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Suicide: A Problem that Won't Go Away
Paul Rieckhoff | August 17, 2007
I've written before about troops' and veterans' suicides and the looming mental health crisis facing those who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. The numbers in today's new military report are a bleak reminder that this problem isn't going away. In fact, it is growing. According to the Army Suicide Event Report, 2006 marks the highest rate of military suicides in 26 years, and more than a quarter of those troops killed themselves while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. A total of ninety-nine U.S. soldiers killed themselves last year.

This new report only confirms what we veterans have been saying for years:

Our troops are facing serious mental health problems, and they aren't getting the treatment they need. At least one-in-three Iraq veterans and one-in-nine Afghanistan veterans will face a mental health issue like depression, anxiety, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. About 25 percent of those who committed suicide had "a history of at least one psychiatric disorder."

Longer, repeated tours are increasing the risks. Soldiers and Marines who have deployed to Iraq more than once have a 50 percent higher rate of combat stress. This new study reports that suicide is closely linked to long combat deployments, and that multiple deployments may also be a risk factor.

The Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs aren't ready to cope with the problem. Ninety percent of military psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers reported no formal training or supervision in the recommended PTSD therapies, and there is a general shortage of trained mental health professionals in the military. And even VA officials have admitted that waiting lists render mental health and substance abuse care "virtually inaccessible."

And this report does not even include the unknown number of military personnel that have committed suicide after they have left the military's payrolls. People like Cpl. Jefferey Lucey are not even counted in this report. The number of veterans in that category is not even counted by the military or the VA -- and is probably much higher.

Anyone who remembers the post-Vietnam era knows that these numbers, scary as they are, are just the tip of the iceberg. But we can learn from history, and we can prevent another generation of veterans from suffering as the Vietnam generation did.

The President knows what must be done. The recent report from the Dole-Shalala Commission laid it all out for him. The Commission delivered six clear recommendations that should be implemented immediately. There should be no more excuses. Every day that the President delays, more troops will die as a result of a flawed military and veterans healthcare system.

This report shows us all that mental health care is literally a matter of life and death. If ninety-nine troops died in 2006 as the result of a new enemy mortar or roadside bomb, congress and the President would be rushing to find a new vehicle or piece of armor to deal with the problem. But for some reason, mental health related deaths are pushed off as something Congress and the President can get to later--after their summer vacations.

When Congress is back in session in September, IAVA will be out in front to ensure that new legislation is passed to get troops and veterans the counseling and treatment they need. We'll need to act fast to get legislation passed before the end of the year - and we'll need your help. Our troops are dying, and we need to do something about it. Even if the President won't.

I suspect all of us have been touched by suicide somewhere throughout our life time. Be it a friend, a family member, or someone we just happen to have known by name.

I’m just not certain government agencies will be able to find the funds needed to elevate support for programs currently in place. I hope to be wrong on this one.

Recommend check your local community resources; the VA Medical Center has OIF/OEF Outreach Coordinators readily available 24/7. Then there’s Vet Centers that may be able to do neutral visits for combat veterans in local communities. Local government agencies may have counseling services available, if you’re uncertain, call the sheriff’s department, United Way, or call your local hospital. But the key is, get involved, get the individual the medical, trained, professional assistance they need. Don’t think just because you got them to put the weapon down, or they quit making threats, that the urge for suicide is not troubling them any further. We don’t know that, let the professionals make that decision.

I concur with coordinating with your Senator and Representative at the federal level, but ensure your local State Reps are aware of the issue, by funding the local agencies providing the services to treat suicide victims, it's a local State government agency problem as well. Allow the States to put pressure on Washington too.

Life is too precious to have it wasted in such a manner as this. Unfortunately, I suggest to you it's going to get worst for OIF/OEF veterans given the length and frequency of number of tours. Not to mention the number of Traumatic Brain Injuries that may preclude them from having the right frame of mind to begin with.

HEY VA! HAVE YOU HEARD? August 17, 2007
To ensure veterans with mental health crises have immediate access to trained coordinators, VA will establish a 24-hour, national suicide prevention hot line. The hot line, scheduled to begin operations by August 31, 2007, will be based at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center in New York State. Staffed by mental health professionals, it will operate seven days a week, 24 hours a day. In addition to staffing the hot line, the suicide prevention coordinators will take part in training clinicians and non-clinicians on warning signs for suicide, guide veterans into care and work within facilities to identify veterans at risk for suicide. VA's Canandaigua facility is already a VA center of excellence focused on suicide prevention, mental health education and research. Secretary Nicholson recently announced that VA is hiring 100 new employees to provide readjustment counseling at each of the Department's 207 community-based Vet Centers.
VA recently held a four-day mental health forum in Washington with the Department's top mental health professionals to review a wide range of issues, such as integrating mental health services with primary care, combat trauma, suicide prevention and the special needs of the newestgeneration of combat veterans.

*grimaces*

Mental health care for veterans has been lagging behind physical care for a long long time, and the stigmas associated with some parts of it (like the possibility of suicide) aren't limited to the ignorant or to old-style military stiff-upper-lip ideology.

FYI I don't use the word ignorant as a perjorative term...to me ignorance just means someone doesn't yet have any knowledge of whatever we're discussing. We're all ignorant in a lot of areas.

As a veteran in the peculiar position of having (so I'm told) non-combat PTSD diagnosed in records/intense non-standard sexual harassment from a superior officer "unofficially diagnosed" I am never quite sure of how other veterans will perceive my qualifications to comment. I will say I've been very concerned with the lack of mental health care for our current crop of returning veterans since the original funding cuts for that appeared. Prior to that I would have said my own difficulties in that area were due to my situation being non-standard to the guys in combat. I am perhaps fortunate in being able to cover my problems even untreated, unlike the folks with obvious things such as flashbacks to deal with.

It's a step in the right direction for them to look into integrating the different areas. It is however only a good first step, and without encouragement or pressure additional steps will likely not be taken with any urgency in a matter that needed something in place a couple years ago at least. They also need to be reminded that not only these returnees have these problems, that PTSD untreated can severely affect a life for years, and that good mental healthcare must be made available to other veterans as well.

Prismatic -- who's ever told you you are in a 'peculiar situation' flat out lied to you.

There are MORE of us, with Military Sexual Trauma related PTSD, than those who have incurred the disorder through combat. Some of us have both, but the MST was a more prevelant stressor.

Mental Health is actually far more advanced in the Veterans Health Care system, than it is the civilian world, unless you're lucky enough to be in certain areas of the country where there large departments in University Facilities on the cutting edge in research -- or can pay a lot of money to choose where you go.

In fact, in many of the VAMCs around the nation they have, or are in the process of opening up sub-departments within the Psychology departments at the VA, strictly to deal with survivors of what has been termed Military Sexual Trauma. The statistics are staggering --1 in 4 members of the military will, at some point in their careers, be the victim of some form of military sexual trauma. This can range from sexual harassment, to sexual assault and rape. Men are as equally likely to experience this, but less likely to report, or seek help for it.

I too was harassed mercilessly by my commander upon my return from a combat area, in which I was the OIC. It continued for over 18 months, and which point there was a Senator who intervened. I was issued Article 15s, that were trumped up (as in no evidence to support their claim, only their word) and in real danger of court-martial. Thank God for the Senator, who got me temporarily reassigned, and eventually discharged from the service (this after a near suicide attempt).

There are SEVERAL of us here in this forum. Some have combat exposure, some don't, but PTSD, is PTSD no matter where you got it from.

I was diagnosed in the early stages of this war, about 1 year after my discharge.

Prior to the run-in with my last commander, I was a shining star in the officer corps. I was well liked by my subordinates, because I didn't try to be like most LTs and take over, I was trying to learn, so that I could lead. The only person I had any issue with whatsoever, was the brand new (2 days) Major, who was starting his first command.

I was harassed, assaulted, and psychologically abused for 18 months. I, a person who never ever in her life had had a suicidal thought was dangerously close to a plan. I called for help to the Mental Health on base, and was taken to a civilian in patient facility.

When I went to the VA, there was no distintion between me being a female, suffering from PTSD due to MST as opposed to what occurred while i was in the combat arena, though I did get shot once too, and a man, who maybe humped it and carried an M16 that he used all day everyday. There was no difference in treatment, nor was I ever seen as anything less than what I was -- a wounded warrior.

THis was before all the new kids were coming home from this war...

No, the VA isn't perfect, but I've been in civilian and military and VA hospitals, and I'll tell you, my mental health treatment is beyond A+ at the VA. Far superior.

There's a lot of talk about the short comings of the VA, which is true, but it's not because they are so far behind, it's because there are more wounded (mentally & Physicall) coming home, than there are personnel to handle it. Not because there isn't concern.

Prismatic, listen to C130Aviatrix, she knows what she's talking about.

You also sound like you have your head together. Don't worry about how you fit in. Anyone who can express themselves as well as you have will do just fine here.

Get a little help, give a little help. It works good here.

Welcome to our forumily.

Bill

*grins* thanks, depicts. I have my moments.

Sounds like you got a much different response to the problem from mine, C130aviatrix, and very glad to hear it. Not so happy to hear problem itself not uncommon, but nice to know others have been there. Is there a specific area of the forums for questions or discussions on MST/PTSD?

quote:

Charlie: "Prismatic -- who's ever told you you are in a 'peculiar situation' flat out lied to you."

Exactly right. If a person goes to the VA in regard to a sexual trauma, they are given the same priority as combat stressor veterans. You not only have VAMC's and clinics, also you have Vet Center's to serve you.
You need to see your veterans service officer as soon as possible, to correct any problems.

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7420026980001/m/5710048521001

http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/7420026980001/m/541102753

Most of us don't go in there much, as we all just talk freely in all the forums. Because there really is no difference in PTSD or anxiety issues whether caused by MST, or combat, or a horrific car accident... PTSD, is PTSD.

As for your treatment at the VA -- I agree with Dave, you need to get a VSO to represent you, if you haven't already, and don't feel you are stuck with whoever you first speak to -- most of us have changed them 2 or more times till we find one we jive with.

But also, you need to go to the Patient Advocate, and tell them what sort of inappropriate treatmenet you have received. It could be just as simple as 1 or 2 people, who are ignorant, and don't feel like doint the job they were hired to do. It happens, in every job, no matter where it is.

But I've been to several VA hospitals around the nation and not seen that type of treatment you're describing -- that's an antiquated view, I've only seen by a few crusty older veterans who dont' even think there is sucha thing as sexual assault, let alone in the military. I've not been where you are as far as VA treatment, but out of the 4 I've been to, from Texas to Wisconsin, to Florida, to California, I've not seen that. But then again, I'm pretty hard to ignore when I feel I'm being given the shaft.

Do our troops at least have chaplains over there? Who is in the field that our troops can go to if they are considering suicide?

You know I was told a story by someone that people who become suicidal in basic are basically jailed until they can be shipped out. Is that true for Basic and in the field? If so, it seems to me that would deter anyone from trying to seek help for their thoughts of harming themselves.

I personally have attempted suicide in the past when I was younger. That was before my stepdad, my daddy, died. Now I wanna make sure I go straight to heaven with him when I die so suicide isn't an option.

Yes there are Chaplains and psychiatrists and psychologists. Medical professionals and such deploy just as much as anyone else, sometimes more it could be argued.

You aren't 'jailed' really, but yes, if you make an overt threat, or express ideation, you will be taken to a hospital involuntarily. Sometimes it doesn't even have to be that -- they could jsut THINK you MIGHT be suicidal.

It does hinder people seeking help voluntarily.

I recognized a disturbing thought process going on in my head, and it scared me so bad, I called my counselor on the base, and said I need help. And voluntarily went into in patient treatmenbt for what was then severe depression.

Later, about a month after I got out (I thought it really helped me the 2 weeks I was there) my commander's abuse continued, and I again became very depressed, but wasn't suicidal, but extremely PISSED OFF

I was exhausted, and had a meeting scheduled with my commander to discuss my going home on leave... when I got there, I was told "I think you need to go back to the hospital, and you're ordered to go to see Capt. X (the psychologist)"

Now by this point I didn't trust that Capt any more than I could throw her, as she had relayed all the discussions we had to my commander (even though no crime was committed, no threat on my or anyone else's life). She also thought she knew everything about me, and diagnosed me as borderline personality disorder and detachmenbt disorder, because I was struggling with the loss of my son (3 months prior). Oh, but since she had JUST (2 weeks before) finished her dissertation for her PhD she knew everything -- being in the Air Force for a whole 6 months. **SARCASM FOLKS**

Any who, I was so pissed off at the harassment, that I was very uncooperative, and was orderd to San Antonio, I told them flat out if I was being ordered to go, I wanted to go back to the civilian facility I was at before, thought I didn't need to go -- I was angry, NOT suicidal.

I almost got sent to San Antonio hospital, but the Life Skills Commander who had seen me also, and I actually respected, told everyont that if I would VOLUNTARILY (ahem, yeah) go to the civilian facility, and that was what my commander wanted, they needed to let me go.

San Antonio would have meant lock down, and over medication. It's where you go if they really think you're off your nut.

So.. yeah, there is a BIG problem wiht troops seeking mental health treatment or even counseling while still on AD. You will pretty much end your career, even if it's just for situational depression (which was what mine was at that time.)

sorry to break into the discussion with this. DaveBarker, what is a veteran's service officer and where would I find one? (I tried to send a private message asking, but apparently I can't.)

quote:

Originally posted by Prismatic:
sorry to break into the discussion with this. DaveBarker, what is a veteran's service officer and where would I find one? (I tried to send a private message asking, but apparently I can't.)

There are several types of veterans service officers, I will explain those who represent veterans, dependents, or survivors in times of need.
Before the Veterans Administration came into existance in 1930 the Grand Army of the Republic, then the Veterans of Foreign Wars after the Spanish war, and later the American Legion after WWI were formed to assure the veteran members of their organizations were represented to obtain benefits from a usually ungrateful nation. The organizations lobbied congress through their elected officers for pensions and other benefits such as healthcare. An office position was created in the organization for a person to assist members, dependednts and survivors in obtain available benefits and entitlements. That was the Post Service Officer. Sometime after the formation of the VA, the organizations started assisting at the VA level and State Service Officers paid by the Department of whatever state, the National Service Officer (paid by the national organization)represented the veteran in processing claims.
The Disabled American Veterans were formed for those who were disabled do to their service active duty. AMVETS were formed during the latter part of WWII. There are many others. Most organizations do not require membership for representation.
Over the past 75+ years training in VA law was required for accredited representative status, additional training gave Attorney In Fact status.
Those deemed qualified are allowed to represent their client before the VA Board of Veterans Affairs. Added to the mix are the County and State Veteran Service Officers. Those who may be employed by a commission or other such enity in the county or state. It varies throughout the nation. An example is Ohio who has 88 county Veteran Service Commissions, in which each county must have at least one CVSO on staff. Kentucky and West Virginia have State Veteran Service Officers who are employed by their State Department of Veteran Affairs. In each example the Veteran Service Officers are required to be acredited by their state.

So: My best advice is to call the department (state) head quarters of the veterans organiaztions and ask for their reference to a qualified Veteran Service Officer.

Some advice on selecting a Veterans service officer please make sure the person you choose to represent you can think out side of the box. Choose a person who will represent you and not the VA. The VA has plenty of highly paid attorneys representing them, you need an advocate who will represent you.
The VA trains their employees to adjudicate claims according to the VA regulations, those employees must follow those regulations, or be terminated from their job. That does not make them a bad person, they either do their job or leave, that's simply the way it is in the real world.
A service officer who can think out side of the box prepared by the VA, will often find the way to get your claim approved. Also there are people like me, who feel the unrecognized conditions by the VA are sometimes service connectable. We are around, you simply must look for us. When the Agent Orange and PTSD issues were new. VA and many other veterans service offiers rejected our thoughts, we worked hard to show links and over the years changes in VA procedure were made.
Just look for those who think outside of the box!

*grins* trust me, t'ain't easy to look for people when you don't even know the right questions to ask. There's nothing wrong with your explanation, it just points out and then underlines what a big task this is when starting from the gound. I have absolutely no idea of the names of, or even how many, veterans organizations exist (eg for "department (state) head quarters of the veterans organiaztions"), much less where I would go to find THAT much out. I can start with the DAV and AMVETS you mentioned, and ask them what other groups are out there at the same time; it's just that there is obviously a whole world out there I haven't even rudimentary knowledge of..whew....!

It makes me wonder how many other veterans come out as ill prepared, and what else I personally do not yet know...I've currently having to go into rather frightening debt to foot the enormous bill for enough education to get back on track career-wise after several years of catch-as-catch-can, because I was erroneously told when I got out I couldn't use the Montgomery Bill (and it's now more than ten years).

And on topic...how many veterans get to the end of their rope and have trouble finding a way to tie a knot and hang on longer, who if they knew what was out there for them to utilize might get some badly needed help and be ok? ouch.
Thanks for the info.

From time to time, it's important to remember that there are vast resources to be accessed from the Department of Veteran's Affairs and there are many benefits that some veterans may not be aware of.

Click here for a link to the VA's facility locator page. Regional Offices will have a wide variety of VSO's available and many of the larger Vet Centers in most regions can provide further access information to veterans for a range of veteran's support issues.

Last week a returnee from Iraq, committed suicide in Jackson Ohio. He was despondent over his former girlfriend, who apparently jilted him. He went to a bar and started several fights. Finally the deputy sheriff arrested him and put him in jail. He asked to be taken to the VAMC to "see a shrink."
Upon realease, he told the sheriffs people at the jail, he was going to go back to the store where is eX girlfriend worked and kill himself. AFTER telling the deputy sheriff he was going to do so. He asked to be taken to the VAMC, the deputy just released him.
He went to the store where she worked and shot himself in the head in front of her and many witnesses. The sheriffs office had no comment.

Please go to this link and advise me if this topic needs to stay or go.
http://forums.military.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4230026980001/m/3110056841001

I had an experience that made me decide that suicide is now a closed road for me.
My best friend tried to kill herself. I've made excuses for her and said that she just couldn't keep track of how many pills she was taking, or that she is bipolar and needs to be on the proper meds, but she took those pills with intention to end her life.
What got to me is that her kids are clueless as to what she was trying to do, they're too young. But it could have changed their lives forever, losing their mom. There's no way I could do that to my babies.
I think she too, has had the same thoughts because she said that it was messed up that she did that with her kids home. They came and got me telling me that mommy was acting crazy so I went over there and had to send her kids upstairs while I picked up the pills and started counting them to see if she really just lost track of how many she took and was just wasted or had she taken too many. Thank God pharmacies started putting descriptions of the pills on the bottles. But I couldn't imagine having my kids see me go in an ambulance to the hospital and stuff.
She's okay, thank goodness. I made her promise me not to do that again and to tell her Doctor that she has been previously diagnosed as Bipolar by another Doc. Taking antidepressants alone with bipolar disorder can make you manic and suicidal.

quote:

I had an experience that made me decide that suicide is now a closed road for me.

Bless you and thank you for the post.