If you are reading this then chances are you are seeking information about Veteran suicide.
If you survived a suicide attempt then thank God you are here. If you are thinking about it, then know you are not alone.
If you think no one understands what it feels like to want to die, cares, or can help you then you should be happy to know you’re wrong.
It is hard to feel anything but the pain and a gallon of whiskey with a 12 gauge lead slug chaser appears to be the best plan you can come up with.
I can tell you that blasting a hole in your brain housing will rip us all apart.
Suicide doesn’t end the pain for everyone else left behind. And we don’t leave people behind.
The pain doesn’t care, but we do.
Reach out to us now.
Facts don’t have feelings
One of the latest studies does not include the current DOD casualty list released on September 20th 20201.
Looking at the linked informational graphic published by USC it is clear to see the US has exceeded epidemic level of Veteran suicide.
Data collected during the 2018 University of Southern California study has been published as an information graphic tracking through 2015 showing a steady increase in Veteran suicides beyond the data sets range.
Since September 11, 2001:
Over 7,052 US Service Members killed in post 9/11 war operations.
During this same period:
Over 30,177 active duty service members and veterans have died by suicide.
These numbers are much worse in their current form showing that suicide has surpassed the major cause of service member’s death compared to being killed in action.
How is it possible?
Why is someone 5 times more likely to kill themselves than to be killed by the enemy?
One thing that is unique to this period of conflict is the common exposure service members have with Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) causing traumatic brain injury (TBI), post traumatic stress (PTSD) and other physical and emotional factors that are connected with suicidal ideations.
What can we do to stop it?
We could stop engaging in foreign wars.
Or we can support the Veterans knowing that they need peer based and clinical support.