Commentary: Halting vet suicides requires culture change. What do you think?

2015-05-19T16:14:41-04:00

According to the most frequently cited estimate, 22 veterans commit suicide every day. That figure comes from a report prepared by Veterans Affairs Department researchers, and it represents only a best estimate based on limited data, since there is no comprehensive tracking of veterans after they leave the service. Many believe the true number to be significantly higher.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/opinion/2015/05/19/stopping-veteran-suicide/27533823/

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made May 19 at 2015 4:14 PM

2015-05-19T16:14:25-04:00

Not sure. Once a vet or anyone has sunk to the point where suicide is their only option, can anybody really bring them back from the brink. Yes vets face larger and different obstacles than the average civilian. and the level of care at VA and other facilities may be a factor in turning a vet towards suicide, but have they really exhausted everything at their disposal to get help or have they simply given up because of the frustration they have or are facing? Any change in culture towards those facing suicide would be positive, but it seems in so many cases that even though the help was offered or resources made available, the victims didn't reach out far enough or often enough to get what they needed and that is what truly makes for a tragic situation.