Get the Word Out About Suicide
September is National Suicide awareness and prevention month and since veteran suicide is such a hot topic of discussion I felt the need to discuss it. Suicide is an epidemic that affects hundreds of veterans and their families. I constantly attend meetings concerning veteran’s issues. One of the most recent was at the Veterans Administration (VA) concerning the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention Act. Congress has tasked the VA with implementation of outreach and education programs concerning veteran’s suicide funded through the Clay Hunt act.
Veteran suicide is nothing new. Historians estimate that as many as 200,000 Vietnam Veterans committed suicide after they came home from the Vietnam War. Sadly, the toll the Vietnam war took on our country may not be finished since 65% of all veterans who commit suicide are over the age of 50.
Veterans represent only 7% of the US population but represent 18% of all suicides in the US. The suicide rate for veterans between ages of 18-29 was almost twice as high as their civilian counterparts. Since 2001 the suicide rate among veterans has surged 35% while female veteran suicide rate has increased 85% in the same period. Even though that is a lot of veterans who complete suicide the number is actually down since 2010, from 22 per day to 20 per day.
A 2012 VA report has estimated that 65,335 veterans committed suicide from 2001 to 2010. This report only covers information from 21 states. These numbers could be low. There’s no data that discusses veterans who had bad paper discharges since the VA does not deem them veterans and they do not qualify for services. For instance, an Army veteran who received a bad paper discharge after 16 years of service would not be considered a vet by the VA. Even though the reason for the bad paper discharge was after multiple deployments, combat, PTSD and a failed marriage, he began to self-medicate to cope and was discharged for actions related to his alcohol problem. The military used him up and the VA looks down on him and doesn’t include him in their veteran suicide statistics or give him benefits. Suicide by “accidental” drug overdose, or suicide by what was deemed any other type of accident are also not included. The most common method of suicide is the use of vehicles, weather wrecking them or jumping into traffic. Driving recklessly will not throw up a red flag for suicide, even though, as a clinician, I know that reckless driving can be a sign of suicidal thoughts. When a car is involved, it is all too easy for a suicide to be deemed an accident.
Signs of someone thinking of suicide
Folks considering suicide often give us clues that they are thinking of killing themselves. Examples of what someone might say or do if they are thinking of suicide are listed below.
Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
“I wish I were dead.”
“If (such and such) doesn’t happen, I’ll kill myself.”
I’m tired of life, I just can’t go on.”
“My family would be better off without me.”
“Who cares if I’m dead.”
“I just want out.”
“I won’t be around much longer.”
“Pretty soon you won’t have to worry about me.”
Veterans who are considering suicide often show signs of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and/or hopelessness. Their behavior may be dramatically different from their normal behavior, or they may appear to be actively contemplating or preparing for a suicidal act through behaviors such as:
Performing poorly at work or school
Showing violent behavior such as punching holes in walls, getting into fights or self-destructive violence; feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
Looking as though one has a “death wish,” tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, such as driving fast or running red lights
Giving away prized possessions
Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, and/or making out a will
Seeking access to firearms, pills, or other means of harming oneself
The VA reported that the majority of veterans who completed suicide were not enrolled in the VA. Enrollment in the VA and attending treatment represents a protective factor in suicide risk. The Clay Hunt Act is meant to address the suicide rate by connecting more veterans with services through outreach and collaboration with mental health services in the local area. If you fear a loved one or a friend is thinking about suicide, please reach out for help. Often, people think that if they ask someone if they are thinking of suicide, it will put the thought in their head, that’s not the case. My experience has been that if I feel a person may be thinking of suicide, they have given some signs and I should ask. If they have done that, they want someone to intervene. Frequently, they do not want to die, they just want the pain to stop. They are usually so grateful that someone actually listened and reached out to offer a helping hand. All you have to do is get them to help. If someone mentioned suicide they are asking for help. The VA has established a 24/7 veteran hotline. Family member can call the VA suicide hotline if they fear their loved one is thinking of committing suicide. I hope everyone will utilize the resources that are available to them.
Veterans Suicide Hotline
1-800-273-8255 press 1
Text: 838255
For questions or comments, I can be reached at bo@afterdutyvets.com or visit our website at afterdutyvets.com.