It claims to be a documentary "exposing" the "devastating effects ... of psychiatry's role" in the military, nearly (if not in fact?) making fun of those who have been treated for PTSD and its debilitating symptoms. The article itself is quite negative toward psychiatric medicine and its place within the military. It would be interesting to hear from others who took time to watch the documentary.
Looking to see what documentaries were out there on mental health and suicide, I found this one: The Hidden Enemy
It claims to be a documentary "exposing" the "devastating effects ... of psychiatry's role" in the military, nearly (if not in fact?) making fun of those who have been treated for PTSD and its debilitating symptoms. The article itself is quite negative toward psychiatric medicine and its place within the military. It would be interesting to hear from others who took time to watch the documentary.
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I don't often (ever?) share anything about my own continuing struggle with PTSD and suicidality after returning from Iraq. Maybe I should. Maybe it would help others who think they are alone. So, today, I share. Today, I pour out my heart and hope it helps.
The past two months have been torture for me. I can't even tell you why. I suppose it's myriad of things - Thanksgiving, which is always hard, because it reminds me of the last time Quincy went home to see his family and the pictures on his wall when I went to clean up from his suicide; the end of my master's program yet not having a job or prospects for even one to apply for; feelings of uselessness as my son comes so close to getting his license (in fact he got it while I was in the hospital); and looking toward empty nest syndrome. So, I tried to reach out, only to find that those I reached out to sent help in the form of sheriff's officers to my home! Ugh. Yes, time in the hospital. Time in out-patient. Time to reflect. And time to realize I didn't want to end things like Quincy, I just wanted the pain to end. I just want to feel like I can make a difference. I just want to work hard and use my God given talents (if I have any). So, that's my past couple months. Hope yours have been better. Hope your 2014 brings you many blessings and if you struggle with PTSD or suicidal ideation, relief. Happy New Year! There is no one answer or one way for healing even one Soldier, let alone millions. Native Americans have much to offer in healing, including in the area of PTSD, as they often have a warrior culture and have learned from centuries of fighting how to incorporate these warriors into the community before and after the war. Nice to see them sharing their traditions with the rest of America. Native American Traditions and PTSD
This is an article I found on NPR News about a Marine that survived Afghanistan only to loose the battle with PTSD, depression, and suicide. Unfortunately the red flags are usually only noticeable after the fact. But, knowing what to look for can prevent some unnecessary deaths!
After a Marine's Death If you or someone you know is engaged in risky behavior or having suicidal thoughts, PLEASE seek help. Call the crisis hotline at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 Chat online at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx or call 911. Army Suicide Study With 900 initiatives to help decrease military suicide, DoD says maybe there is some progress.... Would like to know why it has taken so many years and so many attempts at change in order to see any change.
With troops coming home many may think all is well... but those who have endured the repeated combat tours and the pain of losing brothers and sisters in arms, the threat of suicide remains. Every loss is a tragedy!
Rising Rates of Suicide in the Military This is a piece from IAVA - Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. The numbers are sobering - 134 potential suicides among the military community already this year. And the UK is noting similar increases in suicides among the veteran and active duty communities. No one has the answers, but reaching out for help does prevent thousands more!
What We Know - and Don't Know - About Military Suicides Posted by Jason Hansman on July 18 A recent story by the BBC reported that in the UK, soldier and veteran suicides are outpacing combat deaths. Sadly this has been the case in the United States military for at least a year - perhaps longer if you include veteran suicides. Over the past couple months the face of suicide has come into a much clearer focus with the personal stories of two veterans: --Tomas Young, Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran and subject of the documentary Body of War, who stated his intention of ending his own life. --Daniel Somers, an Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran, whose suicide note went viral shortly after being posted. Ultimately, Tomas decided not to end his life, but for Daniel it was too late. There are still gaps in our knowledge of and data about suicide. We still don't have accurate numbers about how many veterans take their own lives - the best estimate from the VA is 22 a day. The Army on Thursday reported a total of 22 potential suicides in May 2013, 12 among active duty troops and 10 among Guard and Reserve troops. This brings the annual total of potential suicides for 2013 to 134. Beyond incomplete reporting, there is still a long way to go to get to the root of the issues surrounding suicide in the military. What we do know about suicide is that access to care can be critical for a veteran in crisis. That and a simple phone call can and does save lives. Our work at IAVA remains committed to working with best in class resources to ensure that veterans are getting the care and services they need while they are in the military and once they are discharged. This includes partnering with Vets Prevail to bring online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to our members, and IAVA's Community of Veterans - an online peer to peer support network exclusively for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans. Most importantly, for the past two years IAVA has been working closely with the Military and Veteran Crisis Line to ensure that every service member, veteran, family member and provider knows that there is free and confidential help available 24 hours a day through phone, text and online. Veterans, or those concerned about veterans, need only call 800-273-8255 and press 1 to be directly connected to qualified responders. If you take one thing away from this piece, program the Veteran Crisis Line into your phone (800 273 8255) or contact us to have materials sent to you. If you or someone you know is in crisis, make the call. We know it makes a difference. Here is another story of a Soldier lost to suicide. He was a combat veteran from serving in the Army before he went to the National Guard. Of course, his rank after serving for so long indicates that there were problems along the way. Were things missed? Was he punished when what he needed was help? We'll never know....
Suicide Confirmed in Death of Idaho ANG Soldier The consequences of furloughs may have a serious impact on those receiving medical care - both mental health and physical health. Not only wait times are at issue, but many appointments will simply be cancelled. As the article linked below points out, that may not be a problem for some, it may put others in serious crisis!
Marines React to Mental Health Furloughs |
AuthorA medically retired, Iraqi Freedom veteran, Army Chaplain. Archives
August 2018
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