. Feeling alone, desperate, afraid? Ask a friend over, or be bold and invite yourself over.
If you need a rope thrown out to you immediately, ask, pick the cell. It’s never too late.
Help is available. If you’re a vet and strugglings with some of the issues described, don’t hesitate, don’t be afraid and don’t be embarrassed. You’re human…and it’s okay to ask for help. No one is going to judge. If anything, people want to help, especially a veteran. Chat rooms, veteran meetings (like our compatriot meetings), and organizations will welcome vets and their families who feel quite helpless when dealing with mental health issues and suicide.
To all the families who have experienced the suicide of loved one who was a vet, we encourage you to reach to the other veterans who are still with us and struggling. The VA offers coaching programs, and local therapists and counselors are available to help you help them and help yourself. Many veterans do not seek treatment for many reason such as : it’s not effective; people would lose respect for them; privacy issues; and costs and availability. They are barriers that can be broken with the recognition of the human condition.
Please take the time to go to our Resource page for important information that can help you, a fellow vet or loved one with the dignified treatment and care they deserve. You can also visit VeteransCrisisLine.net/BeThere.
