~23 Veterans take their own lives each day in the U.S.
The statistic that ~23 Veterans take their own lives each year in the U.S. is tragic. The fact that anyone comes to this point is tragic. I became aware of this issue when our family was touched by such an experience when we heard of my son’s best friend choosing this path. He was like a son to us and at such a young age it was even more tragic. Its hard to think of or to even ponder the events leading up to that day… I cannot imagine the pain those left behind as family members feel. Adding to the tragedy of veteran suicide is the fact that many choose this path within the first year of transitioning from military life to civilian life. There seems to be a disconnect that occurs between the two lifestyles. Is it wrapped in expectations, opportunity, acceptance/judgment, or lack of direction? Truth is it could be many things. I was privileged to be part of a start up venture called Enfuego.work. It was/is a startup focused on matching military type skills to civilian marketplace job openings. It is a worthy cause and could really use everyones support if you have a mind to. Enfuego.tech is worthy of a looksee.
So how can an individual help fight these high and rising veteran suicide rates?
1. Recognize the signs of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance abuse in veterans. These signs include isolation, anger, trouble sleeping, and loss of interest in activities.
2. Offer your support to veterans by listening to them, offering assistance, and reminding them that they are not alone.
3. Share information about resources available for veterans, such as the VA crisis line, local support groups, and therapy options.
4. Volunteer at a local veterans’ organization or donate to organizations that support mental health and suicide prevention for veterans.
5. Advocate for changes in policies and healthcare systems that can better aid veterans in need.
6. Honor the memory of those who have died by suicide by raising awareness, supporting their families and loved ones, and participating in memorial events.
7. Stay connected with veterans in your life and check-in on their well-being regularly.
Veterans are people who raised their hand and volunteered to step in harms way to protect our way of live and values in The United States. That’s impressive. Regardless of the motivation, the action matters. Without this protection of our values and way of life… we certainly would not have them for very long.
Take a moment to absorb the seven items above and how you can keep them top of mind in your lives. Together, we can bring this tragic statistic down rather than seeing it raise each year as it has been doing.