Article Regarding Veteran Suicide Rates.

[Wagon]

This is a pretty good article I found encompassing 2 other studies done on this topic.

The fact that more troops committed suicide in 2012 than died in combat is a pretty good indicator that something is wrong.

It also eludes to the fact that it does not matter which war...whether 6 months ago or 50 years ago; The rates are still extremely high.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...DKO2ZQINoM5VECw&bvm=bv.42553238,d.bGE&cad=rja

Something is obviously going on and it has been going on for a very long time.

Wagon

 

[Ned]

Good article. Goes to show you can get different answers for different interpretations of the same data (lies, damn' lies, and statistics etc.).
Shocking figures. But I can tell you as well, that if the UK government was honest about the number of ex-squaddies jobless and homeless, that's upset people too.
I'm also glad to see someone actually making a positive case for the use of antidepressants. There's a trendy argument currently that they turn us all into suicidal wife-beaters. Well I don't reckon that. They kept me going and I don't hit girls.

 

[Anglesachse]

The Department of Veterans Affairs recently announced that it will be hiring 1,600 additional psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and clinicians to address veterans’ mental health needs,

I have a feeling it`s is only a drop in the Ocean, but at least it is a start and they are Acknowledging something needs to be done.

 

[reddevil1111]

Tracking violent deaths only. So if someone drank themselves to death or used drugs to destroy themselves the death didn't show. I think the figures are much higher than shown or discussed. As alarming as they are I think they are worse. Much worse.
I think a lot of factors have to deal with this. Lack of real family support, PTSD, no ties to the community, severe depression and not having a support base of friends to turn to for the issues that come up after discharge. Long term affects would include the antisocial tendencies of most vets. God the list could just go on and on. Its really sad.

 

[Ned]

Putting a 'like' to that doesn't cover it, Red. Absolutely spot-on. And shameful.

 

[Shamrocks]

Well done Wagon! Bringing light to this issue will help spur a paradigm shift to help those who need it. God know's ive almost been a statisic. I just wish that help would come sooner and the media seems to love putting PTSD vets in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Seems like they are making us out to be powder kegs ready to go off at any moment.

 

[JarHed]

It's a sad thing when someone decides on suicide. I've been there. I don't know and can't say why I'm still here. I think all the things that Red said are true. I fit into many of those catagories. So many people just fall through the cracks. The pain that is felt is real. People just want it to stop.

And you're right Shamrocks, there does need to be a paradigm shift. One thing that I see and I'm sure many others as well is that in or out of the military mental illness is still thought of in a negative light. Like it's something that we should be able to fix ourselves. Until that changes and peoples thinking about it changes many will suffer without the benefit of help.

 

[Sarg]

The old "suck it up" mentality. And they do so until the dam breaks. Jar, I hate to say it but it all comes down to the money. PTSD is an expensive disorder, both in treatment and human tragedy. Like I say they don't mind payin for the war up front but hate like hell payin for the aftermath.

Sarg

 

[JarHed]

Yeah Sarg,

There is never any thought of the aftermath. Perhaps if there were we wouldn't have war's in the first place. Hmm, now there's a concept.

Jar

 

[Bill Simmons]

One thing is for 100% sure. Combat PTSD is 100% preventable. Stop having f*cking wars!!

 

[Ned]

One thing is for 100% sure. Combat PTSD is 100% preventable. Stop having f*cking wars!!

If only. But it comes down below the government policy scale. I don't know, mate. As long as you've got people, you've got the problem. Second oldest trade in the world, fighting.

 

[Sarg]

Second oldest trade in the world, fighting.

Couldn't we do more of the first and a whole lot less of the second?

Sarg