Who is actively engaging Vets 1:1 to change these suicide numbers (22/day) to save vets lives?

2017-09-06T08:12:06-04:00

I posted this meme in 2014. I can not believe that in 3 years of dedicated work this number has not changed. We need to be more effective. I am meeting with NOVAVETS.org today to discuss and find ways for #VICTORYFORVETS to increase their reach and scope.
We send our military into harm's way, thus no one should be left behind, basically MIA. GET INVOLVED!

Just amazes me...

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Sep 6 at 2017 8:42 AM

2017-09-06T08:42:21-04:00

Even ONE a day is too many, but until folks are honest with what the issue is, there can be no solution.
The 22 Vets a day is a false narrative..
http://taskandpurpose.com/truth-22-veteran-suicides-day/
People ASSUME these 22 suicides a day are retuning Vets from Recent conflicts, because that is what the media and politicians want you to think.. But if your smarter then what those groups want you to be, you read the data for yourself
https://www.va.gov/opa/docs/suicide-data-report-2012-final.pdf

http://www.npr.org/2015/10/01/444999996/the-number-22-is-there-a-false-narrative-for-vet-suicide
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2015/02/04/the-missing-context-behind-a-widely-cited-statistic-that-there-are-22-veteran-suicides-a-day/?utm_term=.67297c25b369

The Truth About 22 Veteran Suicides A Day

While the suicide rate among veterans from operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom is still too high, it’s not 22 a day.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 10:16 AM

2017-09-06T10:16:01-04:00

as current and former leaders, we all should be actively engaged in this subject.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 6 at 2017 2:34 PM

2017-09-06T14:34:42-04:00

There are a great many factors to consider when taking a closer look at these numbers:

1. Any number greater than zero is too many, it's a completely avoidable situation that breaks my heart to see/hear about.

2. A good percentage of these deaths had signs and symptoms that others saw WELL beforehand; the thing everyone struggling with PTSD needs is a friend.

3. If/when they come see Behavioral Health, we are typically a last resort. Most soldiers that see me or a provider feel the support they are getting at home or with their friends is not enough. If someone you know or care about has made any drastic changes in behavior following a traumatic event: LISTEN TO THEM. THEY NEED YOU. TELL THEM THEY ARE NOT A BURDEN. TELL THEM THEY ARE LOVED. If you do not show you care, they will find someone (or something, in many cases) that will comfort them.

4. AD suicides are also on the rise; combined with the 22 a day of veterans, the number is staggering. Remind them that their feelings are valid, do not attempt to downplay their trauma or tell them to suck it up. Some soldiers/vets respond better to that, but please understand who you're talking to before making remarks that will stick with them forever.

Thank you for sharing this post! Awareness helps, Support helps even more! Keep up the good work Ma'am!

Response by Nicole Thomas made Sep 9 at 2017 2:47 PM

2017-09-09T14:47:27-04:00

Peter Cartwright having a flashback, contacted his physcian who told him to go to the Alb NM VA Hospital ER. He was refused entrance to the VA and told to go to UMN. What he did was return to his vehicle get his gun wALk back to the VA ER Entrance and blow his brains out. This was hushed covered and swept under the carpet.
I Googled his name the only Peter Cartwright I found was a retired General from Texas.
It not the vets its the inadequite treatment they receive.