A few weeks ago, I was watching an old episode of Boston Legal. My favorite character Alan Shore, played by James Spader, mentioned during a closing argument that in 2009, over 6,000 veterans committed suicide. That seemed like a pretty shocking statistic to me, so I decided to investigate further and what I found was appalling.
In December 2007, a Veteran Affairs (VA) internal memo written by the VA Mental Health Director said that there were 12,000 veterans attempting suicide every year. In addition, there were roughly 18 suicides per day, well over 6,000 per year, and these numbers don’t include servicemen and women on active duty. It seems the writers of Boston Legal got it right this time. The suicide rates are highest among male veterans of our current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, which means for the most part, we are talking about young men in their twenties. Young men who should have their whole lives ahead of them, but for some reason feel suicide is their only option.
The Chief Clinical Psychologist for the Army Reserve and National Guard cites multiple and extended deployments as the cause. Many veterans return home suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries and/or depression. In many cases the VA has delayed or denied disability and medical claims from veterans because they are unable to prove that these conditions are “service-related”. When I read that, I literally felt sick.
Now I admit I’m not a big fan of our current wars. In fact, I’m not a big fan of war in general. That being said, I respect and honor those individuals who are willing to sacrifice their lives for our safety. I can’t believe that we are asking them to sacrifice so much, only to return to so little. So my question to you this week is, “What should be done to ensure veterans receive proper follow-up care when they return home? What can you personally do to support an Iraq/Afghanistan veteran?” Answers are due no later than Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010.
These issues with VA hospitals and them helping vets out is hit and miss. I have had a lot of family members and friends in the service and you get stories from both sides. Either you get a doctor who cares and really is wanting to help, or you get a doctor who doesn't care. Unfortunately, it is the same way outside the VA hospitals and in our own. I have many friends who have served in the latest war in Iraq, a lot of issues is coming down to the fact that it (the military) is not a fun and exciting experience all the time like movies might show (i.e Top Gun, or Rambo, etc.) As cool as these movies are I think a lot of people think its all fun and war is cool, let's go kill someone!!! But in reality when you are standing next to your friend and they get shot in front of you...that's a very traumatic experience. For people with PTSD, whether it is man or woman, we should be able to help them better. They are wiling to risk their lives to help ensure ours are better. In my opinion America has strayed away from where we once were. In WWII people loved America, the Pledge of Allegiance was said daily, the star spangled banner was sung with pride, American Flags were outside every home, and there was a unity among all of us that showed no one was getting the best of us. It even continued this way into the Vietnam War (although most people did not believe in this war either). But somewhere along the way people forgot where they came from and American support quit being shown as much. There used to be parades held for our Heros who returned from war, awards were given out for Bravery and Courage on National T.V. Now in America people want to change the words of our Pledge because they don't believe in the foundations that this country was built on. I was behind a vehicle one day with an immigrant driving...on one side of his bumper there was an American Flag sticker placed properly, on the other he had the same sticker upside down disgracing our flag, and to me our Country!!! If you personally want to help support a Veteran (I don't care if it's a WWII Vietnam, Desert Storm, or the newly acquired Iraq/Afghanistan war), thank them, shake their hands, let them know how much you appreciate the sacrifice they make for you daily. There are many support systems you can donate money to, there are "adoption" programs that people can get together and send care packages across seas. Many people want to come to our country, but they are not willing to support us. The saying "Freedom isn't Free" couldn't be more true, in my opinion if you don't like America and are willing to support it get out.
ReplyDeleteThose numbers don't really surprise me when you think of all the things the solders go through. Movies like "Brother" are exactly right. soldiers come back a completely different person after war and our country don't do much about it. We need to have special doctors and therapists who the soldiers can go to when they come home for treatment. People who know exactly what they've been through and who can help. PTSD needs to be recognized as "service related" most definitely. War is traumatic and for people who don't think so I'd like to see you over there. We can donate to the Veterans Club, my uncle is a part of that because he is a veteran and they are always trying to help other out.
ReplyDeleteone we could give them things like therapy for free when ever they need it so that when they have thoughts of suicide they can have someone to talk to instead. two we can try and make them feel wanted and not out casted by society and feel alone. and as for "supporting" a veteran i believe they just need someone to talk to like i said before so that way they don't feel alone and believe they need to end themselves when really they are just people who need our attention
ReplyDeleteWe've been over in Iraq for awhile. I also ALWAYS hear mixed stories. I hear proud soldiers, and angry/regretful soldiers. I've heard more than half of the soldiers that i've talk to say that they don't know why they were over there exactly, and then some of those same people had quite a few horror stories to share. I'm assuming there a few different lifestyles that soldiers live out there.
ReplyDeleteI don't feel that it's right for them to spend extended time periods there. My brother-in-law was there for 18 months. A year and a half with a one week visit home.
I'd suggest shorter visits, teaching soldiers their purpose (apposed to just telling them to do it for free money, when they don't know exactly what they're getting themselves into.), MANDATORY therapy and free medication, and lastly, making sure that there are welcome/thank you parties and parades for them when they return.
What can I personally do? I suppose it would be easier for civilians to morally support our war and our soldiers if we didn't hear negative comments and feedback all the time or if we often thought that our government was ran by lying, fence riding, selfish idiots.
~Craig Smith
i believe this is already being taken care of. I have many friends and family in the service. Whenever a person returns they tell the family that it is important for the person returning from war to see a specialist. They provide names of counselors in the area, and suggest that he/she should check up with somebody for this specific reason. I think the issue now is helping those who already served a long time ago. Just because we have fixed the issue for newer survivors of war, doesn't mean we should let the older veterans suffer.
ReplyDeletei think that there should be a system set up that when ever the person gets home and settled in, then they either A.) have the choice to go and get some help and talk about what happen over there, or B.0 make it manditory for all to go after they come home so that they are getting help that they need because i know that a lot of them are ay to proud to go and get help and then thats where maybe some of the problems really start.
ReplyDeletei am not sure what to do to suport our troops more than just letting them know that i am more than greatful for what they do, i know that in my small town we support them a lot and we will basically make sure that when they do come home if they need anything then we help we get them what ever, basically spoil them.
I just recently read an article that touched on this very subject. I encourage everyone to go to the link that I've noted and read the article. It's good to know that there are steps being taken to address the issues of the mental wellbeing of our soldiers. Being the animal lover that I am, I can certainly appreciate how an animal can make such a profound difference in a military veteran's post-war life. I have and have had several nephews in active duty and sadly admit that I am guilty of not being attentive and supportive during their deployment. I do appreciate each and every military personnel that has dedicated their lives to the cause that I too don't advocate. Please read the follow touching story http://www.spiritmag.com/features/article/how_mya_saved_jacob/
ReplyDeleteI don't know that there is a clear cut way to ensure that every soldier gets the proper treatment when they return. Certainly they deserve it, but I think a lot is left up to the doctor's discretion. The best way to ensure the soldiers receive proper care might be if they all got something like a prescription that would tell the doctor how long they were in the service and what happened to them while they were enlisted. Just detailing any specific injuries, trauma, or any events that could possibly lead to some sort of mental instability or depression would help a doctor be able to make a proper diagnoses and treat the soldier properly.
ReplyDeleteI think the best thing we could all do individually to help the troops would be to have a better attitude overall. I think we tend to take for granted what the troops are doing for us. Just being more welcoming when they return home might help make a difference.
I agree with Heath, It is definitely a hit or miss when it comes to the Army period. Having been in the Army on active duty myself, I personally know that most of the stress does not come from the fact that a war is going on. It is brought on by the men and women of higher rank. Often times it’s like they ignore the fact that everybody has a life, family and friends back home, that the military and the war aren't the only things we have to deal with. Marriages fall apart, family members pass and depending on how close in relation you were to that member you might not be allowed to return home for the funeral. For example: if it was your mom, dad, or your wife’s or husband’s parents you could return, but if it was your second or even first cousin with whom you were really close to, nope you could not return. As for receiving the proper care, if you're lucky enough to find a doctor that genuinely cares about you then you will receive the proper care, if you're not then you will receive an honorable medical discharge from the Army, with five years of free medical care from the VA hospital.
ReplyDeleteWhat can I do to support a veteran, I'm not really sure because I am just happy I made it back home safely, to be back with my family, and to be able to see my God-son grow up. It’s just hard for me to see the world through another veteran's eyes and what kind of support they would appreciate because we all had similar but very different experiences over there.
I agree with Danielle. Having been on active duty and served twice in Iraq, I definately think the largest portion of stress is caused by the higher ranking officials. I feel like they forget what it's like to be lower rank and not have a say in anything that's going on around you.
ReplyDeleteAs far as ensuring that veterans receive proper follow up care, I think most of the responsibility needs to lie on the veterans themselves because most for whatever reason will not say that anything is wrong or different as a fear of being looked down on. I think the military needs to take a more proactive approach as far as awareness and acceptance of PTSD. I believe that PTSD should always be counted as service related because I believe that everyone that comes back has some form, mild to severe.
As far as supporting our troops and veterans I agree with Danielle and think it's a little hard to say specifically what each veteran needs.
I think they should have programs set up for soldiers when they return home. They should be able to have a period of time to readjust. Therapy should be mandatory for everyone because it is a safe environment to talk about their experiences. During therapy if signs of depression and PTSD surface it can be properly handled. We need to take better care of our veterans’ mental health.
ReplyDeleteWell I believe the attidues of people have changed since past to present, the years had changed, such in past, most people will be more like have "pride" or "strong honor" to fight war. Also, I think there should have set up some programs for soldiers when they return home.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think they should not take soldiers to war if they could not handle it.
A Veterans Care program system should be set-up for Veterans. This program should provide health care, income, and anything that the Veteran might need to get them better, help them survive, and to get back on their feet. What can I do personally to support veteran, I'm not really sure, but if I can I will. I usually don't hear if any programs or any kind fundraisers that support Veterans. If they had programs of any kind that support Veterans I would donate food, clothes, and money. I do feel that they need all the support that they can get because they do go through so much mentally that they will need somebody to talk to and proper health care when returning home.
ReplyDeleteA little less then a year ago I was rooming with an Iraq war veteran. In my time rooming with him I saw just how badly damaged a person can be when they get back. I also learned first hand the fear they can inspire when the strength they honed for our country's defense is used in a mental meltdown. For most of my time knowing him he was prone to self-medication with whatever non-prescription mind-altering substance he could find. Sadly he refused what mental health services he was offered; saying he didn't believe in using drugs for mental problems and that he could solve them on his own without counseling. One day I come home to find he had put four large holes in the wall of our hallway, not with his fists but with his head.
ReplyDeleteHonestly I believe mental health evaluations should be required before being put on active duty and after serving time in war. After serving in a high stress battle zone these brave men and women will have seen things our civilian brains could never understand and will have learned skills that have no use outside the battlefield. These skills will often be their first instinct. Have you ever seen a veteran drop to the ground from a car backfiring with a look of unbridled terror in their eyes? We need to help our courageous troops reassimilate back into civilian life however we can. Be it through counseling, support groups or prescription medicine and it should be provided for free by our government that they so willingly protected.
We Must Support our Troops
Tristan
I purpose that we adopt some of the criteria from the Military Working Dog Foundation ( or whatever organization that is in charge of training dogs for service and returning them to the public). I’m sure that these organizations acknowledge that some dogs aren’t cut out for service and will not allow them to proceed to the battleground or in a more grim circumstances won’t allow them to return to the public.
ReplyDeleteI’m going to make my answer as concise as possible.
In short - to hopefully stop the problem from arising later on, I advise that there needs to be more barriers and tests in the way of those individuals who show the likelihood of developing the symptoms stated in Stephanie's original post.
As for what I’d do for a veteran of Bush’s war - beer.
This is an issue that hits home for me. I got to witness men and women going through depression and many other things after returning home from the war. I even got to see what the training itself can do to a person. I was married to a marine and becuase what going through all of that did to him, it was one of the biggest reasons we couldnt stay together. These effects forever change men and women and when there was already some issues before hand the results can be catastrophic. There are many problems that need to be taken care of with the United States military but one of the biggest is the health care and assistance. I was appalled with how badly the men/women and there families are treated. They give so much for their county and ask for so little in return. We need better, more usable health care. It needs to cover more and be easier to use. We need to offer more programs and counseling for these individuals. I personally got to go to some of these counseling sessions. There are waiting lists and not near enough help for our soldiers. They just need more and better help. I also believe there needs to be better testing of emotional capability before men and women are given certain jobs in the military. I have many friends who love being in the military and can handle it but I know others, that it almost caused them to break. When it comes to the Iraqi and Afghanistan soldiers I believe its similar. Just getting them more help and offering doctors the opportunity to go over and help these people psychologically. There is so much more the military can do to help there soldiers. It broke my heart seeing some of these men and women when I lived in California. I really hope this is an issue that will come to the front soon.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that can be done to ensure veterans receive proper follow-up care is to provide infinite free health care to them. Who are we to tell them that their injuries aren't service related when we aren't experiencing PTSD? As a country, if we can spend useless money on unknown expenses then we should be more than willing to make sure all of or veterans are taken cared of medically regardless when or where they served.
ReplyDeleteAs for what I can do, all I can do is say thank you to anyone I see in uniform. I don't take what they do for granted! I don't support the war but I am proud of the people who are willing to risk their lives for our country.
It is interesting how close this issue has been to home to me but it made me realize that I had not thought about it in depthly as I could have. I personally believe this statistic. Most of my male friends from highschool went straight into the marines and I remember when most of them came home there was just something completely different about them. Whether from being in heavy battle or just being away in a foreign area for so long, something made them more hot headed and fake. They seemed not themselves and trying to hide something, as if they would not be brave if they were to admit feeling different. My fiancee's father served in dessert storm at an older age and honestly has not held a steady job since and has been fighting for dissability and yet to recieve full compensation. This is just sad. What can the government do? Accept responsibility and stop spending so much money on benefits and enticements and bonuses just to get people to enlist and instead promise that you will take care of them after they serve. If they think that there is no other way to get young people to sign up, then they will find no other way. These statistics are appalling. What can we do personally? It is appearant that we all have someone we know that is affected seriously by conflicts over seas. We should all take time to think about them and maybe there is something we can do to encourage them to get help or find the one friend in our group who can reach out to them. If we are aware of the priority then we can only then help out and make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI think that the Military shouldn't recruit people like its gonna be a fun party and you get a bunch of stuff free. The recruiters should be honest and let them know that it isnt going to be easy or fun, but it's for your country. Also, since they are fighting for their country, i think its only fair that their county support them and take care of them. it seems so petty of the Military to say that their medical issues are not service related, especially since you have to go through test to join. you cant say that someone is fit for action, and then when they come back a different person with depression and grief that it isnt service related. i also agree with everyone that said you can send care packages. it seems like something so small and worthless, but to our soldiers it means alot. i think its safe to say if they can sacrafice their lives we can sacrifice $10.
ReplyDeleteIt hard for me to answer that question I don't have any family or friends that is serving in the military. I do believe that we don't take care of them respectfully. Our soilders volunteer thats a fact most people always forget; they chose to lay their life in WAR. I would have a descent job waiting for them, give them some help with a place to live. Some utilities assistence for like six months would help them out a lot. The problem is when they come back; we need to help them get back on their feet.
ReplyDeleteI personally have several friends currently in the military and others that are joining next year. This statistic rather frightens me to think that it might happen to one of them. The obvious answer to solving this horrid problem would be when the soldiers come back from deployment, to have them checked over by a psychiatrist. And to also have them go to follow sessions for a period of time. I would personally check on my friends to make sure they're not doing anything out of the ordinary personality-wise. I'm very protective of my friends and would do all that I can to help them if thoughts like this ever so even crossed their minds. I feel having a good friend base is a big help if any one is feeling depressed.
ReplyDeleteI Don't know what can be done to insure that our Veterans are getting the help they need. but i do think that we as americans need to step up and help how we can because we would not have the country we have with out them and there sacerfices. And its really sad that so many people think that they need to come home and not support them...my brother is in the marines and he is still in training and already you can see problems of depression so i think it there is so much more to what soldiers go through. But we should still support them in there desiceions and stand behind them. to get better care when they do become vetrerns its truely sad.
ReplyDeleteI definitely think that anyone who hasn't been to war and seen the results of it can really truly comprehend the reality of it all. The soldiers who take their own lives due to the stress they feel after these traumatic experiences absolutely need to be given more attention. In my mind, I think that people need to realize that soldiers are just normal people with more combat training and such. I feel like people take this for granted, and that somehow they think that just because a person who has had combat training and military training, that they wont be traumatized by the images and experience of war.
ReplyDeleteI have several friends and family who have served in the Iraq/Afghanistan war, and I would never want their needs and emotional turmoil to go unnoticed or unattended.
Obviously, unless one knows a veteran personally, they can't very well help them personally. A good way to get involved with war veterans is to volunteer your time at VA facilities. I myself have war veterans who are very close to me, and I intend to do my best to be there for them in their time of need.
In my opinion, anyone returning home from war that experiences any depression or "symptoms" should be taken care of no matter if people think it is war related or not. Many people return as someone different than when they left and it is sad to know that because they aren't getting help, they want to die. I could personally send letters or donate items to them. I know at my job Walgreens, people were donating boxes of cracker jacks to the soldiers. Maybe I will start donating when its available to me.
ReplyDeleteThis is so sad and disheartning to hear. Although, i believe it due to what is being seen across the world. Sometimes we put the war in a box and think that nothing bad is happening when ini fact a ton is happening and not all good either.
ReplyDeleteI feel that these men need a month of recuperation and isolation from people once they arrive back on base. This means that for the first 2 weeks they only come in contact with doctors and people to feed them. Then after the isolation period has been completed they can go to weekly sessions with a Psychologists/ Councellor.This process is long and hard but all they really need is some attention and help to talk about what all they have been through.
Lastly, I feel like they need our prayers more than anything. They are serving this country to help improve and protect it.
I have a friend that was in the iraq war and he was sent home because his team was hit by and IED.
ReplyDeleteI feel that all i can do is just be there for him, help him not think about what is going on over there and help him forget what he has already seen. I believe it is best for him to always keep busy. i dont know the "real" answer because i am not a vet. and will never be, but i will do whatever to keep my fried sane and hopefully help him never think about hurting himself.
I also have a lot of family and friends in the service. Retired veterens and still active. I have heard both sides. Some people are affected by it, and others choose to stay strong and not let it get to them. I think there needs to be alot more free help. But those veterens need to know its there, or they need to get help. My brother has been to Iraq and Afgan, he has seen things, his vehicle was hit, he knows he has family and friends to support him when he comes home. So most of the support needs to be from family and friends.
ReplyDeleteWell for one if we are going to help our troops coming home we need to make sure that they have a home to stay and a job to do if they are fully out of the military. They need good health insurance just like everybody else. I think that something we can personally do is to help them out and make sure that they have everything we need. Maybe doing fundraisers for their families or donating food to them so that their families don't have to struggle while they are gone. Anything nice that people do for them is helpful.
ReplyDeleteI think that when troops come home they should be treated with respect and really should be entitled to whatever it is they need to resume normal civilian life. As civilians we don't know what war is really like, even if we've watched lots of movies or played lots of games. I personally have 2 friends deployed right now, and if they were to come back in miserable shape, I'd be devastated. So, I believe that they should be entitled to psychiatric help, medication for depression and PTSD, as well as some time off to just merely set their lives back on track.
ReplyDeleteThere does need to be programs helping out troops psychologicaly and financialy. Even though they get that help there are going to still be some who have problems with what they had to go through. I would just show that I support our troops, and be a friend to them anytime I can.
ReplyDeleteI always feel horribile after learning somethiing like that. One more problem to add to the stack. Anyway, honestly, I don't know squat about the veteran's hospitals or their coverage. I can only imagine what they must have seen and gone through to feel badly enough to want and to commit suicide. It seems as though we should give them so much more, but it doesn't seem as though anyone is willing to actually do it. MONEY MONEY MONEY. You'd think doctors would be more charitable..
ReplyDeletei have a lot of friends that are in the military, most of them come back and they are completely different then before they left. i have a friend that is in special forces right now and before he went in he was a church goer and didnt believe in violence. he had some family issues and went and joined and now all he ever talks about is how he has no place in socity because all he was tought was how to kill. he has flashbacks and nightmares, wakes up screaming in the middle of the night. he has told me of the horrible things that have happened out there and i can only imagine what it was like to see it first hand. we as supporters of the troops need to help out with the men and women returning home from war. we need to think if that was your daughter or son or best friend what would you do for them to help them get through what needs to be done to help them. we as a nation need to join together and help those that chose to stand up and fight for our country, weather we believe in war or not we can still help our fellow americans that chose to chance their lives so you can keep yours.
ReplyDeleteTom Whitesell
ReplyDeleteI think that with statistics so significant in relationship to veteran suicide it should be the governments top priority once the troops are sent home, that they are properly treated for any mental or physical problems they could be having. Its understandable that when someone coming back from war might have some things going on in their head that would be troubling to most, so they should be taken care of. It should be mandatory for all troops coming back from the war to see somebody to evaluate their mental state. If they are doing alright, then its fine, and if they do need that help, they would recieve what they needed. As americans i think that we can do what we can to support iraq vets. Let them know they are appreciated, if you see someone at the store or something, just go up to them, shake their hand, and tell them you appreciate everything they have done for us as a country.