September is Suicide Prevention Month. For veterans, this is especially relevant. With nearly 20 veterans on average taking their own lives each day, no effort to prevent this horrible statistic is without merit.
Battle wounds – whether physical or invisible – can debilitate veterans after their service. And the invisible wounds in particular are the ones that tend to fester and grow over time.
The struggles of guilt, the feelings of horror, and the stresses of life all seem to be compounded once a veteran has finished his or her service, and if not being properly treated for these ticking time bombs, things can turn south in a hurry.
So let’s do all we can to help prevent veterans from taking their own lives! Spread the word, and please share the following resources with your contacts, and any veterans, caregivers, or veteran advocates you know.
There is help available, and even if a veteran feels there’s no other way out, it’s important to know that there are viable alternatives. Life is worth living, even if you feel like it isn’t. So please help us spread the word, and make veteran suicide a thing of the past.
Invisible wounds can build over time, and sometimes they may not really show up until months or years after experiencing trauma. By seeking help, veterans learn how to cope with the lasting symptoms and address the issues directly.
If you’re in need of help, there are many resources available to you.
If you’re experiencing a crisis, or you’re having thoughts of suicide:
PTSD Care for Everyone
PTSD Care for Veterans, Military, and Families