We’re nearing the end of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The VA has just released the 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. The report shows 6,146 suicides among veterans in 2020. Though it is lower than 2019, it is still far too many. NBC News also recently reported on a new study – Operation Deep Dive – headed up by America’s Warrior Partnership, the University of Alabama, and Duke University that showed the historical numbers reported by the VA are as much as 1.37 times TOO LOW. Regardless of the source of a report, we can all agree, that ANY suicide by a Veteran or Military member is one too many.
So, how can you help stop a suicide?
This seems like such a complicated question to an ongoing problem. A problem that has plagued us for far too long. “The problem is too big for me to help.” – Is it really? – No, it isn’t; and here is what you can do.
We all know the leading signs that someone is contemplating suicide. Extreme mood swings(happy one day, depressed and mopey the next), increased use of drugs or alcohol, talking about being a burden to others, or even openly talking about wanting to die or kill themselves. These behaviors are more often than not an individual seeking attention. Do they necessarily WANT to commit suicide? Probably not. They are seeking help, someone to talk to, or simply to find someone who cares. This is where we all can make a difference. When you notice someone with these behaviors, talk to them as a friend. Show them someone actually cares. Offer to help them find the help they need. There are so many ways to help with depression and there are a lot of them that don’t cost a whole lot. Puzzles, arts and crafts, building Legos(I know first-hand). So really, the answer to the question “how can I help?” is all too often easier than you think.
Maybe just a little bit of your time and compassion. Just think what an amazing feeling you’ll have knowing you impacted someone’s life in a positive way.