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22: That is the number of veterans that END their lives every day. That is 8,030 veterans that are no longer with us come December 31, 2014. Too many veterans are dying each year and we need to do better as a nation to battle this statistic. I, for one, almost became part of that statistic last year. I was lucky my wife somehow figured out something was not right because the VA did not help me. Instead, they kept me on a zip-lock bag of medications that I told them made me feel numb and zombie-like. The medications were the reason I was ready to take my own life. They said my medications were not the problem, I just needed to get used to the “new me”. I almost accepted their reasoning, and it would have killed me if I did.
The big problem is the stigma that goes with mental health problems. I just heard someone say the other day, “people who commit or attempt suicide are some of the weakest people.” No, we are not. Some of us have been in dark places for years and ultimately see no light at the end of the tunnel. We think the only way to feel better and alleviate the burden on our families is to end our own lives. In my mind, the stigma won’t ever leave until the whole country is educated about the mindsets of suicidal people.
We need to be more proactive in our treatments of depression and mental sickness. We need to be educated on the side effects of the medicines prescribed to us. I was guilty of taking whatever the VA prescribed me without question. It seemed like for the first 2 months, every time I turned around, more medications kept being added to battle the side effects of another. Or they would ask, “Are you still angry?” and I would say yes, so they would keep upping the dosage.
I ask you all to be a good friend and look for the red flags. If you wondering what some red flags may be, I would say listen to “Red Flags” by Soldier Hard. It is a great song that will educate those who don’t really know what to look for. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friend if he looks like he needs help – realize that a veteran who seems like he is going to hurt himself, wants and needs help whether or not he admits it. I can tell you I was afraid to admit I needed help because I felt it made me look weak.
From my personal experience, I felt lost in life because after retirement, I felt like I lost who I was. To me, I was BU2(SCW) Ferretti - Navy Seabee. I did not know how to be Corey Ferretti as a civilian. I also felt like I lost my mission in life and I could not easily get hired. When I finally did get hired, I had troubles adjusting to working there since it was so different than everything I knew. They were great employers, but I just walked out because I could not deal with my own life. I think if more veterans knew to focus on finding a new mission in life once they got out, it would help them so much. There are many veteran-focused groups out there, like Team Rubicon for example, who provide disaster relief. Find something that you love and find a way to make it your work. For me, horses saved my life. I am now apprenticing as a Farrier - I have a lot to learn, but I get to work with horses every day and they are my therapy.
I’m sure there are others on RallyPoint who wouldn’t mind sharing their stories in order to help those who might be in a bad place but don’t want to bring it up. If you’re in a bad place, I would be happy to talk more about my story if you have any questions. A question to other veterans: how have you found your new “life mission” after leaving service?
The big problem is the stigma that goes with mental health problems. I just heard someone say the other day, “people who commit or attempt suicide are some of the weakest people.” No, we are not. Some of us have been in dark places for years and ultimately see no light at the end of the tunnel. We think the only way to feel better and alleviate the burden on our families is to end our own lives. In my mind, the stigma won’t ever leave until the whole country is educated about the mindsets of suicidal people.
We need to be more proactive in our treatments of depression and mental sickness. We need to be educated on the side effects of the medicines prescribed to us. I was guilty of taking whatever the VA prescribed me without question. It seemed like for the first 2 months, every time I turned around, more medications kept being added to battle the side effects of another. Or they would ask, “Are you still angry?” and I would say yes, so they would keep upping the dosage.
I ask you all to be a good friend and look for the red flags. If you wondering what some red flags may be, I would say listen to “Red Flags” by Soldier Hard. It is a great song that will educate those who don’t really know what to look for. Don’t be afraid to talk to your friend if he looks like he needs help – realize that a veteran who seems like he is going to hurt himself, wants and needs help whether or not he admits it. I can tell you I was afraid to admit I needed help because I felt it made me look weak.
From my personal experience, I felt lost in life because after retirement, I felt like I lost who I was. To me, I was BU2(SCW) Ferretti - Navy Seabee. I did not know how to be Corey Ferretti as a civilian. I also felt like I lost my mission in life and I could not easily get hired. When I finally did get hired, I had troubles adjusting to working there since it was so different than everything I knew. They were great employers, but I just walked out because I could not deal with my own life. I think if more veterans knew to focus on finding a new mission in life once they got out, it would help them so much. There are many veteran-focused groups out there, like Team Rubicon for example, who provide disaster relief. Find something that you love and find a way to make it your work. For me, horses saved my life. I am now apprenticing as a Farrier - I have a lot to learn, but I get to work with horses every day and they are my therapy.
I’m sure there are others on RallyPoint who wouldn’t mind sharing their stories in order to help those who might be in a bad place but don’t want to bring it up. If you’re in a bad place, I would be happy to talk more about my story if you have any questions. A question to other veterans: how have you found your new “life mission” after leaving service?
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 71
SPC Margaret Higgins How many veterans commit suicide every day is what that number means to me. :-(
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SSG Audwin Scott
It means we have to do better getting our soldiers and vets the help and counseling they need.
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SGT Cody Skinner
It means I need to continue to reach out to my Brothers and Sisters. Stay engaged with them to help when they need it and so they can help me when I need it.
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SFC (Join to see)
too high is what it means. there are multiple outlets for veterans in distress. And even if we can help just one, that is an accomplishment. But there are those who really do slip through the cracks and do not show the signs we are taught to look for.
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PO2 Corey Ferretti, I am so very sorry about what happened to you.
I used to feel so hopeless, isolated, unloved, etc., such that I was constantly committing suicidal gestures.
On one final day, I tried to take my own life. The paramedics did come, however, they did not know that my wound was self-inflicted; until the end of our conversation. (I was ever so glad; as I did Not want to be locked up.) I have never been so scared in my entire life; as when I saw my blood spurting out of my wound. I panicked while I was on the phone with the 911 operator. I have never tried to commit suicide again; after that SCARE.
I have since formed my group: http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
I used to feel so hopeless, isolated, unloved, etc., such that I was constantly committing suicidal gestures.
On one final day, I tried to take my own life. The paramedics did come, however, they did not know that my wound was self-inflicted; until the end of our conversation. (I was ever so glad; as I did Not want to be locked up.) I have never been so scared in my entire life; as when I saw my blood spurting out of my wound. I panicked while I was on the phone with the 911 operator. I have never tried to commit suicide again; after that SCARE.
I have since formed my group: http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
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Suspended Profile
All agencies that help veterans in trouble have been talking about this for ages. Veterans need to feel safe asking for help; far too many don't...
Sgt (Join to see)
Agreed Sir. There is a level of distrust that many veterans have toward the VA and some of the veteran service organizations.
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Suspended Profile
I offer services through The Soldiers Project, providing free counseling. We don't report to the VA or DOD, so there is a level of trust that government doesn't get...
I too just about became a statistic because of VA care if it wasn't for my wife I wouldn't be here either
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PO2 Corey Ferretti, I have a Group for Suicidal Active Duty and for Suicidal Veterans- on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
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SPC Margaret Higgins
LCDR Rabbi Jaron Matlow - I saw your post; however it wasn't on my group's main page. I suggest that you 'Like' my group's page; and then try to post on it. Or if you would like, I can invite you to 'Like' my group; if you are indeed on Facebook.
Thank you for doing that for us; LCDR Rabbi Matlow.
Thank you for doing that for us; LCDR Rabbi Matlow.
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SFC (Join to see)
SPC Margaret Higgins - I have too. It is a very lonely path. But there was hope, and help for me. As there is for anyone who feels like they have nothing else to lose.
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SPC Margaret Higgins
I am exceedingly glad that you made it back; SFC (Join to see). I am ever SO proud of you. You got help; after you had sought it. That took a LOT of courage on your part.
-With My Love, SPC Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret)
-With My Love, SPC Margaret C Higgins US Army (Ret)
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YOU ARE NOT WEAK IF YOU NEED HELP; NOR ARE YOU WEAK IF YOU ASK FOR HELP. YOU ARE HUMAN. WE ALL NEED HELP.
THE NUMBER FOR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE is: [login to see] .
DIAL 1 FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY.
THE NUMBER FOR THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE is: [login to see] .
DIAL 1 FOR VETERANS AND ACTIVE DUTY.
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There's an excellent message here. Never give up. Reach out for help. The help is available if you only ask. We are all here for each other. No one is alone....
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It means I need to get off my ass and help in any way I can. I'm going to find my role in this mission.
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
PO2 Steven Erickson thank you if you look through the post there are a couple links to great organizations if you would like to get involved look into some of those.
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http://www.financial-planning.com/news/practice_management/landmark-military-suicide-prevention-study-approved-by-congress-2691414-1.html
Interesting points brought up in this future research. Seems if a trillion dollars are being invested, there will be some clinical pearls we can share with our troops.
Stand by for the results...
Interesting points brought up in this future research. Seems if a trillion dollars are being invested, there will be some clinical pearls we can share with our troops.
Stand by for the results...
Landmark Military Suicide Prevention Study Approved by Congress
Prompted by a Financial Planning investigation, more effective advice for soldiers and vets in financial distress is the objective.
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
Happy to see they are doing research into this all though why it took so long is beyond me just happy to see they are taking strides.
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It took years for the military, VA, and other health care and mental health professionals to take PTSD seriously with Vietnam vets. Why it has taken so long with Afghanistan and Iraq vets, when we already had the Vietnam example, is inexcusable, but we are now turning that corner.
Unfortunately, our best weapons in this fight are not those professionals, but rather our brother and sister vets, our families, and our friends.
Unfortunately, our best weapons in this fight are not those professionals, but rather our brother and sister vets, our families, and our friends.
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
Your right PO1 Chris Crawley it seems like the medical and miltary forgot about what Vietnam vets went through. You last statment is correct too. thank you for taking the time to read my post and your response.
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