Suicide prevention for veterans

Suicide in the military is a hot topic and a hard one to talk about.  In the August 14th, 2009 issue of the San Antonio Express- News, Sig Christenson wrote a front page headline, "Army suicides nearing a grim mark." He reported that the figures released in August showed the Army to have almost as many suicides and "potential" suicides in the first 7 months of 2009 as it did for all of 2008 when 143 soldiers took their own lives. The Army has stepped up programs and awareness to confront this problem, according to Brig. Gen. Colleen McGuire, director of the Army's Suicide Prevention Task Force.  Nevertheless, 62 active-duty soldiers and 17 reservists committed suicide between January and July of this year.  34 active-duty soldiers' and 28 reservists' deaths remain under investigation.  This is the 6th year of fighting in the U.S. led war in Iraq and Afghanistan.  Texas' own Ft. Hood has had more suicides than any post in the Army - 75 through July 31st.  Divisions there have served at least 3 years each in Iraq and Afghanistan.  

Information directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs is as follows: 

What Are The Warning Signs For Suicide?

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

• Threatening to hurt or kill oneself or talking about wanting to hurt or kill oneself
• Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
• Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
• Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
• Feeling trapped - like there's no way out
• Increasing alcohol or drug use
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
• Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
• Experiencing dramatic mood changes
• Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life

www.youtube.com/watch  A survivor's story ~~~

Do you  know a military family?  Can you support a soldier overseas by being a pen pal?  Do you see the obituary of a soldier coming home to rest and can you attend the service to show support?  The war is going on so long now, and support seems to be waning for those who serve and their families..  Let's all figure out a way to support our troops.