OUR MISSION - HELP STOP VETERAN SUICIDE By Michael Sherman (4kidzsports)
Many of you are not aware of the serious epidemic of Veteran suicide in the U.S. Veteran Suicide is a growing issue and is a crisis that can only be improved through recognition and discussion in society.
Did you know that about 20 US military veterans take their own lives every day. The number of US military veterans affected by Veteran Depression and Suicide is demoralizing. The number of vets with families and children who need help is staggering.
Statistics show the suicide rate of US military veterans aged 18 to 34 steadily increased from 2006 to 2016, with a very troubling jump of more than 10 percent from 2015 to 2016. That translates into 45 deaths per 100,000 veterans, the highest of any age group.
For veterans of Operations Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Enduring Freedom (OEF) it’s even worse: About 11-20 out of every 100 veterans (or between 11-20%) who served in OIF or OEF shows symptoms of PTSD in any given year. Similarly, for the earlier Gulf War, Desert Storm: About 12 out of every 100 Gulf War Veterans (or 12%) have PTSD in any given year.
We find this shocking, and quite frankly, totally unacceptable.
That’s why we have made it our mission to do something about veteran suicide. To make a difference in the lives of our country’s brave heroes!
Just take a look at these heartbreaking stories:
FROM A VETERAN WHO SURVIVED:
He writes, “I’m supposed to be a statistic. On July 14, 2012, drowning in grief and guilt, I tried to kill myself. Like so many veterans, I had found civilian life desperately difficult. War had drained me of joy. The sights, sounds and smells of the battlefield had been relentlessly
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looping in my head. The suffering seemed endless. And so, thinking there were no other options of escape, I turned to suicide.”
“Luckily, I survived. I avoided becoming one of the 20 Veterans who kill themselves every day in this country. But I also witnessed firsthand all the ways that our nation’s mental health resources fail our fighting men and women. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities and the military simply aren’t equipped to properly treat sick vets. We must do better.”
THE WIFE OF A VETERAN WROTE:
“As a caregiver of a catastrophically disabled veteran, I’m in a lifelong battle to support my husband. Too often, the VA forces me into battle alone.”
“Eight years ago, my husband stepped on an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. He lost his left leg and much of his left arm, and barely survived.”
“Mike’s war was over. But mine would be fought on the home front. I was going to have to battle for him. Sometimes that battle takes place in the hospital, as I help my husband through another surgery — 119 and counting. Sometimes it’s in our home, as I try to juggle three young kids, a plumbing issue and a health care bill, all while trying not to burn dinner.”
“Caregivers like me are supporting catastrophically wounded veterans all over the country. All too often, we’re carrying out that mission alone, with insufficient help from the very government that sent our husbands, wives, sons and daughters off to war. My husband proudly volunteered to serve and wanted to go to the front lines. Never did we think that the greatest fight would occur once he came home.”
These are just a couple of the many stories of those who have been forgotten. Stores of those who have given so much for you, and me, and our country. But there is hope. The Veteran’s Administration has finally taken notice and is trying to help. The VA believes everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. In a recent statement they said in part: “That’s why we are working with community partners across the country — including faith communities, employers, schools, and health care organizations — to prevent suicide among all Veterans, including those who may never come to VA for care.” However, this is NOT enough. They need your help.
Reach Out to Us at: sherm@4kidzsports.org, follow my upcoming blogs and I will show you how. “Help Us Help Ours!”
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WHEN TRAINING SEEMS TO GO BACKWARD
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I tried training my cat to stay off the counter using the “positive reinforcement” method you described. It worked at first, but now “Jake” is acting worse! Why didn’t it work? -Ð Greg H., Iowa City
DEAR GREG: Don’t give up on training Jake to stay off the counter. If you continue to be consistent in rewarding the behavior that you want from him, and not rewarding the behavior you don’t want, Jake should settle down.
What’s happening with Jake is not unusual. He previously had a habit of jumping up on the counter, and his “reward” at the time was to get attention
from you, even if it was just picking him up or shooing him down. Even though he responded well to the initial training, that habit is still lurking in the background.
Behavioral therapists call this “extinction burst” -- a last hurrah, of sorts, by the brain. It’s one more huge attempt to get that old “reward” back. It’s very similar to someone who’s on a strict diet for a long time, and despite seeing great results, suddenly begins talking themselves into eating that piece of cake they’ve seen in the bakery window.
Now, cats (probably) don’t talk themselves into starting up old behaviors. Jake may simply be reacting to an old habit resurfacing.
Keep working with him on staying off the counter. When he looks as if he’s going to jump up, redirect his attention by calling him over. Note the times that he jumps on the counter and keep him occupied with a fuzzy toy or snuggles during these periods. Be patient, and don’t give up.
Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
