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Q&A with Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen to discuss how together, we will prevent suicide for Service members and Veterans. Submit questions below!
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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.
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.
Suicide
Mental Health
PTSD
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
Health
Responses: 70
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!
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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.
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Mary Carlson
It is brilliant to talk about trauma and deal with its symptoms in boot camp and to help a service member clear their past traumas from BEFORE entering the military, which we see is actually the reason for most suicidal ideation; early childhood traumas.
PO1 Kenneth HOGAN, Ph.D.
Dr. Van Dahlen, what is the enrollment rate and success rate (+/-)?
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
Thank you, Dr. Hogan for your question. I believe you are referring to the PREVENTS Pledge. We currently have over 3,000 PREVENTS pledges from individuals and organizations. Over the next year, we will be working on implementing and evaluating the all of the PREVENTS Roadmap recommendations, to include the PREVENTS Pledge as part of the REACH National Public Health Campaign.
PO1 Kenneth HOGAN, Ph.D.
That is a small number compared to the number of men and women on active duty, retirees, and veterans. I will help spread the word as this is a good program and know of a couple of Veterans who have been to the edge and I helped talk them down.
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?
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?
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
Thank you so much for this question, PO3 Kalb. Having volunteers who are able to talk with individuals in crisis is extremely important, especially right now as many of us continue to navigate COVID-19, job loss, grief, isolation, and more. There are different ways you can get involved remotely as a volunteer crisis counselor, including but not limited to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line. It looks like there is a crisis center specific to North Carolina that is looking for volunteers as well: HopeLine. Your background as a clinical mental health counselor in training would be very valuable to any of these organizations and the people they serve. Below, you can find links to their volunteer pages for more information about the training process and time commitment:
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/participate/#:~:text=Volunteer,volunteer%20opportunities%20in%20your%20community.
• Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/become-a-volunteer/
• HopeLine: https://www.hopeline-nc.org/volunteer
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/participate/#:~:text=Volunteer,volunteer%20opportunities%20in%20your%20community.
• Crisis Text Line: https://www.crisistextline.org/become-a-volunteer/
• HopeLine: https://www.hopeline-nc.org/volunteer
As a mom/caretaker of a military personnel suicide, my 28 yr old sons’ story is a little different and somewhat controversial. (Long story)
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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.)
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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.)
SPC Dwight Turner
i loss some friends to agent orange i seen what they went through oh they won there cases the lived i think past there times but passed away 1 was wheel chair bound agent orange destroyed his nerves so had his wife had to feed him and clothe him there is help problem i feel doctors dont want to deal with it
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
Thank you for the positive feedback, Wayne. We are glad you found this experience informative and helpful. If any questions or remarks should come up, please feel free to reply to the thread or add a comment in the box. Thank you so much for joining us.
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?
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
Thank you so much for joining this conversation today - and for your service to our nation. PREVENTS is the first all of nation, all of government approach to addressing suicide. We work closely with our colleagues at the VA and across the government - to bridge gaps and identify innovative efforts and opportunities. Together we are breaking down silos to reach those in need. We are also working very closely with our community-based partners - there are SO many wonderful programs in communities that we are looking to elevate and amplify - finding best practices that can be shared. We have already completed 6 state visits - and will continue with virtual visits over the next two years. One size doesn’t fit all - and everyone in the nation must be part of this effort. We launched REACH - and are partnering across the government agencies and with our non governmental partners to push out the first ever national public health campaign focused on suicide prevention. Hopefully you can hear because a massive effort is required. But together we will prevent suicide.
SFC(P) (Join to see)
I appreciate the response Dr, I look forward to seeing some real change in this actual pandemic that has taken too many of this great nations HERO's. Good Luck and God Bless!
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
Hi Mary! You’ll be able to join the program and view responses now on this page. Additionally, if you’re looking to get involved further in the work of PREVENTS, an important first step is taking the PREVENTS Pledge to REACH, which can be found here: https://www.wearewithinreach.net/pledge/. Thank you for your interest in our work!
Mary Carlson
Hello Dr. Van Dahlen,
Yes, we LOVE what you are doing and want to help. We did the pledge awhile ago.
We also had the chance to meet with Liz Barnes a few months ago. We are now doing a proposal for the DoD. ITRtraining.com and HelpForTrauma.com
I wanted to plug in and hear what was going on but I didn't see a link anywhere. Mary
Yes, we LOVE what you are doing and want to help. We did the pledge awhile ago.
We also had the chance to meet with Liz Barnes a few months ago. We are now doing a proposal for the DoD. ITRtraining.com and HelpForTrauma.com
I wanted to plug in and hear what was going on but I didn't see a link anywhere. Mary
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.
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.
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for joining this conversation and for your comments. Re your point/question about the role of medication - as you noted, medication can play a role - and for some individuals, it may be a key to their recovery. For others, it may be one part of a total solution. PREVENTS is committed to identifying, exploring and elevating those approaches (traditional and non traditional) that are evidence-based as well as evidence-informed. We know that one size doesn’t fit all and that there are many approaches that provide Veterans help, hope, and healing. In addition, we are partnering with government and non governmental efforts focused on innovative solutions - and will continue to do throughout this effort. You can read our specific Roadmap overarching recommendations at va.gov/PREVENTS. Re your comment about the importance of family involvement - we agree completely and work closely with family focused organizations and advocates - in addition to our colleagues at the
VA. Dr. Matt Miller from the VA’s Suicide Prevention Program - who is here with us today - also has some thoughts to share about the importance of engaging family members as we work to address emotional pain and suffering.
VA. Dr. Matt Miller from the VA’s Suicide Prevention Program - who is here with us today - also has some thoughts to share about the importance of engaging family members as we work to address emotional pain and suffering.
Jengi Miller
I appreciate your response and wish you well in making a difference in this struggle! Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
Jengi Miller
Thank you for your response. I didn’t know how to get more and better help for my husband. Getting the family involved is so beneficial. Matthew Miller
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.
We are in pain; both physically and mentally, and cannot get meds that work. Synthetic pain medications do not work.
SPC Paul Woolford
Amen, I could not have expressed what you said any better Timothy. Policy Puppets.
Barbara Van Dahlen, PhD
We are so sorry that you are experiencing pain, SSG Helton, and that you have not found the help and support you need and deserve. We will pass along your experience to those in the VA who are working to address gaps in care.
One of PREVENTS’ recommendations and goals is to expand the network of qualified health care providers who can treat the unique needs of our Nation’s Veterans, whether that care is coming from the VA directly or from outside sources. We want to reach Veterans where they live, work, and learn – so that no one is left without hope or proper treatment.
Thank you for sharing your experience and for your service to our Nation. If you’d like to speak to someone today, professionals are available 24/7 to provide help – you can call [login to see] and press 1, or chat online here: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat. Sometimes it takes a range of approaches, but help is out there. Do not give up hope.
One of PREVENTS’ recommendations and goals is to expand the network of qualified health care providers who can treat the unique needs of our Nation’s Veterans, whether that care is coming from the VA directly or from outside sources. We want to reach Veterans where they live, work, and learn – so that no one is left without hope or proper treatment.
Thank you for sharing your experience and for your service to our Nation. If you’d like to speak to someone today, professionals are available 24/7 to provide help – you can call [login to see] and press 1, or chat online here: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help/chat. Sometimes it takes a range of approaches, but help is out there. Do not give up hope.
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.
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.
Xochi Oi
Mary Carlson - Thank you for your explanation the PREVENTS website goes to the veterans crisis line. Which I explained above. From my perspective what I read is you believe the traumatic event is over and so the thoughts can end.
What if a veteran has had a life where there is a traumatic event after another and the tragedy never ends? I think that is where the disconnect is, as my initial post stated, therapists focus on the veteran to do the following: "find a job, friends, joy, happiness, love, for them to establish goals." Yes, that means that veteran may get a glimmer of hope. When the veteran has no hope, no options, what are you to suggest?
I appreciate you sharing with me the process of what the professionals believe the best course of action is and thank you for sharing the video. How would you assist a veteran that has regularly occurring trauma because life doesn't stop while your in treatment?
What if a veteran has had a life where there is a traumatic event after another and the tragedy never ends? I think that is where the disconnect is, as my initial post stated, therapists focus on the veteran to do the following: "find a job, friends, joy, happiness, love, for them to establish goals." Yes, that means that veteran may get a glimmer of hope. When the veteran has no hope, no options, what are you to suggest?
I appreciate you sharing with me the process of what the professionals believe the best course of action is and thank you for sharing the video. How would you assist a veteran that has regularly occurring trauma because life doesn't stop while your in treatment?
Xochi Oi
LTC Elaine Gullotta - You don’t want to work for the VA, it is a mess and the bureaucratic nonsense involved is horrifying. A lot of individuals get into social work/therapy and don’t realize how traumatizing other individuals’ experiences are. Additionally, new therapists believe all these resources and programs are available and they don’t exist for the veterans who actually need the help. The peer support specialist I had assigned committed suicide; maybe the VA tends not to hire the right people and I wouldn’t be dissapointed over it.
I tried to help a homeless veteran most recently during covid in April, wounded warrior and USVets refused to help. Food banks and local organizations couldn’t help because the homeless veteran needed proof, he lost his job. There is a popular veteran’s organization in town but the veteran needed to come up with 500 dollars to get assistance. If he had 500 he wouldn't need assistance. A lot of money could be floating around but it doesn’t go to those that need it.
Most veterans I know, don’t want to be around people, especially veterans, they are fighting an invisible battle alone. They have been abandoned and betrayed by comrades, friends, family, and there is no buddy system. Sometimes the best thing a veteran can do is isolate themselves because they cannot hurt anyone else and cannot be hurt by others.
You seem to have a vision so go after it and good luck.
I tried to help a homeless veteran most recently during covid in April, wounded warrior and USVets refused to help. Food banks and local organizations couldn’t help because the homeless veteran needed proof, he lost his job. There is a popular veteran’s organization in town but the veteran needed to come up with 500 dollars to get assistance. If he had 500 he wouldn't need assistance. A lot of money could be floating around but it doesn’t go to those that need it.
Most veterans I know, don’t want to be around people, especially veterans, they are fighting an invisible battle alone. They have been abandoned and betrayed by comrades, friends, family, and there is no buddy system. Sometimes the best thing a veteran can do is isolate themselves because they cannot hurt anyone else and cannot be hurt by others.
You seem to have a vision so go after it and good luck.
Mary Carlson
Xochi Oi - The trauma doesn't end as long as the fragments are stuck in the right brain. It makes someone feel like it's still going on. that has to be reversed or rebooted. We do that with intensive trauma resolution. All those other things help too but as long as triggers are still going on, almost anything will only be coping or temporary. Once the big symptom causing traumas are processed it leave one with sone room to handle the rest of life going on. I wanted to call our website LifeisTraumatic.com. LOL We work with veterans but it costs out of pocket. We are self-pay and we know we are out of reach for most $175/hr - until insurance starts paying for intensive work and not only 50 -minute sessions (which are almost useless and hard on provider and client0. Our goal is to train and train and train so the people trying to help vets and others will actually have something that works. You can get the training for free on ITRtraining.com
We want to help and are looking for ways...we know training is the way to multiply the help. A small group like we are can't take it on, but we can train! out clinic site is TraumaTherapy.us Just knowledge of how trauma works in the brain helps people realize they are not crazy. The brain helped them survive!
We want to help and are looking for ways...we know training is the way to multiply the help. A small group like we are can't take it on, but we can train! out clinic site is TraumaTherapy.us Just knowledge of how trauma works in the brain helps people realize they are not crazy. The brain helped them survive!
Mary Carlson
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