UK Soldier and Veteran Suicides Outstrip Afghan Deaths
As in the U.S., the number of suicides in the military is higher than the number of deaths in theater. The toll of war is too high no matter what country you are from!
UK Soldier and Veteran Suicides Outstrip Afghan Deaths
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To all the Father's who are able to be with their children today, and those who continue to fight for their children's country, and those who watch over their children with our Heavenly Father... Happy Father's Day!
Yet another way to try and address the problem of health care for vets. While there are some issues with so-called "telemedicine," as the article points out, it may be the only way some vets will receive care. At least there are eyes on the problem and attempts to address them.
Telemedicine to Expand Care Options This article shares one doctor's opinion on how outdated the U.S. approach to mental health and especially depression is and how behind we are from other countries in treatment. It also mentions the presidential conference on mental health held today and streamed live online. I watch the first 40 minutes of it. Interesting, but can't say that it will put any kind of dent in the statistics, although every positive step is a step in the right direction. There were some extremely sobering numbers quoted in the conference - such as more than half of those surveyed claimed they did not want someone diagnosed with depression to marry into the family. There were extremely high numbers of people who didn't want those with mental health issues living next door, or teaching their children, etc. Of course, those who claimed such have no idea all of that is already happening!
We aren't talking about psychopaths. We aren't talking about anti-social murderers. We are talking about people who struggle with bi-polar disorder, and PTSD and depression and schizophrenia (which typically does not include violent behavior, and is extremely treatable with medication). This is all to say that we are living in the dark ages when in comes to our thinking and reaction to those who suffer illness of the brain. What would our reaction be if these same statistics came out about people who suffer from cancer? Multiple sclerosis? Parkinson's? America Has to Tackle Its Suicide Problem Yet another suicide of one who served his country. Worse, he had waited for two years for the V.A. to process his claim and was still waiting. If this doesn't make you angry while you cry for the loss of one who deserved far better, nothing will.
Waiting for help from the V.A., A Soldier Dies Well, the number of potential suicides is going up - from 23 in March (one more was added after the report came out) to 27 in April. At this rate, for active duty and National Guard/Reserve combined, we will exceed the number of suicides over last year.
As Memorial Day rapidly approaches, remember those lost not only in combat, but to suicide and help make a difference to prevent another. Army Releases April 2013 Suicide With attention on football players, it seemed the link was already made, but this study finally solidifies the link between TBI and suicide. The term is mTBI (for mild traumatic brain injury) that often leads people to believe it isn't serious, but any trauma to the head is serious and even two mTBI's can change one's life.
Traumatic Br The past month has been bad for the military in terms of addressing MST (military sexual trauma). These failures have huge consequences for all involved - not just the victim, but the perpetrator and the families. In 2009, MST from my unit's deployment led to a suicide. How many have lost their lives because the military has failed to maintain standards of zero tolerance?? If you or someone you know has suffered from MST, don't let the experience destroy your life - get help! The military, Congress, and the White House are listening now - get your story out and be a force for change!
Outrage Over Sexual Assault in the Military While March's suicides are a few less than for February, it's definitely not low enough! And, the reserves and National Guard are losing many while not on active duty status. Looking at how many of those where unemployed. March 2013 Military Suicides.
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AuthorA medically retired, Iraqi Freedom veteran, Army Chaplain. Archives
August 2018
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