Beech Tree News Network

How we can address veterans suicide this Suicide Awareness Month

Thousands of Kentuckians have served in our Armed Forces, risking everything to protect our great nation and defend freedom around the world. However, those who come home often carry the scars of their service. Alarmingly high rates of suicide among veterans have garnered significant attention and concern. Factors contributing to this crisis include the invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injuries, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian life.

In 2020 alone, Kentucky lost over one hundred veterans to suicide. Even one death at the hands of suicide from this group would be a tragedy, but over one hundred veterans losing their lives, 119 to be exact, is staggering. Even more concerning than this is the fact that, for the most part, these tragic deaths go uncovered. Therefore, as September is Suicide Awareness Month, it is important that we, as a commonwealth, take some time to build our awareness of the tragedy of veteran suicide.

When dealing with suicide, the best, most effective way to address it is awareness. Simply getting the word out that we are here for the person in question, and we care. There are a few ways we can do this that do not require anything other than a caring heart. First and foremost, we can spread the word. It really is as simple as sharing a post on Facebook that discusses Suicide Awareness. The more people we can get to hear about the tragedy of veterans’ suicide, the better our chances of preventing it in the future.

Hand in hand with our ability to help spread the word on suicide generally, and veterans’ suicide specifically, is our ability to be informed. It is not enough on its own to be aware of the problem. We also should try our best to be informed on the subject. This way, when in our own lives the topic of suicide comes up, we will be able to effectively communicate. A great resource is the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website, specifically their page on helping prevent veterans’ suicide. The website, https://988lifeline.org/help-yourself/veterans/, does an excellent job detailing the warning signs of veterans’ suicide, and what to do if someone you know begins to exhibit these warning signs.

While I will not summarize the whole of the website, I think it is important to highlight what the website identifies as the first step in helping a veteran dealing with suicidal feelings: Asking and listening. In the same way that the simple act of sharing a Facebook post spreads suicide awareness, taking the time to ask and listen to someone and need could work wonders for their mental health. This does not require us to be experts. This does not require us to be able to even relate to what the person we are listening to is feeling. All it takes is for us to stop what we are doing, give that person in need our attention, and make them feel heard. A gesture like this, small as it may seem, has the potential to chance a struggling person’s life.

Of course, having these intimate conversations with those who are struggling does not always rectify the problem. Often, when we take the first step -asking and listening- in helping someone we know with their suicidality, it is just the start of the conversation. Because of this, we need to have the resources to get these people in need the help that they require. One good resource is the veteranscrisisline.net, which offers text, online, or over the phone crisis support for veterans. To access this line, dial 988 and press 1, or send a text at 838255.

By using these resources and keeping our eyes open, we can, as a commonwealth, help our veterans in need. All it takes for us to help is to spread awareness, keep ourselves informed, and listen to the people that need help. So, as we approach the end of Suicide Awareness Month, take this knowledge and see where you can lend our veterans a helping hand.

As always, I can be reached anytime through the toll-free message line in Frankfort at 1-800-372-7181. You can also contact me via e-mail at [email protected]. You can also keep track of committee meetings and potential legislation through the Kentucky legislature’s home page at legislature.ky.gov.