Posted on Apr 23, 2015
Is there really an 'acceptable' veteran suicide rate?
Suspended Profile
3.64K
10
14
Saw a commercial in which they said that suicide rates among veterans is at an unacceptable level. What concerns me is the word unacceptable....that implies that there is an acceptable level of suicides among veterans. I would have to say there there is no acceptable rate of suicide among veterans or for that matter in any demographic. Anyway please lookout for your fellow man and if you think someone needs help please intervene.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] and Press 1
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans Crisis Line [login to see] and Press 1
Posted in these groups: 
Leadership
Troops
Leadership Troops
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
So here i go with my honest and humble opinion.
While i believe we will never win the war on suicide we must keep trying. The only acceptable number is the number of people we save from following through with suicide. I was almost part of that statistic in Afghanistan, and my brother while he was in Iraq. We both pulled through and are happy and alive now. Had i had less of a support system or my NCO hadn't cared so much I probably wouldn't be here. We MUST be vigilant in this endeavor. Suicide is a serious issue and we must have a full support system to include Medical, personal, and professional support to even attempt to win this fight. If one link in the chain fails we all fail!
While i believe we will never win the war on suicide we must keep trying. The only acceptable number is the number of people we save from following through with suicide. I was almost part of that statistic in Afghanistan, and my brother while he was in Iraq. We both pulled through and are happy and alive now. Had i had less of a support system or my NCO hadn't cared so much I probably wouldn't be here. We MUST be vigilant in this endeavor. Suicide is a serious issue and we must have a full support system to include Medical, personal, and professional support to even attempt to win this fight. If one link in the chain fails we all fail!
Suspended Profile
Thank you for sharing.
I don't see it that way. Saying unacceptable is not stating or implying there is an acceptable rate. We will strive for 0%, but that is impossible. Anything greater than 0% is unacceptable.
Suspended Profile
Concur However still wish zero was a the goal.....although unfortunately we all know that is probably not foreseeable it does not mean it's not achievable
MAJ Ken Landgren
Some of the Vietnam Vets are avoiding the government and possibly society. I guess that's when family members or friends take the first step with them, but I really am not all knowing about these Vets.
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google