Veterans Mental Health Suffers, Suicide Rate Alarming

Veterans mental health issues are still unresolved and until the community makes real changes, the suicide rate will only continue to rise.

According to FOX News, the veterans who spent time in Iraq and Afghanistan had it worse and most likely to suffer from mental health issues. The Veterans Day was recently held but the effort to curb the suicide rate and solve issues continue 364 days a year.

A report revealed that the suicide rate has been steadily climbing from 15.9 percent in 2005 to 16.8 percent two years ago. To put this in numbers, 6,100 veterans took their own lives in 2017 or about 17 lives were lost per day a report from Military Times revealed. These numbers can actually go higher because the only ones counted were the veterans but when other groups such as active duty military, reservists, guardsmen and reserve members who have yet to be federally activated were included, the numbers would most likely increase.

Additionally, women veterans are most likely to end their lives compared to the civilian ones while the male veterans are most likely to commit suicide 1.3 percent higher compared to their civilian conterparts.

The veterans after retiring will most likely undergo some changes as they realign their lives to that of a private citizen. Sometimes, the trauma can be so heavy that they need more time to adjust. Fortunately, some private companies are lending their hands. Starbucks has fulfilled its promise in hiring more veterans because the coffee chain company believes it is better to the community.

As a military personnel where they are taught to be strong, showing emotions and weakness can sometimes be viewed as exposing vulnerabilities. Organizations are being set up to address this matter. Team Red, White, and Blue is spearheading efforts to form relationships to support the veterans and their health being.

In Australia, the authorities are using the mental health awareness week to address the issue. Little help goes a long way. Mates4Mates CEO Troy Watson believes the veterans need all the encouragement they can get.

"Simply by asking someone how they are gives them the opportunity to open up and ask for help. We know that some veterans feel isolated and are impacted by mental health issues, particularly after transition, yet many struggle to ask for the support they need," he added in an interview with Defence Connect.

The veterans health issues must be addressed sooner or later. Suicide as a topic remains to be a sensitive one even at this day and age. Per TIME, One thing that is also linked to hiked suicide rates is addiction to painkillers. The veterans, once they are hooked on these painkillers and the pain and trauma still will not subside, they often take the matter into their own hands to end the suffering.

In Germany, the negative perception of the public towards the German military contribute a lot to veterans committing suicide. A lot of it has to do with history of German soldiers and with the negative stigma still connected to them until today, veterans are finding it hard to cope and take the easy way out.

The veterans mental health is a pressing concern and it is real and happening. Countries around the world are taking steps to reach out to them. Raising awareness is always vital but as little as being there for them matters.