New VA study finds 20 veterans commit suicide each day

My friends inside the VA system say the number is much higher than originally reported at 22 per day because 21 states do not report Veteran suicides in a separate category. In my mind, any studys the VA makes on this subject is not reliable.

Sadly I am well aware of this

The VA in Palo Alto CA found that medications, alcohol and drugs were contributing factors. So they started a program under the direction of the Stanford Medical Center to see if diet, exercise and spirituality could be used instead of medications. This program is still ongoing and both Stanford and the Univ Of Minnesota published some favorable results. But PTSD is still a major issue and the VA needs to do more.
But they claim they need more funding and doctors because of so many cases.

This is a travesty! I am sure that there are plenty of resources out there for my fellow brothers and sisters to seek help but there is one problem. While I cannot vouch for other branches but I remember during my time in the Army if anyone even mentioned suicide or was perceived to be mentally weak, they were immediately ostracized. Asking for help meant that you weren't fit; you were a disgrace and were called a myriad of names. This could not be further from the truth. It takes a hell of a person to come out of their comfort zone and ask for help. Maybe some feel as if there is no way out and they are just tired. There could be a million and one reasons. But when you are conditioned to believe that there cannot be even one chink in the armor, you might believe that suicide is the only way out.

I can't stand the fact that we as a country do not focus more on this. I want to help. I am tired of seeing my brothers and sisters become another statistic.