Our New Year’s Resolution – Stop Veteran Suicide

Our New Year’s Resolution – Stop Veteran Suicide

Unlike Christmas, New Year’s Day Sees a Spike in Suicides

So why the spike on New Year’s? Researchers suggest “the broken promise effect” may explain it—along with the increases after Easter and weekends. “Many of us are familiar with the feeling after holidays: ‘Was that it? I expected more fun, more relaxation, and tomorrow I have to go back to everyday life!’” according to clinical psychologist Martin Plöderl. “For depressed people, the broken promise of Christmas and the blank year lying ahead may increase hopelessness and thus suicide risk.”

The greater alcohol consumption that takes place on New Year’s Eve and Day may also play a role in lowering inhibitions, and “some people may postpone their planned suicide so that their families and friends can enjoy Christmas,” he explains.

glass of champagne

Suicides Don’t Happen All Of The Sudden – Catch The Signs

Solider suicide, or Veteran suicide, like any other mental illness, will never reveal itself in one simple sign beforehand. Plus, for Veteran families, the “tough guy” mentality requires more scrutiny during New Year’s and in the weeks before New Year’s Day.

However, during COVID-19, the holidays are going to look much different. Where you would normally have friends and family gathered, no we don’t. So call them. Text. Tweet. Getting a holiday card puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Therefore, let’s make our 2021 New Year’s Resolution to Stop Soldier Suicide. Sixteen of the 22 a day are Veterans. Veteran suicide is caused by PTSD and depression. Stopping suicide by our active duty or non-servicing forces means stopping PTSD.

When people talk about suicide – that’s a sign!

If people communicate ideas revolving around death, others tend to trivialise it. The fact is that people who talk about suicide may be reaching out for help or support.

Failed attempts – that’s a sign!

Suicide survivors have a higher risk of attempting again. One needs to be very vigilant about it. Watch behaviours. Talk about it.

Sudden calmness – that’s a sign!

Suddenly becoming calm after a period of depression or moodiness can be a sign that the person has made a decision to end their life.

Our Committment

Along with HorsePlay Therapy, we are kicking off a new equine therapy for Veterans with PTSD in December. Your donations will help this along. Read more about the event here.

Sources:

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/recognizing-suicidal-behavior#1

I WANT TO HELP
I NEED HELP

ABOUT ONCE A SOLDIER

Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will.

Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans.

We are the only nonprofit standing with the families after a veteran suicide. Stand with us.

Our Mission: Become the preferred channel for donors, advocates and volunteers who care about veteran families left behind after a soldier suicide.

More Suicides During The Holidays Is a Myth

More Suicides During The Holidays Is a Myth

In Fact, Suicide Rates Go Down in December

Twenty-two active duty or Veterans take their lives every day. Civilians kill themselves 36,000 times a year. Because of lazy writing and sensationalizing the mentally ill, the myth is out there. Don’t believe it. If you have thought of killing yourself this holiday season because it is the holiday season, DON’T.

It seems logical that for a depressed person, the holidays might be especially tough—extra stress, loneliness and sad reminders of lost loved ones—so perhaps the popular belief that suicides spike around Christmastime is no surprise. Yet the data tell a different story. 

Stop Suicide Ideation During the Holidays 

The idea that suicides occur more frequently during the holiday season is a long perpetuated myth. The Annenberg Public Policy Center has been tracking media reports on suicide since 2000. A recent analysis found that 50% of articles written during the 2009–2010 holiday season perpetuated the myth.

CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics reports that the suicide rate is, in fact, the lowest in December. The rate peaks in the spring and the fall. This pattern has not changed in recent years. The holiday suicide myth supports misinformation about suicide that might ultimately hamper prevention efforts.

Suicide remains a major public health problem, one that occurs throughout the year. It is the 10th leading cause of death for all Americans. Each year, more than 36,000 people take their own lives. In addition, more than 374,000 are treated in emergency departments for self-inflicted injuries.

New Year’s Day Is a Different Story

So why the spike on New Year’s? Researchers suggest “the broken promise effect” may explain it—along with the increases after Easter and weekends. “Many of us are familiar with the feeling after holidays: ‘Was that it? I expected more fun, more relaxation, and tomorrow I have to go back to everyday life!’” according to clinical psychologist Martin Plöderl. “For depressed people, the broken promise of Christmas and the blank year lying ahead may increase hopelessness and thus suicide risk.” The greater alcohol consumption that takes place on New Year’s Eve and Day may also play a role in lowering inhibitions, and “some people may postpone their planned suicide so that their families and friends can enjoy Christmas,” he explains.

I WANT TO HELP
I NEED HELP

ABOUT ONCE A SOLDIER

Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will.

Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans.

We are the only nonprofit standing with the families after a veteran suicide. Stand with us.

Our Mission: Become the preferred channel for donors, advocates and volunteers who care about veteran families left behind after a soldier suicide.