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I have never been depressed before so it is difficult for me to understand depression much less suicide. I keep reading and hearing of stories like this of this Veteran who came home and ended up jumping off of a bridge to his death.
I wonder if there is something else that can be done for Vets and others to help them before it's too late?
I wonder if there is something else that can be done for Vets and others to help them before it's too late?
The endless after-war
Posted from projects.expressnews.com
PTSD
Combat
Suicide
Military Family
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 7
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This will sound cruel but until the SM opens up and realizes he/she needs help this is what we'll get. Until units stop their rah rah mentally and realize we can win both ways by completing the mission and taking care of Joe without the required 'I had it soo bad' BS we can take a step forward. Taking care of Joe isn't just beans and bullets, it's knowing his/her family. Joe wants to talk; we need to give em time! It used to be required to know all of the names, birthdays, major events a joes family had. How many of us know their middle names? Kelli, this topic could run forever, but hitting rock bottom is subjective and would make this a bitch session. How to fix it? Open the fuck up. Listen to us. We've gone through it. Stop hiding behind rank to make a buffer from us, but use it to sound like you have a damn clue at the right time. Sometimes when I listen to senior leaders talk it feels like a presidential debate on BS. Who can give the better lie for their service? To me the real experts have hung it up and look for ways to effect change one Joe at a time
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PO1 John Miller
SSG Warren Swan
Sure saying it is all well and good, but until leadership actually DOES it, we're still going to have Joes and Sailors offing themselves because they feel like there is no alternative. I've seen it happen plenty of times. A Sailor is having problems, so the first thing the chain does is yank their security clearance, pull them off duty, and put them on some dirt bag detail and MAYBE send them to a Navy Shrink who accuses them of skylarking.
Sure saying it is all well and good, but until leadership actually DOES it, we're still going to have Joes and Sailors offing themselves because they feel like there is no alternative. I've seen it happen plenty of times. A Sailor is having problems, so the first thing the chain does is yank their security clearance, pull them off duty, and put them on some dirt bag detail and MAYBE send them to a Navy Shrink who accuses them of skylarking.
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SSG Warren Swan
But the people who should be saying it don't have the audience. I'm with you. Problem is we're yesterday and they're looking at tomorrow. We're the ones looking at today and now. Could you imagine if we got recalled to tell the truth? Could you imagine how many sudden retirements there would be or how we'd be made out as liars no matter how good we were?
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PO1 John Miller
SSG Warren Swan
If I were still in I would be Court-martialed! Because I would tell it like it is and actually help my Sailors and not just take care of myself.
If I were still in I would be Court-martialed! Because I would tell it like it is and actually help my Sailors and not just take care of myself.
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Sgt Kelli Mays, I applaud you for not having to understand depression. I can't explain it. For me, it's something that comes from being in combat and seeing things nobody should ever see. I've recently been contacted by 12 pilots I flew with in Vietnam. Everyone of them have depression and PTSD. Some were wounded, some killed. Those Warrants and Officers were like brothers in Vietnam. So far, two pilots I flew with, have committed suicde in their 70's. Today, I don't understand why, with all of the past history on depression and suicde, the military still tries to act like it doesn't exist. No combat soldier will ever be rid of the bad memories, but they can control it if they admit they have a problem and get help. I hate taking 15 pills a day, but if that is what it takes, and it does, I'll be thankful I have that option. Thank you for this post.
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SGT (Join to see)
Yes sir. Speaking of my baby. I wish I could send you a short video of her tap dancing on a sheet of bubble wrap. It's hilarious. She starts popping them and then ends up like she's tap dancing, clapping her hands.
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SGT (Join to see)
Capt Tom Brown - I can't go a day without mine. It sneaks up on me. One minute I'm fine and then I go off. I sometimes wonder why and then I realize I haven't taken my meds.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks Sgt Kelli Mays. It's ok. I'm 71 and still kickin. Meds just make it easier.
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Sgt Kelli Mays
Like my Shipmate SSG Warren Swan said, the SM has to open up. But... their Chain has to actually listen to them and help them. Not just say they're going to help them and then treat them like a leper, actually HELP THEM.
Like my Shipmate SSG Warren Swan said, the SM has to open up. But... their Chain has to actually listen to them and help them. Not just say they're going to help them and then treat them like a leper, actually HELP THEM.
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