Suicide statistics in all age groups and 'societal' groups has increased over the past few years, some more than others. In this part I would like to discuss a few of the groups that are dedicated to a particular group for raising awareness. They work with and help veterans and first responders. Just in case someone doesn't know what a first responder is, those are our firefighters, paramedics, EMT, and police. The ones that are first 'on the scene.'
Mission 22
Project 22
Mission 22/Project 22
Everyday, 22 veterans lose their battle to post traumatic stress on American soil. That is 1 veterans every 65 minutes.
The rates for the active duty individual services per 100,000 according to the report, were 23 for the Army, 23.1 for the Marine Corps, 14.4 for the Air Force and 13.4 for the Navy.
The Veteran Administration statistics confirm 22 Veterans a day are succumbing to suicide on American soil.
The total number of those losing their battle grows larger with each day research and treatments are not able to be done.
The Military Suicide Awareness #22ADAY Movement is the advocacy action network and the natural next step to the mission of the Military Veteran Project. Military Suicide Awareness gives a voice to the vast network of volunteers, donors, and participants involved in the work of the Military Veteran Project.
There is a fair amount of discussion over this movement. In the US there is an average of 123 people a day that commit suicide. of those the Military and First Responders average 22 suicides a day. We talk in averages and approximates, because sometimes suicides are are not a direct as someone might think. Within this group, alcoholism and drug usage in some of the cases can be considered suicide. They don't want to live with the pain and stressors that they have been through so the 'self-medicate.' My personal feelings are if you actively make the decision to numb your pain rather than seek help you are taking the long route to killing yourself (suicide)
I know in a lot of areas even our own country veterans, in general, aren't treated well for various reasons. Having seen what friends and family members have been through, the stories I have heard I just can't imagine. I am not sure of how many other countries, military service in the US is purely voluntary. While most of our veterans only serve 4 years, they still choose to serve our country. Just like our first responders the choose their careers. It truly takes a certain type of person to be able to work in these professions. I have had all but a paramedic as a family member yet one of my best friends was a paramedic. Some may think I'm crazy, I think military wives should receive some sort of classification, that is a stress all it's own (been there done that). When you think of what these individuals give of themselves to their country and their communities; what they see it is no wonder they end up with PTSD, depression, anxiety and sobriety issues. Good help and resources are not as plentiful as they should be. The biggest obstacle is realizing they need help and seeking out. They are the one who 'save' people, they are not the ones to seek help.
Again anyone who suffers from PTSD, depression and anxiety everything may seem normal from the outside, but you have no idea what is going on inside their heads. Don't pity. Don't say things like 'Oh yeah, I have felt that way too.' 'Don't worry, things will get better.' Put yourself in their shoes, would you want anyone to say something like that to you?
I personally would just like to say THANK YOU to all the men and women who serve in the military that are our first responders all over the world for the work you do.
International Suicide Hotline Numbers
National Alliance on Mental Health-NAMI
Pay It Forward Contests
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Thank you for your continued support, Love
