Suicide in the Military
Posted by Chaplain Campbell. Filed in Active Duty, Announcement, Chaplains, Families, Information, Life Lessons, National Guard, News, PTSD, Parents, Reserves, Spouses, Suicide Prevention, Veterans, Wounded Warriors |
A recent message indicated that 2009 had the highest number of suicides for any given year in the Army. I’d like to know what you think are the causes of this sad reality. Tell me what you think!
Tags: Afghanistan, Army, Bagram AFB, Chaplain, counseling, deployment, Families, family support, fathers, God, Marine Corps, medical, mental health, military families, military spouse, prayer, priest, PTSD, relationships, resiliency, stress, suicide, wounded warrior
Tuesday, January 12th 2010 at 2:14 pm
Good Morning! I just saw your entry while I was calling the military one source information line, and I felt compelled to comment. I have known several soldiers who were suffering from mental health issues when returning home from combat. As a family member I watched many of them try and get treatment at the posts medical facilities only to be turned away or mistreated. By mistreated, one individual was told he could not be diagnosed as having PTSD by a psychiatrist because “they” wouldn’t allow that at his facility even though the doctor said that is what it was but could only put a dx of anxiety not-otherwise specified. Another soldier I know was harrassed by his unit because he sought treatment…the Rear-D commander even calling his doctor directly to ask inappropriate questions about his treatment. Since you asked, I feel like soldiers are not comfortable seeking treatment, they are looked down upon when the do, and doctors’ hands are being tied and therefore unable to render proper treatment. This is so sad and disappointing to me not only as a veteran myself but as the spouse of a soldier and a friend to many more who I believe will never be treated appropriately for the amazing services they have rendered to this country. With sadness in my heart, Kateri
Monday, January 18th 2010 at 1:36 pm
Kateri, thanks for your honest assessment. What could make this change?