Veteran Suicide Crisis & PTSD Awareness | Patriot Apparel

April 17, 2019

A distressed black-and-white graphic featuring emotional images of military veterans with a bold red “22 A DAY” message representing veteran suicide awareness and PTSD awareness among U.S. military veterans.

Veteran Suicide Awareness: PTSD, Mental Health, and the Need for Better Support

Earlier this month, three veterans tragically died by suicide at Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities within just five days of one another. These heartbreaking events once again brought national attention to the growing veteran suicide crisis and the urgent need for improved mental health care for veterans and active-duty military personnel.

On April 5, 2019, an unnamed veteran died by suicide inside his vehicle in the parking lot of the Dublin, Georgia VA Medical Center. The very next day, another veteran died by suicide outside the main entrance of the Decatur, Georgia VA Medical Center.

Then on April 9, 2019, another tragic incident occurred at a VA clinic in Austin, Texas. According to reports, the veteran had been transferred from a hospital in Temple, Texas — more than 65 miles away — seeking mental health treatment and assistance. When the veteran arrived at the Austin VA clinic and discovered he could not receive the help he needed, he tragically took his own life in a crowded waiting room.

The Veteran Suicide Crisis in America

It is estimated that approximately 22 veterans a day die by suicide in the United States. While statistics continue to vary depending on the source and reporting methods, one thing remains clear — veteran suicide and PTSD are serious issues affecting thousands of military families every year.

Many veterans struggle silently with:

PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Depression
Anxiety
Addiction and alcoholism
Homelessness
Difficulty transitioning to civilian life

Far too often, veterans either do not seek help or are unable to receive the care they desperately need in time.

VA Mental Health Resources and Suicide Prevention Efforts

Following these tragic incidents, the federal government acknowledged the need for stronger suicide prevention programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA was granted additional funding to expand veteran suicide prevention initiatives and improve access to emergency mental health services.

Today, VA facilities are expected to provide same-day emergency mental health treatment to veterans in crisis. While progress has been made, there is still much work to do to ensure every veteran receives the support and care they deserve.

My Personal Battle with PTSD and Addiction

As a former Army Ranger, I understand firsthand how difficult life after military service can become. Like many veterans, I took great pride in my military service. Unfortunately, that same pride prevented me from asking for help when I needed it most.

I suffer from PTSD and a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). For years, I struggled with alcoholism while trying to cope with the emotional and psychological effects of combat and military service. Eventually, I lost everything I had and even found myself homeless and sleeping on the streets.

There were times when I contemplated suicide myself.

Looking back now, I realize there were resources available to help me — but I was too prideful to take advantage of them. It was only after I finally decided to seek help that my life slowly began to turn around.

That is why stories like these hit so close to home for me. These veterans did what many struggle to do: they asked for help. Tragically, they were unable to receive the support they needed in time.

Why Veteran Mental Health Awareness Matters

Veterans and active-duty military personnel continue to fight battles long after returning home from war. PTSD, depression, addiction, and suicide are realities many service members face every single day.

We must continue: