Is it possible to put an end to PTSD Suicides Once and for all?

2016-01-13T10:02:47-05:00

I'd like to challenge each and every one of my brothers and sisters, and our civilian supporters as well, to help us stop even one PTSD/TBI or MST-related suicide today.

Go to Sponsor A Vet Life today to learn more about how you can truly help us save a Vet Life. http://www.sponsoravet.life
Please email me with your questions as well at [login to see]
This is the new me.

COL Mikel Burroughs

savl

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 10:16 AM

2016-01-13T10:16:29-05:00

Thanks for the link... I'll check it out.

Response by CMSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 10:17 AM

2016-01-13T10:17:43-05:00

Cannot see a way! Suicide is a very personal decision and people have different elements that trigger the end.

Response by SSgt David Tedrow made Jan 13 at 2016 10:45 AM

2016-01-13T10:45:35-05:00

I don't think it is possible to end PTSD suicides all together, but I do think we can greatly decrease the numbers if we are not afraid to talk about it and educate more people about PTSD. There are to many stigmas associated with PTSD and our President has started to make it less likely that some will come forward by putting mental health issues such as PTSD as a possible way to loose rights to own or posses a firearm.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Jan 13 at 2016 11:55 AM

2016-01-13T11:55:57-05:00

Gunny, we'll never end them, but we can certainly put a dent in them... There are two components needed: The veteran/servicemember needs to seek help, and there need to be people out there to help them.

I work with a severely traumatized vet who won't take anyone's advice. Instead she spends huge amounts of money on marijuana every month. We can all see that this isn't working - except her... Until she wants to change, nothing will happen...

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Jan 13 at 2016 12:04 PM

2016-01-13T12:04:06-05:00

That would be wonderful GySgt Bryan A. McGown "Gunny". My gut reaction is that eliminating suicide resulting from PTSD is a worthy goal but a nearly impossible dream to fulfill.
The best hopes I have seen in helping the clinically depressed turn away from suicide is one of one friendship where truth is communicated and deep issues can be freely discussed -which can lead to intervention. Unfortunately, I have know many successful suicides and a few successes in people turning away from severe depression and suicide. It is always tremendously sad when somebody takes there own life without harming anybody else - except for the emotional pain which results.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 12:06 PM

2016-01-13T12:06:33-05:00

We need to implement SOP's at unit level that the S1 should follow up with redeployed soldiers,

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 12:07 PM

2016-01-13T12:07:57-05:00

We may have better luck if we can get over the fact that reading power point slides about suicide once a year is not the way to fix the issue.

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 13 at 2016 12:19 PM

2016-01-13T12:19:21-05:00

To end it altogether would be nice, but I don't think there is a way to completely end it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 13 at 2016 12:28 PM

2016-01-13T12:28:36-05:00

Gunny, not in "my lifetime" too many triggers to overcome. However, with a truthful dialogue and more understanding as to what PTSD is and how it affects the mind. Individuals that have not been placed in a situation that requires constant alertness, ability to kill another human being, ability to watch your friend be killed, see, feel your friend scream with blood pouring out, not sleeping for days. Once it's been imprinted, and you think about it on a daily basis, not because you want to, it just "seeps" into your thoughts, and it's like you're right there again, it's in your dreams, you cry at the drop of a pin, that's just PTSD. Anger issues, anxiety, paranoia, OCD, etc..
As a friend of mine tells me, "baby steps", good advice, however suicide usually IS baby steps, then the climax.
We have a lot of work to do.
Maybe not in my lifetime, but definitely in the next generation. De Oppresso Liber!

Response by LCpl Daniel Wildman made Jan 13 at 2016 3:50 PM

2016-01-13T15:50:04-05:00

I firmly believe that it is impossible to stop all PTSD/ TBI suicides. I think the VA doesnt really help they drug up the patients and they get disability. They never tackle the issue either or get to the root of the problem they drug you up and send you away.

Response by SFC Karen Lassiter made Jan 13 at 2016 5:13 PM

2016-01-13T17:13:27-05:00

I cannot participate in this challenge because everyday is a struggle for someone with PTSD and getting the proper treatment takes an act of congress in my opinion. Too many times I have felt like giving up because instead of getting better I felt I was getting worse. There are too many triggers to deal with and while are these articles are out there, doctors really have no idea on how to treat PTSD/TBI, they're just running experiments. For the individual this could be devastating and the only way to feel free is to commit suicide, it's sad but that's my reality.

Response by PO2 Peter Klein made Jan 13 at 2016 10:16 PM

2016-01-13T22:16:30-05:00

Stop war and you have a chance.