OMG, it’s April already! It seems as I get older the time goes faster. Many of our friends and fellow Veterans are suffering from major ailments and passing on. It has made my wife and me realize that every day is a gift. Enjoy the day! Make it your mission to perform a random act of kindness that day. Believe me when I tell you it will make you feel good.
By the time you read these thoughts, the elections likely will be over. Finally! I have several poignant thoughts about the election cycle. First of all, we should have a P chip in our TV to block all campaign ads about the Chicago elections. We don’t live there. We should not be subjected to politics the Chicago way. Secondly, these elections are known for having low voter turnouts. For those who didn’t vote that is a direct slap in the face to the 1.2 million military men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and protect our right to vote.
An area that is a major concern to the Veterans Administration is Suicide Prevention. There are 20 suicides a day committed by Veterans. Of those 20, only six have been or were currently being treated by the VA. There are many avenues being pursued by the VA to get counseling and additional help for those additional 14 through offered programs.
One of the major strategies offered is friends or family members talk to the Veteran. Some, but not all, of the signs that may indicate a risk of self-harm are:
- Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
- Hopelessness
- Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings
- Feeling excessive guilt, shame or sense of failure
- Rage or anger
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends or writing a will
As I said, these are just a few of the warning signs. If you can talk to the Veteran, it will help him get on the path to getting help. You as well as the Veteran can call the Veterans Crisis Line. That number is 800-273-8255 PRESS 1.
