Q&A with Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen to discuss how together, we will prevent suicide for Service members and Veterans. Submit questions below!

RallyPoint News — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:30:20 -0400

Join a live Q&A with Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD and Travis Bartholomew to discuss how together, we will prevent suicide for Service members and Veterans. Submit your questions below!

Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen-
Dr. Van Dahlen, a licensed clinical psychologist, was appointed to lead the PREVENTS Task Force in July 2019. She is the Founder of Give an Hour, a national nonprofit that provides free mental health care to those in need including service members, Veterans and their families. In 2012, she was named to TIME magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

Dr. Van Dahlen is an expert on the psychological impact of war and a thought leader in mobilizing constituencies to create large system change. She is widely recognized for her work in changing the culture associated with mental health. A licensed clinical psychologist who practiced in the Washington, D.C. area for over 20 years, she received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Maryland in 1991.

PREVENTS Background-
Executive Order 13861: Signed on March 5, 2019, the President's Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) is a call to action to amplify and accelerate the progress in addressing the Veteran suicide epidemic in our Nation. While there have been other efforts to address suicide prevention, this is a cabinet-level, inter-agency effort charged with developing the first federally coordinated national public health strategy to address suicide.

The goal of PREVENTS is to prevent suicide — among not just Veterans but all Americans. By adopting a holistic public health approach, PREVENTS is acting on the knowledge that suicide prevention is everyone’s business, and that by working together, locally and nationally, we can prevent suicide.

PREVENTS is building on the critical successes of suicide prevention pioneers and agencies working with Service members and Veterans. The PREVENTS Task Force is partnering with stakeholders from multiple sectors, including nonprofits, state and local organizations, Fortune 500 companies, and government leaders, to implement best practices to improve health and prevent suicide.

PREVENTS recently launched REACH, the Nation’s largest public health campaign with the central message that suicide is preventable. The REACH campaign recognizes that to prevent suicide, we must reach beyond what we have done before– including the way we think about, talk about, and address emotional pain and suffering. The REACH campaign is for everyone because we all have risk and protective factors that we need to recognize and understand.

Response by Lt Col Charlie Brown made Aug 6 at 2020 7:35 AM

Lt Col Charlie Brown — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:35:00 -0400

How do we get the military Services to adopt an escort policy to the hospital for those who self identify "at risk"?
How can we lift the stigma of asking for help?

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Aug 6 at 2020 7:35 AM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 07:35:44 -0400

No questions ma'am, just thanking you for your service to veterans.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Aug 6 at 2020 12:49 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 12:49:05 -0400

@ PREVENTS: At the risk of repeating myself, the phone number for The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is as follows: [login to see] ,
Please, kindly, press the number One (1) for: Active Duty troops; and, for Veterans.

Response by PVT Mark Zehner made Aug 6 at 2020 2:43 PM

PVT Mark Zehner — Thu, 06 Aug 2020 14:43:55 -0400

Thank you for the information!

Response by Wayne Soares made Aug 7 at 2020 8:47 AM

Wayne Soares — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 08:47:26 -0400

Great share

Response by CPT David Gowel made Aug 7 at 2020 2:06 PM

CPT David Gowel — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 14:06:43 -0400

Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD Thank you for joining us on RallyPoint. I like that your strategy doesn't make suicide look like it's just a MilVet problem, but recognizes that nobody is immune to suicide and the only way to attack Veteran suicide is to attack it for civilians as well. What can those of us who are not mental health professionals / suicide experts do to help in PREVENTS' work? Also, what are the mistakes that well-intentioned people most often make in trying to help those struggling with suicidal thoughts?

Response by Capt Brandon Charters made Aug 7 at 2020 5:08 PM

Capt Brandon Charters — Fri, 07 Aug 2020 17:08:00 -0400

Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD, thanks for joining us. In my experience, the hardest part of getting a fellow veteran help is in the handoff. What can we do immediately to help veterans who might be suicidal and how do we properly bring in the help of professionals without dropping the ball or making the other veteran feel reported or ashamed?

Response by SSgt Richard Kensinger made Aug 8 at 2020 9:39 AM

SSgt Richard Kensinger — Sat, 08 Aug 2020 09:39:39 -0400

I too conduct clinical research on combat trauma and its relationship to suicide. I've also conducted root-cause analyses and biopsychosocial autopsies on completed suicides of those receiving care. As only 6 of 20 suicides per day are receiving care via a VAC, how do we enhance a vets pre-engagement and persisting engagement in care? I believe we are already clear of the essential risk factors.
Rich

Response by Capt Rich Buckley made Aug 10 at 2020 4:58 PM

Capt Rich Buckley — Mon, 10 Aug 2020 16:58:27 -0400

I hold great regard for Suicide Prevention theories and the resultant applications that weave their way into allopathic medicine. As an advocate and practitioner of recreational therapy, past life deep trance hypnosis, there seem to be signs and intuitions I remain alert to ...”I’ve tried everything; you’re my last hope,” causes an inner pause of private concern before proceeding with the hypnosis session.

Strangely, deep trance somnambulistic hypnosis pretends to skirt directly focusing on the concern expressed by the client. Skirting the topic allows room for the client’s subconscious to focus on root issues. Most Clients seem to have little idea why they feel the way they do. They think they know the source of their depression but they do not. There are exceptions of course, trauma being one exception.

”I’ve tried everything; you’re my last hope,” is the desperate conscious self responding. The Subconscious on the other hand, has it’s own remedies. https://1fpkq.edit.ihouseelite.com/quantum-healing-for-any-veteran

I am the last person that can explain why hypnosis helps. I’ve read a number of very sophisticated medical doctors explain mind placisity and realignment. It’s all above me. I just observe that somnambulistic trance work seems to help with you healing yourself in deep trance and me only serving as a guide to get you there.

quantum-healing-for-any-veteran

Response by PO3 Anthony LaMonte made Aug 11 at 2020 7:51 PM

PO3 Anthony LaMonte — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 19:51:53 -0400

It seems the only answer for people who are struggling is to keep medicating them with as many prescriptions that we can. There has to be a better way.

Response by Maj Curt Eckert made Aug 11 at 2020 7:53 PM

Maj Curt Eckert — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 19:53:20 -0400

Ok, I am not as tech savvy that I would like to be. Where is the original question? I am 100% Mentally Disabled with Chronic PTSD and Major Depression. I fight myself to get up and get busy, yes I am on psychotropics too. I see a VA Psychiatrist and I see (televideo) a VA Psychologist. I also see a civilian psychiatrist (phone call) for Wellbutron as I have been diagnosed with Adult ADD. I am on Modafinil for daytime sleepiness from a Sleep Doctor as I have Obstructive Sleep Apnea. I am on cymbalta for depression, but it doesn't work. I was on Prazosin to help stop my thrashing at night, but I need to be on Terazosin instead because of prostate issues. So I prefer thrashing instead of getting up every hour to relieve my bladder. Am I suicidal. I am a student of One Day at a time. Today I am ok, tired perhaps, but ok.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 11 at 2020 8:05 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:05:33 -0400

I served 6 years in the army and after I was discharged back to civilian life I tried to commit suicide by shooting myself in the chest with a 22 caliber pistol, and somehow I survived, but I am disabled the rest of my life. And can't get the V.A. to help me.

Response by Conni Eckstein made Aug 11 at 2020 8:25 PM

Conni Eckstein — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:25:03 -0400

What is the plan to help veterans reduce the suicide stressors including maneuvering the complicated VA system for benefits and medical assistance? How will you include the vast network of non-profits who offer veterans services? How will you monitor the veterans to ensure they are taking the steps needed to improve their lives? How will you include caregivers and family members in the veteran's care plan? I'm a suicide loss survivor; my son suicided in 2013 after his tour of Iraq in 2008 and after his diagnosis of PTSD and after he was unable to get appropriate assistance with the problems that piled up creating an environment ripe for suicide ideation.

Response by Jo Reynolds made Aug 11 at 2020 8:43 PM

Jo Reynolds — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:43:38 -0400

As a mom/caretaker of a military personnel suicide, my 28 yr old sons’ story is a little different and somewhat controversial. (Long story)
****************************
I also am curious about the possible link between Agent Orange that was used in Vietnam and its potential medical and psychological effects it had on the soldiers to INCLUDE that soldiers biological children, their children and so on down the DNA line, replicating itself over and over. (Google it) The exhausting list includes mental health issue to name a few. (My sons biological father served in Vietnam and was exposed to Agent Orange.)

Response by PO3 Michael Dean made Aug 11 at 2020 8:50 PM

PO3 Michael Dean — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:50:28 -0400

Hello and thank you for helping Veterans with this difficult subject. I, thankfully just ended my life's biggest battle, getting the benefits I was guaranteed by contract with my own country from the V.A. I had to fight for over 11 years! I believe this is one of the major reasons vets commit suicide. Nobody listens and the system is hostile and made to work against vets. If the system were fair I think it would cut down on a good percentage of deaths due to giving some people hope for the future. I lost EVERYTHING before the V.A. awarded me 100% P&T with backpay.

Response by SGT Philip Castro made Aug 11 at 2020 8:53 PM

SGT Philip Castro — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 20:53:48 -0400

My comment joins dec.15 1974 on delay program 6 month to finish high school sent to basic training as Reserves lost out GI bill when active 1978 while going to basic training to FT.KNOX start My PTSD by removing body from a C31 aircraft coming from Vietnam july 1975. So after 30 with a service connection for my amputation for only 30% after 20 yrs fighting and denial for PTSD over 5 time get only medical help with a psych once a month with heavy medication and to had to resigned from a state job of 14 yrs. But THE VTC with can not do anything for you but maybe increase on your device connection to HIGHTER REVIEW I HAVE SPEND OVET $ 1700.00 trying together help. But I will serve my country even if I'm Puerto Rican.

Response by Cpl Adrian Blumberg made Aug 11 at 2020 9:21 PM

Cpl Adrian Blumberg — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 21:21:25 -0400

Why isn't the Veterans Organization and VSO's out physically knocking on isolated and at-risk veteran's doors, showing that we still care about them, and are thinking about them, and providing them pathways back to engagement with community? Understanding that privacy is a concern for veterans who are not at risk, while recognizing that the current policy of sending mailers through the post office, or emails to their inbox, is simply NOT enough, and in fact are MORE likely to aggravate the isolation, while increasing risk of suicide?! If WE, meaning the VA, VSOs, and veterans as a whole, REALLY cared, we would show our faces on their doorstep, we would call every week and see if they wanted to go get a coffee or go for a walk, and yet WE DO NOT DO THAT!
This crisis has gone on far too long when we always like to say, WE DO NOT LEAVE ANYONE ON THE BATTLEFIELD, and that is a lie. What is Life other than a battlefield, and we have ABANDONED OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ON THE BATTLEFIELDS IF LIFE! How can I say this you might ask, and I can say this boldly because if it were not true, then "all the stops" to engage this population would have been put on the table, not as an academic question, but as the very real emergency that it is! There is not a day that goes by that I am not aware of the statistical losses to the very soul of our country! That there are those in this country who put their bodies, hearts, minds, and very souls on the front lines of chaos and death, in truth as well as theory, for everyone else in order that all could have the chance of a life without war, yet in their time of need we do not do EVERY SINGLE POSSIBLE THING WE CAN, and spare NO EXPENSE DOING SO, no matter what their age, is inexcusable! I am not suggesting we charge into their homes and drag them to treatment, but the fact that I cannot, as a self-guided art therapy option that is free to veterans, get enough contact information from the VA or VSOs to do so on my own, is ridiculous! Since Sep of 2019, we, statistically by this study, have lost between 6120 and 7920 veterans to suicide alone this coming Sep. How can anyone claim to care and be trying if we are not at the very least, knocking on those veterans doors, and showing them we still care and that they ARE NOT abandoned and forgotten?!?

Response by L Moot made Aug 11 at 2020 10:27 PM

L Moot — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 22:27:15 -0400

Is the VA looking to incorporate any newly approved pharmaceutical therapies to the formulary that supports depression or suicidal ideations?

Response by LTC Thorsten L. made Aug 12 at 2020 10:07 AM

LTC Thorsten L. — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 10:07:33 -0400

How will the live Q&A session on Aug 18th be conducted? Via phone, webinar, or another means?

Response by Sgt Robert Holmes made Aug 12 at 2020 3:31 PM

Sgt Robert Holmes — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 15:31:38 -0400

I have known several folks who have committed suicide. (none of them military) When all hope is lost and you have no future it is very hard to stay positive. I have no friends, all my close relatives are 1600 miles away. My wife died a year ago. I am up to my armpits with debt. When my wife died I lost almost $800.00 a month in income. I am struggling to keep up my mortage. I want to stay in Florida but just can't get enough money to keep up on all my bills. I think about suicide a lot. but I realize it is only a temporary solution and I dont really want to die. You'd think there would be some help out there with someone in my situation but there isn't. I am in fair physical shape but my legs are gone and back is painful l. I think I am lucky to get around as well as I do. I am almost 79 years old. The VA helps me a lot with medical things I need but no money. I could go on for ever but I think I've said enough. I served during Nam but spent most of my time in Alaska and New Hampshire Good luck with your meeting. I'm going to try very hard to attend. Thanks for listening.

Response by SSG Derrick Iozzio made Aug 12 at 2020 5:16 PM

SSG Derrick Iozzio — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 17:16:48 -0400

Dr. Van Dahlen, is there a plan to include the local, veteran-run organizations in the PREVENTS directive? There are small organizations throughout the country that serve at-risk veterans.

Response by CN Douglas Justman made Aug 12 at 2020 6:31 PM

CN Douglas Justman — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:31:21 -0400

When can I see my primary Doctor. I have been waiting since March. Trieied to contact him three times. I am having problems with pain in my back all the way thru to my chest. right belowthe left shoulder blade. Help!

Response by SSgt Kathleen Clinton made Aug 12 at 2020 6:31 PM

SSgt Kathleen Clinton — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:31:49 -0400

I don’t have a question I have a comment. I have been going thru a very rough time and about six weeks ago I was really at my lowest and thought suicide was my only option. Now unfortunately my phone had been cut off and so the only way I had to reach out was my Alexa. So I tried calling the suicide hotline but you cannot connect with anyone unless you actually have a phone that allows you to press 1. So after calling 6 times and reaching a real person 5 of those times and explaining my problem and still not getting help I gave up. And it is by the grace of a Tarot card reader that I am still here. I know you thought I was going to say God but nope. The point is there has to be a way that you can talk to someone at the suicide line when you can’t dial one. I came real close to just literally hanging myself because I had no one to talk to and that’s not supposed to happen.

Response by Pvt Dennis Barker made Aug 12 at 2020 6:52 PM

Pvt Dennis Barker — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:52:04 -0400

How do I keep going trough the pain I my shoulder . cronic pain and the VA s lack of help for .close to a year and nothing

Response by LTC Elaine Gullotta made Aug 12 at 2020 7:19 PM

LTC Elaine Gullotta — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 19:19:50 -0400

I would like to volunteer with Give an Hour and was told I could do so as a Resident(unlicensed) on a limited basis. Would you contact me and assist me to do this? Im already registered on the website as a volunteer. [login to see]

Response by LCpl Dwayne Coley made Aug 12 at 2020 10:03 PM

LCpl Dwayne Coley — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 22:03:00 -0400

How do you continue to navigate through life when you still suffer from brokenness & mental illness since service discharge? The Veteran Affairs claim process is a disgrace & dishonors the service of many Veterans.

Response by CW3 Sean Feely made Aug 12 at 2020 10:20 PM

CW3 Sean Feely — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 22:20:08 -0400

I retired in 2006 with 20yrs service. Worked another 10yrs keeping my mind busy then I "retired" completely in 2016. It is not a good idea to just transition out of the Army cold turkey. This has a tremendous impact on transitioning soldiers mental health. They go from being around ppl 24/7 for years to NO ONE being around. Then they go home and the world has moved on without them, family included and you are now am outsider. Yet, they can't get hired at the local VA or Post Office like the old days. If you do not have a connection you will never get hired!! Prior service honarbly discharged personnel should ALL be given a job at the local VA. See how many IRAQ/Afghanistan Vets are working at the Tuscaloosa VA. My guess would be maybe one. It shouldn't be like pulling teeth to get a govt job after military service.... and it is! Start with giving them a job. That's all we want.

Response by SP5 Dan Peach made Aug 12 at 2020 10:21 PM

SP5 Dan Peach — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 22:21:30 -0400

Why is it that you have to raise a big stink just to keep modern dental care such as implants and when they pull a tooth why is it that they don’t replace it with something to prevent bone lost?

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made Aug 12 at 2020 11:08 PM

CPT Aaron Kletzing — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 23:08:05 -0400

How can RallyPoint members help take care of one another if they think another member is showing at-risk signs? What steps should they take? How can they educate themselves on how to respond properly?

Separately, I wanted to thank you for starting the Give an Hour initiative -- I am familiar with it and I think it's wonderful. So cheers to you on that! :)

Response by PO2 Douglas Payne made Aug 13 at 2020 12:23 AM

PO2 Douglas Payne — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 00:23:12 -0400

I have suggested to have Suicide Prevention groups. Where we can openly discuss the topic and not be dragged out and locked up. I have suggested this twice and I get nothing but silence. Why is it a taboo subject in the phyiciatric profession. I have had suicidle ideations. And no longer. But not being able to talk openly, makes the illness more stigmatized. People with the illness need to understand that it is a real illness, and their thinking is not rational, there are solutions other than suicid to there problems.

Response by A1C Joy Ready made Aug 13 at 2020 3:04 AM

A1C Joy Ready — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 03:04:18 -0400

when will we be able to SEE our drs... this phone stuff is useless

Response by SSgt Michael Williams made Aug 13 at 2020 5:10 AM

SSgt Michael Williams — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 05:10:44 -0400

It is my belief that veterans and other individuals go to the extreme of committing suicide because those vehicles that are put in place are nonfunctional and are lip service as it relates to senior level management at local VA medical centers and service organizations.

Chiefs of Staff and Medical Center Director must follow through as opposed to just dismissing the veteran that have the concern. I have had contact with every VA Medical Center in this country, and I have been a patient in more than 20. It has been my experience that when a veteran has a issue of concern he or she has been dismissed. Even to the point of calling the VA Police and handcuffing the person with the issue of concern. I have personally witnessed the local level Administration Place undue National behavioral flags and Veterans Medical Records in efforts of controlling the veterans behavior by making efforts of destroying the veterans creditability.

Response by Sgt Jeff Meddin made Aug 13 at 2020 8:21 AM

Sgt Jeff Meddin — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 08:21:06 -0400

The construction industry has ranked top in suicides by CDC. With the high number of vets in that industry, many through programs such as Helmets to Hard Hats, why can’t the VA do a specific outreach to the industry leaders who are also trying to reduce the suicide rate?

I have been trying to get the VA to do this since I retired from the VAMHCS last summer. Both groups have the same common goal and the VA has the expertise to offer PTSD training and counseling programs through the industry associations and large contractors.

Response by SCPO Jeff Conz made Aug 13 at 2020 9:26 AM

SCPO Jeff Conz — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 09:26:36 -0400

USN Conz Clean up the many VA’s and I think the problem will get better.

Response by LTC Brian W. Wright made Aug 13 at 2020 10:31 AM

LTC Brian W. Wright — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:31:14 -0400

1. How does the VA participate in the DoD transition for service-member's? Should there be training on the differences and expectations of the military cultural experience into the civilian sector? We give service-members training on how to transition into a civilian sector jobs market, but I did not see any training on the stressors of dealing with masses of unruly civilians who appeared only out for themselves, a contradiction to the teamwork culture you serve in the Military.
2. Why hasn't DoD and the VA done research on many of the medicines given to service-members are considered harmful and controlled in other industrialized countries? For example, modafinil given to older service-members for issues related to attention deficit and sleep disorders (possibly combined with other prescribed medicines) has the side-effect of suicide ideation.

Response by PO3 Paul Kalb made Aug 13 at 2020 10:31 AM

PO3 Paul Kalb — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:31:27 -0400

I am clinical mental health counselor in training and Navy Seabee Veteran, many years ago suicide was never discussed amongst the ranks, today it is and many countless lives have been potentially saved.
My Question how can I volunteer a few hours a month or week of my time with someone in crisis, I am able to do so remotely and I am within two hours of FT. Bragg, NC or an hour north of Raleigh, NC?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 10:50 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:50:32 -0400

How about forcing the VA to treat severe pain..Ive been in severe pain and sitting in a wheelchair for over a year with miniscule treatment for it..If I were treated for pain I could acttually walk a little!!...but yet most of the time Im sitting in my own piss because I cant move...Yet my doctor doesent want me to turn into a junkie. She doesent give a fuck that I hope every night I dont wanna wake up in the morning...she dont give a fuck that I want to lay down in front of an incoming train...close the garage door and start the car....take a dive off the side of a 100 foot high bridge...many nights im up all night screaming in pain. If I talk to the VA I wont be treated for pain..Ill be sent to some jackass that wants to know why I want to die...the very same jackass will tell me its all in my head. I got news for you...If your in pain for real your phsycobabble bullshit does not work...period!

Response by PO1 Kenneth HOGAN, Ph.D. made Aug 13 at 2020 10:54 AM

PO1 Kenneth HOGAN, Ph.D. — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 10:54:38 -0400

Suicide never crossed my mind as a viable solution to handling my problems and it was the opposite where I kept up my education and strived to be a better person while adapting back into an environment I was absent for over 20 years. However, I believe a time and place to address the idea of suicide should be before a service member leaves the military, specifically in the Transition Assistance Program (TAP). TAP focuses heavily on employment and how to find a job while ignoring all the changes one will be going through after the euphoria of moving on wears off. I am addressing the physiological and physiological changes that we all go through from a structured environment to a not so structured environment that has an adverse impact on individuals that may not lead to suicide but adverse behaviors that can be destructive like alcoholism or drugs or over working. This is more of a statement and recommendation to get ahead of the conversation before reentering the civilian world, not after.

Response by WO1 Ricardo Eva made Aug 13 at 2020 11:30 AM

WO1 Ricardo Eva — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:30:07 -0400

Thank you for the invite. Maybe I'm not reading right but I don't find where do we sign-up and join this program?

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Aug 13 at 2020 11:50 AM

MSG Brad Sand — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 11:50:20 -0400

In truth, I get why so many soldiers and veterans give up. It is hard in uniform and even harder in the civilian World, especially in this day and age and the World we are living through.
One of my last duties before retiring was to conduct a command wide, mandator Suicide Prevention training for our battalion. USAREC had created this excellent video that everyone would view and there was a discussion after viewing the video, in reality pretty good stuff. What knocked me on my heels was, one of the people in the video was a friend from my time in USAREC and another was one of our ow soldiers! Our soldier had not mentioned he was even in the video to anyone in our Battalion? I'm standing there on the stage staring at one of my sergeant, giving him a look of "You could not even give me a heads up you were in the video?"
I think we are peeling back the onion on this but I fear we are still a long way from the core and the onion is still growing, so every layer we peel away, another grows back. If we do not start looking at that core, we will never get on top of this scourge.

Response by Xochi Oi made Aug 13 at 2020 12:57 PM

Xochi Oi — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 12:57:46 -0400

My Question is:
Why are Mental Health “professionals” not trained or somehow ignorant to the pain suicidal individuals are experiencing? I have sat in sessions with suicidal veterans the professional makes statements such as for them to find a job, friends, joy, happiness, love, for them to establish goals. The individuals I know who have succumbed to suicide have bleak lives, no family, no friends, no hope, and they made many attempts and failed at life and they cannot prevent tragic events from occurring. When they ended their life, there was no funeral, or at the funeral, visitors made fun of them. I always forgive those that made that choice as, I know they did their best and in the end, they couldn’t fight their demons anymore.
A lot of fakeness exists in the military, with the VA, and amongst veterans. Folks can say you are my brother/sister in arms, but I have witnessed those same individuals bullying and driving some of their fellow service members to suicide. The VA has admitted some of my friends inpatient but they drug them up for 72 hours and released them, one was even released back to the streets. With no follow up, no medication, and then the VA wonders why veterans get released and take their lives within a week of discharge. Nothing changed for these individuals. Bottom line is society can say they “care” but actions speak volumes that veterans face unspeakable challenges everyday who cannot get any assistance and are left with greater disappear.

Response by LTC Peter Hartman made Aug 13 at 2020 2:01 PM

LTC Peter Hartman — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:01:21 -0400

A major contributing factor is substance abuse. There are a lot of tools out there to help people.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 13 at 2020 2:21 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:21:52 -0400

Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen PhD Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) hosts and provides a 5-day a week, every monthm every year online support group called "Warriors for Life" (WFL) Group Support Community Service that provides peer-to-peer support and "Sharing and Caring" for veterans, first responders, service members, caretakers, and military family members coping with love ones that are suffering from PTSD, TBI, MST, and other Invisible Disabilities. This online forum provides an enviornment for all that attend the opportunity to connect with others as we share our stories, the good, the bad, the ugly, and ways to cope moving forward. We provide "Healing Through Faith" topics and a variety of subjects surrounding those Invisible Disabilities. We meet 5-days a week with the following line-up of facilitators and their perspective Meeting IDs (See Below). It easy to connect each night and check out the topics. We don't prescribe any medications and we always recommend that our particpants continue to get the best possible care and therapy from their local VA and Primary Providers. This just online support just gives them the opportuity to share their story with others without stigma and judgment across the country and around the world from the comfort of their own home. The program is in it's 4th year solely funded by the nonprofit VFV at no cost to the participants. We're hoping to win several grants in the near future to expand the advertising of this program to reach more than the individuals we've reached here on RallyPoint. We hope to get enough grant money through our grant writing to advertise here on RallyPoint as well. Unfortunately, the cost is prohibitive right now from our current flow of donations and fundraising events to advertise on RallyPoint. We'll get there someday soon. If you would like more information about Warriors for Life (WFL) check us out on the Victory for Veterans, Inc. website:

VFV Website: https://www.victoryforveterans.org

You can also reach out to me privately via email to learn more about Warriors for Life (WFL) and Victory for Veterans, Inc. (nonprofit) mission and the other programs: [login to see]

Here is the lineup starting with Satruday Evenings:

**Saturday Nights - Host & Founder COL (Ret) Mikel Burroughs - :
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/ [login to see]

**Sunday Nights - Host Veteran & Therapist PO3 Christopher St. John
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/ [login to see]

** Monday Nights - Host Reiki Master Kirk Poe
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/ [login to see]

**Tuesday Nights (Healing Through Faith) - Host Veteran SGT Steve McFarland
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/ [login to see]

**Thursday Nights - Host Veteran SSG Derrick Iozzio
Join from PC, Mac, iOS or Android: https://meetings.ringcentral.com/j/ [login to see]

We're looking to expand to Wednesday evenings in the near future and add daytime services as well with expanded facilitators to reach more veterans, first responders, service members, military family members, and caretakers.

Mikel J. Burroughs
Colonel (Ret)
Chairman, Victory for Veterans, Inc.

"Respect Always - Warriors for Life!"

VFV Website: https://www.victoryforveterans.org
WFL Link: https://www.victoryforveterans.org/support
Email: [login to see]

Home | Warriors For Life

Here at Victory For Veterans, we know that sometimes all it takes to change the world is a little support. Since our founding in 2016, we have been determined to make an impact.

Response by SPC Arthur Lowder made Aug 13 at 2020 2:24 PM

SPC Arthur Lowder — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:24:05 -0400

looking forward to your Q&A.!!!

Response by LTJG Sandra Smith made Aug 13 at 2020 2:27 PM

LTJG Sandra Smith — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:27:28 -0400

Are you prepared to bring chaplains who can truly minister to the spiritual needs of Christian veterans in crisis? They've been excluded from Va facilities for yrs now. That would be an huge positive step, as would untying the hands of chaplains among active duty personnel currently NOT permitted to properly or fully minister to those personnel in crisis either, lest they tramp on leftist PC toes. AS A Christian and veteran, who has also grappled with major depressive episodes, and suicidal feelings, I know all too well the importance of full spiritual support, or its lack, in a time of crisis.

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Aug 13 at 2020 2:34 PM

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 14:34:48 -0400

Dr Van Dahlen here are some examples and links of the WFL that we've advertised through posts here on RallyPoint that are attended by many RP Members, as well as outside attendees from around the world and the country:

https://www.victoryforveterans.org/post/saturday-evening-warriors-for-life-wfl-with-the-colonel-how-can-we-help-more

https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/drop-in-tonight-for-warriors-for-life-wfl-bravery-and-courage

https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/healing-through-faith-tonight-with-warriors-for-life-wfl-do-you-need-help

https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/tonight-warriors-for-life-wfl-is-it-live-or-is-it-memorex

https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/tonight-warriors-for-life-wfl-the-psychological-benefits-of-philosophy

https://www.rallypoint.com/shared-links/who-are-you-join-the-colonel-tonight-for-warriors-for-life-wfl-and-let-s-find-out--2

Saturday Evening Warriors for Life (WFL) with the "Colonel" - "How Can We Help More?"

Join the "Colonel" founder of Warriors for Life (WFL) as we explored and discuss more ways we can help veterans, first responders, service members, and caretakers through the WFL Program that struggle or suffer woth PTSD, TBI, MST, and other Invisible Disabilities? Bring your "Thinking Caps" with you this Satruday even

Response by Laurie Geoffroy made Aug 13 at 2020 3:05 PM

Laurie Geoffroy — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 15:05:52 -0400

How do we register for Barbara's call? Thank you!

Response by Maj Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 4:45 PM

Maj Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 16:45:31 -0400

There is an effective and safe medication that already has great potential to treat refractory depression and potentially prevent it progressing to suicidality that were developed/studied by our NIH under the Mental Health division and they are not being championed/funded by those in leadership positions and/or by the current administration. I suspect it is due to a lack of awareness of those in decision making positions. How can the PREVENTS team champion this potential treatment and get the word out effectively so it can get the funding and support it needs to get through FDA trials and finally get to our active duty members and vets who need it the most?

Response by SSgt Scott Ezra made Aug 13 at 2020 6:07 PM

SSgt Scott Ezra — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:07:06 -0400

Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD, Hello, I appreciate that you're trying to help. Veteran and non veteran suicide is a very complex issue. I don't pretend to have any answers other than as a society we need to love each other more, but I know for certain that often times the VA makes things worse for veterans and their families.
Most doctors just don't seem to care at all and the ones that do seem to be suppressed by the system and its leadership in the hospitals and clinics.
Because most doctors are afraid of opiates or their supervisors they are happy to just let you suffer which leaves a some people in a miserable and hopeless condition in which nobody at the VA seems to care about. To add insult to injury they blame legitimate pain patients who've never abused, misused, or diverted their medicine for the opiate epidemic. Then if you try to advocate for yourself and go up against the leadership they try to crush you personally and no one seems to care about that either.
The VA is really great at making you feel like your life is worthless when you are already suffering. The primary care doctors at the Roseburg VA system near me have either quit and left or just don't care about veterans. Its really sad and I know things are actually going to get much worse and instead of trying to help they are going to blame veterans and attack pain patients that don't shut up and go away or die.
I wish you well and I hope you can find people that truly care that can make a difference.

Response by SSG Timothy Helton made Aug 13 at 2020 6:20 PM

SSG Timothy Helton — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 18:20:06 -0400

The problem is the VA. The VA does not practice medicine. The VA practices policy. There are no doctors in the VA, only policy puppets.
We are in pain; both physically and mentally, and cannot get meds that work. Synthetic pain medications do not work.

Response by SPC Paul Woolford made Aug 13 at 2020 7:00 PM

SPC Paul Woolford — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:00:11 -0400

When veterans help one another to move Legislation to provide for T.B.I. veterans as well armless veterans who cannot legally defend themselves due to their disabilities, we will prevent suicide for Service members and Veterans. I am one of those veterans who have been taken advantage of for the last 55 years. Presently, I've two-REMANDS from BVA and no attorney/law firm to represent me, thus, the only outcome is a DENIAL on the REMANDS albeit there is enough medical evidence to clearly prove "benefit of doubt" however, without a law firm, not only BVA but also VARO Manila, continue their deceitful ways. In short. Long paper trail revealing the corruption at VA Manila. Is there anyone out there to help me in my dilemma? [login to see] email

Thanking anyone in advance for help,

Sincerely

Veteran Paul Woolford

Response by SPC Paul Woolford made Aug 13 at 2020 7:05 PM

SPC Paul Woolford — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:05:51 -0400

Again, there would be a lot less suicides if we had an honest department of veterans affairs. To intentionally keep a veteran on the hamster wheel is psychological torture and should not be lawful!

[login to see]

Response by SPC Paul Woolford made Aug 13 at 2020 7:31 PM

SPC Paul Woolford — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:31:25 -0400

Rather than just talking and doing something for veterans is more beneficial. Example: When you can connect the veteran to the office of where he or she needs to contact would enhance far less suicides. The VA corruption must be made visible to not only veterans but also to the American Public. This no doubt (corruption) has cost the lives of many veterans who had or have enough evidences to prove their claims only to be denied, again, and again or, worst yet, is when VARO sabotages a veterans Central Folder, Stacking the Deck, with unlawful practices, a veterans law group to take on and expose the malfeasance, misfeasance, nonfeasance at VA.

The VA spends billions of dollars saying DENIED. Why promise benefits when there is no intention of GRANTING the Benefits?

The VA is set-up to FAIL, or until a veteran gives up or dies!

Response by Pvt Patrick Bryan made Aug 13 at 2020 7:49 PM

Pvt Patrick Bryan — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 19:49:36 -0400

Start by asking why not more action has been taken over the REMANDED APPEALS BACKLOG, that is harming Veterans!!!

Response by SPC Dwight Turner made Aug 14 at 2020 7:44 AM

SPC Dwight Turner — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 07:44:56 -0400

i suffer from biploar1 emontional depression besides having surgery on my neck bruised shoulder which sucks the virus still lurking how we suppose to keep our spirits up ?i9 dont have much family left my ex wife helps alot i havent seen my sister in 12years that was when we buried dad !!!! i live on fixed income1,109 month VA submitted over 4,000 pages alone on mental health in 1982 i was treated at ft knox its in my records they got results back told me i didt quailfy for any back pay
however under bill trump signed they been covering me with health insurance
whats wrong with the system then ?

Response by SPC Dwight Turner made Aug 14 at 2020 7:58 AM

SPC Dwight Turner — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 07:58:49 -0400

i think a program would be nice for instance we have vacant buildings the VA could use them a place for veterans to reaching out to each other they could have a weight room in part of building a day room on other side a place where a vet could reach out to others they could have vending machines there no booze allowed they could open it around 9am close it around 7 or 8 in evening like myself not having any family it would help
senator was out of country i havent reached out to her one 0f her staff members told me " it's a good idea problem would be having to come in redoing vacated buildings " so there went that thought down the drain
with virus still around maybe they might work on a program after virus lifts
so there is hope ?

Response by Erin O'Brien made Aug 14 at 2020 1:01 PM

Erin O'Brien — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 13:01:15 -0400

Ready to take the pledge. Thank you Rally Point,, for bringing this forward.

Response by SFC Ron Roberts made Aug 14 at 2020 2:20 PM

SFC Ron Roberts — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:20:32 -0400

Is this going to be recorded, so we can look at it later? I'm doing service officer at that time.

Response by SGT James Perander made Aug 14 at 2020 2:49 PM

SGT James Perander — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 14:49:03 -0400

Do you know how you prevent soldiers from preventing them from going committing suicide is getting fucking VA to fucking help them medically even outsourcing them medically instead of just letting you sit here fucking die and suffer and become more traumatized from your injuries that’s how you save them by helping them because they don’t help them in Washington state that’s for damn sure not the perfect example of that

Response by Cpl Archie H. made Aug 14 at 2020 4:11 PM

Cpl Archie H. — Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:11:18 -0400

Americans in my case knew, cared (or understood) to know what it was like to survive by the grace of God hundreds maybe thousands of incoming Russian 122 mm rockets. These Rockets sounded like thousands trains coming right into your face, and in my fighting hole. No bunkers for us! Americans in general since WW 2 know war only from movies, and from the well paid todays corporate media hacks. My opinion is Hollywood does a horrible job as for war movies. First place in war there are no heroes. In my uppers in my 60’s generation my peers were draft dodgers and corporate hacks on their second new home, in their first marriege. I felt the odd man out living among the United States spoiled unwashed unaware. "At least this is how I thought at the time". I was isolated surrounded by my own experience of war. Like I said I had more in-common with a woman who had been raped than my own countryman. I also had more in-common with my parents generation in Europe, even in Russia. Years later I found out I was defending an imaginary wall on South Vietnams DMZ that the then Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara dreamt up. The electronic wall was called the McNamara Wall. Also later while Marines and Army artillery units were fighting and dying defending his stupid Wall he McNamara was having cocktails in his house with a leader of the peace movement. I can only guess suicide is a result of ones being isolated. Knowing you’re and your fellow combat veterans efforts were in vain. Depressing thoughts to live with. Now I survive because I reach out to people. I reach out to people who need a friend. Of course I do not live in the US anymore where I have to see first hand the result. of bad politics.

Response by Jengi Miller made Aug 16 at 2020 11:59 AM

Jengi Miller — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 11:59:12 -0400

I believe medication should be a bridge (or a tool) in veteran’s (anyone’s) mental health arsenal and not the sole solution. Will there be a greater emphasis on non-medication therapies for veterans,i.e., behavior modification, mindfulness meditation, yoga, art, journaling, healthy eating, and a movement to make these approaches less new age or too feminine?

Also, I don’t know how to address this or to “fix” it, but my husband’s first counselor was amazing and then we moved. His next VA counselor made zero improvements with him, and in fact, he digressed tremendously and was under her care when he died (I’m not blaming her). He had private health insurance and could have seen another therapist but wouldn’t. Maybe there could be some way for the family to give a counselor some input occasionally so they get another perspective on the veteran’s mental health and actual day-to-day health instead of just what the patient tells the counselor? I attended one session, but was completely shutdown by my husband’s and the counselor’s justifications for his behavior. I could understand WHY he was behaving the way he did. I wanted to find ways for him and for me TO COPE with the behaviors (7 years out from war at that point and six years of counseling). They both seemed to want to just repeat his trauma story, but not find effective coping strategies (other than medication which wasn’t improving his life) for when his PTSD was triggered.

Response by CPT Bob McDonald made Aug 18 at 2020 8:36 AM

CPT Bob McDonald — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 08:36:27 -0400

Barbara, thank you for joining us on RallyPoint today. The work you’ve done with Give An Hour and now with PREVENTS is both important and inspiring. Given the social distance that we are all enduring to fight this pandemic and the impact of isolation on suicidal thoughts and behaviors, how do you see technology fitting into your strategy for connecting the disconnected to prevent suicide?

Response by Matthew Nock made Aug 18 at 2020 1:44 PM

Matthew Nock — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 13:44:01 -0400

Dr. Van Dahlen, Thank you so much for joining this discussion and thanks for all of the work that you are doing. Traditional approaches to suicide prevention (psychotherapy, psychiatric medications) have been tried for years and have not led to a decrease in suicide. What are some of the most promising alternative/ new approaches that are either available now or coming in the future?

Response by Mary Carlson made Aug 18 at 2020 2:29 PM

Mary Carlson — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:29:19 -0400

How can we get a smaller but very effective trauma resolution
intervention available to vets and their families who have not seen results with the other bigger, more well know methods available to them?

Response by A1C Nicole Lacy made Aug 18 at 2020 2:58 PM

A1C Nicole Lacy — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:58:33 -0400

Is this live Q and A a video? If so, how do I watch it?

Response by Conni Eckstein made Aug 18 at 2020 3:04 PM

Conni Eckstein — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:04:31 -0400

Where is the live feed?

Response by Mary Carlson made Aug 18 at 2020 3:04 PM

Mary Carlson — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:04:33 -0400

Where is this Q and A?

Response by SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 18 at 2020 3:30 PM

SFC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:30:13 -0400

Dr. Van Dahlen, I believe the VA's system dealing with mental health although slowly getting better is still very broken and out of touch. How will this new directive try and bridge the communication gap between Veterans and the help they need, not just throwing pills at the issue?

Response by Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD made Aug 18 at 2020 5:04 PM

Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:04:51 -0400

Thank you to everyone in the Rally Point community for taking your time to join us for this important conversation today. I hope you have learned a bit more about PREVENTS and our efforts to prevent suicide in the Veteran community and for all Americans. I also want to thank my colleagues Dr. Matt Miller from VA and Mr. Travis Bartholomew from DoD for participating in this discussion. Please continue to reach out with comments or questions. You can visit us at Va.Gov/PREVENTS and please take the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH at http://www.wearewithinREACH.net. Finally, please continue to reach to those in your community who are vulnerable - those who may be hurting emotionally. We all have a role to play. And together we will prevent suicide.

www.wearewithinREACH.net.

Response by SPC Cary Reichbach made Aug 19 at 2020 10:21 AM

SPC Cary Reichbach — Wed, 19 Aug 2020 10:21:34 -0400

First off, Dr. Van Dahlen, thank you for allowing us to connect with you on this forum. It speaks volumes and is one of the first efforts I have seen to actually bridge the ever-widening gap between veterans and their government caregivers.

I Co-Founded Grey Team (http://www.greyteam.org) from growing tired of watching amazing people who served this great nation, take their lives due to the frustration of trying to obtain the medical care we were all promised. One of the reasons the American military fights so hard is because we are given a promise that the government has our back and no soldier will be left behind. Unfortunately in practice, this is often not the case, too many warriors fall through the cracks left open by shoddy administrators and lack of care at the VA.

I, personally, have dealt with VA bureaucrats who value their time towards retirement much more than the lives they have sworn to save and heal. Sometimes I feel like I am beating my head against a wall bloody as I attempt to freely share the invaluable data we have collected at Grey team, and the real-life advances our efforts have generated.

Grey Team has a 100% success rate of completely rebooting a veteran's life by using a combination of basic fundamentals, futuristic healing technologies, and the reinstatement of purpose and passion.

What we do, WORKS. And it is sustainable, less expensive, less damaging than the constant administration of pain killers, and completely life-changing to a veteran. But it isn't without overhead. And although I, and most of my staff, are unpaid volunteers, there are considerable ongoing expenses to maintain the facility. Up until now, these costs have all been covered by corporate and private donors, but with the COVID-19 pandemic, Grey Team has had to cancel all of our future fundraising events.

I understand that PREVENTS has funding designated for external to the VA nonprofit partnerships but have so far been unsuccessful in locating any applications for same. Can you please message me with any updates on this?

Again, thanks for making yourself available to us. We all are on the same team, and by working closely together, we can definitely solve this crisis.