Last week I did a phone interview for IAVA (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America) and was asked if I had a few minutes with the president, what would I tell him about how we can address the high suicide rate for military and veterans. I said that there is no one solution, because every case is unique, with individual reasons for committing suicide. But, what is greatly needed is a better response after the fact in order to prevent those grieving from committing suicide in the future.
This morning's news about country singer Mindy McCready's suicide highlights the pain of those left behind, and how at risk they are for committing suicide in the future. Sure, she had other problems, long before her loss just a month ago, but I can't help but think David Wilson's suicide was that last straw.
Our Soldiers and Vets who have lost someone close due to suicide are likewise at incredible risk. Learning how to engage in conversation with them, how to lead them through the pain, and how to help them deal with the guilt that comes from that loss is the only way to decrease their chances of falling victim to suicide. I hope we learn how to before another is lost.
This morning's news about country singer Mindy McCready's suicide highlights the pain of those left behind, and how at risk they are for committing suicide in the future. Sure, she had other problems, long before her loss just a month ago, but I can't help but think David Wilson's suicide was that last straw.
Our Soldiers and Vets who have lost someone close due to suicide are likewise at incredible risk. Learning how to engage in conversation with them, how to lead them through the pain, and how to help them deal with the guilt that comes from that loss is the only way to decrease their chances of falling victim to suicide. I hope we learn how to before another is lost.