Sunday, May 19, 2024

VA campaign hopes to prevent more veteran suicides


SAN ANTONIO – September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is taking important steps to inspire veterans to search give a boost to if they fight with their psychological well being.

The National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report printed a troubling build up within the suicide price amongst veterans.

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According to the record, the suicide price for veterans used to be 57% more than for non-veteran adults in 2020.

With the velocity of suicide amongst veterans on the upward push, Dr. Matthew Miller, govt director of suicide prevention for the VA, mentioned it’s vital to unfold the phrase that suicide is preventable.

“No better time than now to talk about the importance of reaching out, asking for help, and us providing solid resources for veterans,” mentioned Miller.

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Outside of diagnoses and problems, Miller mentioned day-to-day lifestyles issues, comparable to relationships, monetary pressures, and occupational issues, may also be some not unusual stressors.

“It’s important to know that veterans can reach out when they’re experiencing these very common issues. They don’t need to be embarrassed. They don’t need to be ashamed, and they’re not going to take resources from other veterans by reaching out,” mentioned Dr. Miller.

The VA has introduced a brand new PSA for its ongoing campaign, “Don’t wait, reach out,” the place vets who really feel they’re suffering are inspired to consult with the great site VA.gov/reach.

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“What you’ll see when you go there is that the content is organized based on emotions and feelings. You know, if I’m feeling isolated, I’m feeling anxious, I’m feeling depressed or circumstances, you know, issues with jobs, transitions, relationships, divorce, housing, you know, the real-life circumstances that are presenting enormous challenges that could seem overwhelming,” mentioned Heidi Arthur, leader campaign building officer of Ad Council.

Once you click on on an emotion or circumstance, you’re hooked up with training, information, and direct get entry to to assets to be had throughout the VA.

“There’s navigation by feelings and situation, not by diagnosis or disorder. I think that’s meaningful to veterans,” mentioned Miller.

If you or someone you already know is suffering with psychological well being, consult with www.VA.gov/reach or name the Veterans Crisis Line by means of dialing 988 and urgent 1 for twenty-four/7 confidential disaster give a boost to. You too can textual content 838255.


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