Sensationalizing again?
The percentage when realizing the highest are places like Florida makes sense.
...Further, those with history of VHA service use were more likely than other Veterans to be between the ages of 50–79 years.... (click here)
I am not saying a suicide rate among the military is acceptable at all, but, the idea all these deaths are related to PTSD is incorrect. As a matter of fact the elderly in this country do commit suicide more than the general public.It is also true those with military background show up more frequently in suicide statistics.
2/05/2013 @ 8:15AM
Almost once an hour (click here) – every 65 minutes to be precise – a military veteran commits suicide, says a new investigation by the Department of Veterans Affairs. By far the most extensive study of veteran suicides ever conducted, the report, issued Friday, examined suicide data from 1999 to 2010....
I just think there is a larger picture that needs to be looked at, like why suicide at all? I wouldn't think we have to focus on veterans in order to talk about mental health in the USA.
If one takes a look at the actual statistics there are less veterans age 29 and younger through 49 years old that commit suicide in males than the general population. Over 50 years is higher and probably has something to do with 'purpose as a man,' number of friends, isolation from social participation and income. I would think all those parameters is a good place for the military to look to encourage longevity of veterans. I remember a very active VFW in my town and there is the American Legion as well. They had bar and pool tables.Military suicides down 22 percent (click here)
Posted: Nov 11, 2013 3:41 PM EST
WASHINGTON DC (WREX)
According to officials with the Defense Department, military suicides dropped by 22 percent this year.
Last year, suicide took the lives of more service members than the war in Afghanistan, causing the Defense Department to proclaim the issue an epidemic. Despite a variety of new programs targeting suicide among service members, officials were hesitant to give those programs credit since they say they still do not completely comprehend why troops take their own lives.
The drawdown in Afghanistan is also not a likely cause, since many troops who have committed suicide never served on the front lines.
This book has been around awhile, but, somethings never change. It was a national best seller."I Don't Want to Talk About It." (click here) Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression.
It is on audio cassette now. Some folks might want to revisit it. Sometimes a book helps people find language and common ground to facilitate seeking help.
