What is the best vets organization to prevent vets' suicide?

CPT Bruce Richardson — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 11:14:05 -0500

I am a vet and want to do more to support our troops coming back from combat tours. With the number of vets committing suicide exceeding the number of combat fatalities, we all need to do more.

The young marine featured on 60 Minutes got to me right under the US Army. To see his dad and his best friend blaming themselves for his death was tragic. We can prevent suicide. We can do more. Suggestions?

Response by TSgt Marcial Guajardo made Nov 16 at 2013 2:07 PM

TSgt Marcial Guajardo — Sat, 16 Nov 2013 14:07:17 -0500

Suicide is not a rational decision. Therefore, finding rational solutions is a challenge. I don't know the answers and I'm not sure anyone does. It would be helpful if more successful programs, organizations or tactics and strategies were publically shared so all could benefit from those experiences.

Response by SSgt Tim Meuret made Aug 24 at 2014 9:56 AM

SSgt Tim Meuret — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 09:56:25 -0400

The Team Veteran Foundation is committed to reducing Veteran suicide rates through a community based program titled A.L.I.V.E.

Check out the mission at http://ttvfoundation.org/

Response by Cpl Michael Strickler made Aug 24 at 2014 12:46 PM

Cpl Michael Strickler — Sun, 24 Aug 2014 12:46:41 -0400

There is really only one way to prevent suicides. You have to change the thought patterns of the individual planning to hurt themselves. Unfortunately that can be hard and it is extremely easy to miss the signs of change when they present themselves. When it boils down to it the solution is like trying to convince someone to believe something that they don't want to acknowledge.

As human beings it is easy for us to see that our thinking is the right and only way to think. Think how long it took for us to realize: the world isn't flat, earth in no the center of the universe, etc.

Someone in depression is having those thoughts in that mind set. Getting through that barrier (which is a both a mental disorder and mental disease) is different for EVERY DIFFERENT person. There is no on stop shop for cures.

Some people need love, some need excitement, some need to talk, some need time to think, etc. The best way to find out who needs what is to take a veteran/depressed person and learn about them. interests, desires, and so forth to try and 'categorize' them.

When you have an idea of their personality, you start interacting with them in that way. Someone who got excited talking about how much fun he had riding his first bike at three years old SHOULD be given a motorcycle. They need that adrenaline rush. Is it dangerous, sure, but so is being alive, and if that rush is what they look forward to getting out of bed every morning for then we have won our first battle of many.

Because giving them something to 'live' for is not the answer. That one thing is not the solution. They need to be given more, ever increasing proof that life is worth living and the world they thought was empty, alone, wrong, wasted, etc. is in fact endless in its possibilities.

Im not sure if that answered your request, but my point is that there is no one magic pill or solution that will solve this issue we face. We are individuals and each of us require a unique solution to open our eyes.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2014 1:15 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 19 Nov 2014 01:15:40 -0500

Suicidal Ideation can be a marker for someone needing. Some are homeless and desperate while others give hardly a clue save withdrawal and isolation. Dependent on other factors like drugs, alcohol or tempers these can escalate and I believe many times these are carried out in the spur of a moment. A silent nameless hurt and a distrust of many VAs simply because they seem to have no real plan except for a bed (upstairs). A term well known to many. I was at the ER with the homeless issue, no job and a lot of pent-up frustration.

Last year this time I had a guy around 350lbs pique me a bit too far and I got in his face and told him and I will kick his butt. I am so gentle towards people except when I had it. Naturally the best way is reduce anxiety (GAD) Severe Depression and a hand that grows weaker every day. I just find a safe place to be, without the ancillary issues and knowing how far to go before a self-imposed time-out.

Response by Sgt Joseph Hunter made Jan 23 at 2015 11:40 AM

Sgt Joseph Hunter — Fri, 23 Jan 2015 11:40:45 -0500

At the local level, there is a grassroots movement to raise awareness and bring solidarity between veterans! The goal is to prevent suicide ideation before it takes hold or even happens. A news article about one of our 13 nationwide local events: http://www.bgdailynews.com/news/give-them-a-mission/article_831b2d64-c844-5ef9-ac29-db07c510cacf.html

We had members of our local Student Veterans of America Chapter, our local Veterans of Foreign Wars post, our American Legion Post, our Veterans Upward Bound, Team Rubicon, and local civilian supporters involved. There was a lot of support from the community, but a couple veterans came up spontaneously and we were able to get them involved and connected with resources to help them through their particular struggles. I think the above mentioned organizations are an important part of getting veterans through their financial, spiritual, and emotional troubles. It is easier to prevent a problem than it is to recover from one.

Response by 1LT Kenneth Fendley made Sep 25 at 2022 4:57 PM

1LT Kenneth Fendley — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 16:57:16 -0400

I’m researching for a book about this, particularly suicides among Vietnam veterans. So far I’ve learned that some of the factors include survivor guilt, combat guilt or moral injury, and feelings of loneliness late in life. Our return home, thanks to the DEROS policy, was a lonely experience that I think was a factor as well. I’ll have more.

Response by 1LT Kenneth Fendley made Sep 25 at 2022 4:58 PM

1LT Kenneth Fendley — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 16:58:36 -0400

As a 100% disabled vet with PTSD, I have found that the best tool that the VA has to offer is called EMDR. It’s an excellent therapy for reorganizing the brain to think more clearly about past trauma.