How to Identify Suicide Risk and Help a Veteran in Need

A veteran commits suicide every 80 minutes, according to a study cited by the Huffington Post. In response to continually high rates of depression and suicide among veterans, the Department of Veterans Affairs has announced expansions to its crisis line services.

The crisis line gives veterans (and the veteran's family and friends) confidential access to a concerned and qualified responder. These responders are professionals who have been trained to help veterans of all ages and circumstances who are in emotional distress. In its five years of operation, the Veteran's Crisis Line has helped more than half a million veterans. More than 18,000 life-saving rescues have resulted from use of its services.

There are three ways to contact the Veteran's Crisis Line:

1. Call the toll-free hot line at 1-800-273-8255. Press 1.
2. Send a text message to 838255.
3. Chat online.

All three of these services are available 24/7/365 to assist veterans and their friends and family.

Even if you don't think that you or your veteran are depressed or at risk of suicide, it is always wise to know the symptoms of depression and the signs of suicide risk. If you are or know a veteran who is showing ANY warning signs, you are strongly encouraged to contact the Veteran's Crisis Line immediately.

Signs of depression/suicide risk include:

• Chronic sadness and clinical depression
• Loss of interest in activities including hobbies, work, school, etc.
• Trouble sleeping and eating that doesn't go away or gets continually worse
• Anxiety
• Self-neglect
• Withdrawing from people and activities
• Sleeping all the time
• Frequent/dramatic mood swings
• Excessive guilt or shame, feelings of failure
• Hopelessness
• Acting like they have a "death wish" (engaging in risky or reckless behavior)
• Violent behavior and uncontrolled anger
• Giving away treasured possessions, making a will, putting affairs in order

If you are unsure if you or your veteran really needs help, the VA also offers a confidential self-check quiz that can help evaluate your condition.

Veteran suicide is a very serious issue and should never be taken lightly. Do not ignore the warning signs, because once suicide happens it's too late.

New Site Offers Job Opportunities, Benefits Advice and More to Veterans & Servicemembers

Connect with other veterans and veteran supporters on the new veteran portal at VeteranCentral.com. This site gives users access to a social media network, job bank, and "buy veteran" PX.

Veteran Central was created in response to the dramatic suicide rates among US servicemembers and veterans. The goal of the site is to connect servicemembers and veterans with a support network. According to the About Us page, the purpose of Veteran Central is "to develop a one stop support structure that would centralize efforts to alleviate these challenges including: improving community support, providing Veterans employment opportunities, and collecting programs and services from across the government and private sectors in one, easy to access location."

Sign up at VeteranCentral today to connect with these wonderful resources.

PTSD: A Real Problem

Good morning!

Most of us are familiar with the term PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In many cases, we think of it in terms of our comrades or friends, but not in terms of ourselves. However, PTSD is a real problem that requires real treatment. If you think you may have PTSD, or are struggling with other anxiety or depression problems, I encourage you to ask your primary care physician (PCP) for a referral to Mental Health. Many CBOC clinics have mental health providers on staff.

PTSD is a mental health disorder caused by trauma, which is when something horrible or scary occurs. Common types of trauma that lead to PTSD include combat/war, sexual/physical abuse, terrorist attacks, serious car accidents, or natural disasters. These events leave a residual feeling of fear, confusion and anger. Often, these emotions will fade and resolve over time. If they do not, or if they become progressively worse, you may have PTSD. PTSD can become very debilitating, even preventing you from completing normal daily activities.

There are treatments for PTSD that can alleviate the debilitating symptoms of PTSD and help you regain control of your emotions. However, no treatment can erase your memories. Treatments for PTSD include counseling and prescription medicines.

If you have PTSD, you can obtain treatment from the VA. You can also file a claim for compensation for PTSD. I will include this information in a later post.

Until then, consider these facts about PTSD:

·         About 7-8% of the population will have PTSD at some point during their lifetime

·         11-20% of veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars are affected by PTSD

·         About 30% of Vietnam Veterans are affected by PTSD

·         60% of men and 50% of women experience at least one traumatic experience in their lives, but not all will develop PTSD

·         About 5.2 million adults suffer from PTSD during a year

Do you have any questions, comments or concerns about PTSD? Please leave us a comment below!