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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?
Suicide
Health
Depression
Command Post
Posted 11 y ago
Responses: 65
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We will never overcome this issue nor any other issue of the like as long as we as a people do not finally stand up to a corrupt government and right the wrongs done to both the poeple and the laws that are supposed to govern this once great counrty. We have no business invading ANY country when we cannot or more likely will not address and solve issues at home 1st and foremost. As a disabled vet I am confronted with actually seeing how much my supposedly caring government actually cares for me, it was attempted to bust me down to the lowest rank they could muster when I was going through medical separation to reduce the amount of disability I would receive back then. In 96 I recieved a final letter from the VA stating that even though I filed all paper work properly back in 92 that because I was not living in the continental US I was not eligible for ANY type of medical or disability.Once getting back state side in 2010 I was told I WAS entitled and was helped to re-submit all forms and yes I requested it back dated to 92 since I did it all properly back then and just had a corrupt system to deal with but was only awarded from 2010 because the letter stated that I more or less was crazy if I thought that the VA was gonna pay me all those years for their mistake and neglect. Current day I have to fight with the VA on everything, have to put up with snot nosed interns with attitudes tell me to shut up and I have no say on how my medical treatments will be done, I have to put up with setting in the ER for 4 hours with heart attack symptoms, only to find out I had a stroke too and that there must have been some miscalculation at the front desk. I have to put up with being told I will be escorted out of a VA facility if I disagree with my PCP one more time, they treat you like shit knowing we have PTSD and other issues and wonder why you get pissed only to leave the VA feeling unwanted and unloved like you are a burden to them. So yes I can Honestly see why we loose so many brothers and sisters to a non caring system.
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PO2 Corey Ferretti
Thank you SGT Michael Glenn You are right VA has failed so many of us. I put in another comment above. The VA needs to be rebuilt from the ground up wiht better training for the medical staff. I have never had some of the dealing you have listed but i have had friends who had these dealing. Because of some of the troubles i have had i use civilian practitioners because i dont feel the VA has my best intrest at heart right now because they failed me in a big way not to long ago.
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I have been purchasing from Til Valhalla Project for a couple years now.
Owned and started by a vet, employs vets and gives free memorial plaques to families.
Owned and started by a vet, employs vets and gives free memorial plaques to families.
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Yes , I have. I started a non-profit 10 years after my 19 year old gunner died in a Rollover accident in Parwan Province in 2004 http://www.Neverforgottenmemorials.org and I work with multiple Veterans Organizations throughout CFL. Now, I am launching a Internet Radio Show called "Remember The Fallen With SGT Dave. http://www.KLRNradio.com "Liberty and Reason Still Reign . Yes I found my new "life mission after service!
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I would rather be a healthy peasant than a rich king
Our Health is the greatest of all our possessions. That's why it's imperative that the VA assures that Veterans care is improved and get rid of the Manager's that are falsifying records on appointments and their facilities are providing sub par care so they can receive bonuses how selfish is that. These unscrupulous Manager's put their bonuses above the life's of Veterans. That's very cold blooded. We know that in battle serving some of us will never return home alive. However that shouldn't be case losing lives of Veterans because they couldn't get an appointment. We must contact our elected politicians and let them hear it from us that we will not stand for Veterans to continually be mistreated and receive sub par care.
Just because I receive good care from the VA facility in Martinez California. It doesn't make me feel any better knowing that somewhere out there a Veteran died because he or she couldn't get an appointment or they committed suicide because they were so frustrated with the system.
Keep in mind how long did our government deny agent orange? I wasn't there but I talked to so many guys that explained how the herbicide was all over the foliage and everything around them. Now let's fast forward almost 700,000 of us were sent to the Persian Gulf in 1991. Many returned with illnesses that couldn't be determined what they were. Headaches, nausea and rashes etc. Later to know as the Gulf War Illness. Most of the Veterans are having a heck of a time with the VA Benefits system again because the government is in denial.
This is not right it's unacceptable and should not be happening at all! Although the system has improved there is still a lot of work to be done. Again I say we as brothers and sisters we must hold these so called Veteran friendly Politicians accountable to deliver not on promises but on what's right. Let's not let them continue to play Russian roulette with our health care. Because our health is the main source off our wealth!
Peace!
Our Health is the greatest of all our possessions. That's why it's imperative that the VA assures that Veterans care is improved and get rid of the Manager's that are falsifying records on appointments and their facilities are providing sub par care so they can receive bonuses how selfish is that. These unscrupulous Manager's put their bonuses above the life's of Veterans. That's very cold blooded. We know that in battle serving some of us will never return home alive. However that shouldn't be case losing lives of Veterans because they couldn't get an appointment. We must contact our elected politicians and let them hear it from us that we will not stand for Veterans to continually be mistreated and receive sub par care.
Just because I receive good care from the VA facility in Martinez California. It doesn't make me feel any better knowing that somewhere out there a Veteran died because he or she couldn't get an appointment or they committed suicide because they were so frustrated with the system.
Keep in mind how long did our government deny agent orange? I wasn't there but I talked to so many guys that explained how the herbicide was all over the foliage and everything around them. Now let's fast forward almost 700,000 of us were sent to the Persian Gulf in 1991. Many returned with illnesses that couldn't be determined what they were. Headaches, nausea and rashes etc. Later to know as the Gulf War Illness. Most of the Veterans are having a heck of a time with the VA Benefits system again because the government is in denial.
This is not right it's unacceptable and should not be happening at all! Although the system has improved there is still a lot of work to be done. Again I say we as brothers and sisters we must hold these so called Veteran friendly Politicians accountable to deliver not on promises but on what's right. Let's not let them continue to play Russian roulette with our health care. Because our health is the main source off our wealth!
Peace!
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Its absolutely stunning for that number to be so high for Veterans. It's absolutely absurd that our government hasn't really put forth a better effort to come up with a solution to really address this. These are human beings ending their lives that have served this country. This should be alarming to the people in DC. However unfortunately they so busy fighting and throwing mud at each other they can't focus on the real issues facing Vets. We are sick and tired of lip service from these sorry A** politicians. One off this countries first order off business should be to take care of the men and women currently serving in the military and those that have served. It shouldn't be a partisan issue it's an American issue. Let's not waste so much money on their pork belly unnecessary projects in their home districts and use some of them funds to see that the military and it's Veterans are better taken care of. I call on Congress and the Senate to get up off your A** and stop arguing over this nonsense that's making headlines daily. Do the jobs you were elected to do. These Vets are calling out for help and unfortunately they feel no one is listening and cares so unfortunately they take their lives. If these were politicians taking their lives I assure it there would be a major response to that.
Peace!
Peace!
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It's cause nobody listens, or has all the answer, no compassion, mocked or made fun of, Subject to abuse, name calling, bullied, or otherwise taken advantage of. It gets worse every day. It's not a game. Actually, very dangerous to be messed with, because kill, still rings in my head
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PO2 Corey Ferretti: Twenty Two Veterans per day: is ONE Veteran too MANY!
There are feelings of: isolation, hopelessness, desperation, lack of Love, etc., that are concomitant with suicidal ideations.
The link to my: 'Group for Suicidal Active Duty and for Suicidal Veterans' is the following:
http//:http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
If you are: (1) SUICIDAL (2) In an emotional crisis (3) or, if you just want to talk-
PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT: [login to see] . BE SURE TO PRESS 1 FOR ACTIVE DUTY/VETERANS.
The counselor at the other end of the line: will keep everything you say to him/her- absolutely CONFIDENTIAL.
Also, the LAST RESORT for your counselor, would be to call the Police.
PLEASE HANG IN THERE FOR ME. PLEASE KEEP YOURSELF DECIDEDLY SAFE AND SECURE FOR ME.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE AND FOR YOUR BRAVE, BRAVE SACRIFICE.
MUCH, MUCH OBLIGED.
-With All of My HONOR, RESPECT, SUPPORT, COMPASSION AND LOVE,
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach
There are feelings of: isolation, hopelessness, desperation, lack of Love, etc., that are concomitant with suicidal ideations.
The link to my: 'Group for Suicidal Active Duty and for Suicidal Veterans' is the following:
http//:http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans
If you are: (1) SUICIDAL (2) In an emotional crisis (3) or, if you just want to talk-
PLEASE CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE AT: [login to see] . BE SURE TO PRESS 1 FOR ACTIVE DUTY/VETERANS.
The counselor at the other end of the line: will keep everything you say to him/her- absolutely CONFIDENTIAL.
Also, the LAST RESORT for your counselor, would be to call the Police.
PLEASE HANG IN THERE FOR ME. PLEASE KEEP YOURSELF DECIDEDLY SAFE AND SECURE FOR ME.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SELFLESS SERVICE AND FOR YOUR BRAVE, BRAVE SACRIFICE.
MUCH, MUCH OBLIGED.
-With All of My HONOR, RESPECT, SUPPORT, COMPASSION AND LOVE,
Margaret C. Higgins U.S. Army Retired: Coach
See posts, photos and more on Facebook.
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I am glad you are still with us and that you have found the help you so greatly deserved.
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The info behind those numbers are flawed. It could be more or less than 22. First, the information was taken from death certificates in only 21 states. Second, the death certificates do not normally denote whether the deceased is a veteran. Third, of those Suicides, how could they extrapolate that their suicide is related to their military service. Fourth, they even admit that their information is not complete and/or accurate.
Caveat: I am not saying the number is wrong, but we do not have all the information, so before you shoot the messenger, consider what I have said before you start firing rounds in my direction.
Caveat: I am not saying the number is wrong, but we do not have all the information, so before you shoot the messenger, consider what I have said before you start firing rounds in my direction.
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