Suicide Ideation Fueled By Stories of Veteran Suicides
Melissa Gonzalez is a Veteran. Her friends are Veterans. She keeps tabs on those she served with. The network of communication may be slow. It may be two or three parties removed. But when Melissa hears of another suicide of someone she knew, she thinks to herself “when is it my turn?”
PTSD, depression, mental health issues don’t rest. They don’t get tired. They don’t care who you are because they are you. Millions fight this battle but for our nation’s Veterans, the source is service overseas in Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan. Family members notice the change the day the Veteran comes home. They fall on black days and Michelle has seen enough of her fellow Vets taking their own lives. She wonders if she too will have enough one day.
They Were Willing to Die For Our Country. They Didn’t. They Still Might.
We find outselves in late 2020 with a new world under our feet. COVID-19 is taking its toll on all of us. It’s raking in more tolls on the backs of our Veterans. There has been a 20% in death by suicide for Veteran during the pandemic. We’ve seen it and felt it. The Veteran nation does, too. We worry for Melissa. Her number may be up. And is may be her choice because she feels it’s her turn.
SUICIDE IDEATION – MORE INFORMATION
Suicidal ideation (or suicidal thoughts) is thinking about, considering, or planning suicide. It is not a diagnosis for the DSM-5, but is rather a symptom of many mental disorders.
On suicide risk scales, the range of suicidal ideation varies from fleeting thoughts to detailed planning. Most people who have suicidal thoughts do not go on to make suicide attempts, but suicidal thoughts are considered a risk factor. During 2008–09, an estimated 8.3 million adults aged 18 and over in the United States, or 3.7% of the adult U.S. population, reported having suicidal thoughts in the previous year. An estimated 2.2 million in the U.S. reported having made suicide plans in 2014. Suicidal thoughts are also common among teenagers.
Suicidal ideation is generally associated with depression and other mood disorders; however, it seems to have associations with many other mental disorders, life events, and family events, all of which may increase the risk of suicidal ideation. There are a number of treatment options for those experiencing suicidal ideation. Find them here where we sourced this information.
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.
