How do you feel about the DoD's newest report on Veterans suicide following the release of the 2015Q2 Quarterly Suicide Report (QSR)?

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 11:34:08 -0400

The Department of Defense released the Quarterly Suicide Report (QSR) for the second quarter of calendar year 2015. RP! 118 deaths in 3 months! Seriously how can we ensure that nobody is left behind? I am sick in my stomach and full of anger reading this report. As expected this report will not make it to any news outlet. When are we going to shine the light in this serious issue and stop leaving our battle buddies behind. 118! Deaths in 3 motnhs! Please tell me this does not make you sick to your stomach. Man I am so outrage. If you feel the need to read the report and I hope you do, you can find it at
http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/621181/department-of-defense-releases-second-quarter-2015-suicide-information?source=GovDelivery

Department of Defense Releases Second Quarter 2015 Suicide Information

Today, the Department of Defense released the Quarterly Suicide Report (QSR) for the second quarter of calendar year 2015.The report summarizes confirmed suicide counts for all services and components

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 11:37 AM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 11:37:08 -0400

This is horrible news. I was hoping it would get better.

Response by SSG John Erny made Oct 1 at 2015 11:51 AM

SSG John Erny — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 11:51:42 -0400

This is horrible beyond words. I do not have the full solution but I do know we are all part of it.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 12:01 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:01:18 -0400

This is not a problem that can be wished away. Leaders at all levels need to be engaged, educated and ready for these incidents, and any point in the cycle. I've included this graphic in the signature line of my civilian work email.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made Oct 1 at 2015 12:01 PM

SPC Margaret Higgins — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:01:39 -0400

I am the Coach (I am not a mental health professional.) of the following group on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/groupforsuicidalactivedutyandforsuicidalveterans

Facebook

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Oct 1 at 2015 12:05 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:05:35 -0400

I have written about this crisis numerous times. I firmly believe that the PTSD and other behavioral health stats are way low, and that DOD has established a climate where denial is the key word. Add to this the VA system that is overwhelmed by the doctor shortage and poor planning resulting in more demand than they anticipated, and you have the "Perfect Storm".

One organization out there that is helping is the Soldier's Project - http://www.thesoldiersproject.org - we offer free counseling to Post 9/11 active duty and veterans. Part of the problem is the stigma associated with getting mental health care. Since we are a private organization, the only outside reporting we do is that required by law in the event we fear that the client/patient is at risk of harming themselves or others, or if requested by the client/patient.

For anyone in RP-land who is suffering, please reach out to me, or to the Soldier's Project, or any other organization out there that is available to help...

Home - The Soldiers Project

A special shout out to Kimberly Backman our Chicago Chapter Director. She recently joined our organization and we are happy to see her working in the Chicago community. We would also like to thank all of our volunteer therapists in the Chicago area!Show your appreciation to our Chicago Chapter and Kimberly by liking and sharing this thank you message! If you are interested in volunteering or would like to learn more visit...

Response by CW3 Kevin Storm made Oct 1 at 2015 12:15 PM

CW3 Kevin Storm — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:15:55 -0400

First this is horrible news. Second of some dip shit thinks another mandatory power point, or video, or stand down is the cure, I hope an out house blows up on them! I am so fracking tired of people thinking that is going to fix something other than checking the box.

Response by CPT Pedro Meza made Oct 1 at 2015 12:42 PM

CPT Pedro Meza — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:42:05 -0400

CPT Ferdinand Zoa, It does not anger me, it saddens me, because we only see the reports of actual suicides, but fail to realize that dangerous behavior (drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, fighting, etc) are the signs of acceptable suicide. CA to CA, it falls on all of US.

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 1 at 2015 12:55 PM

SPC David S. — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 12:55:51 -0400

Yes this is very disheartening information that needs to be addressed. Sadly I've tried joining several regional non profits that focus on suicide prevention yet all failing due to lack of outside support and funding. With the military, VA, and society kicking these individuals to the curb only reinforces the indifference towards service members or veterans. This is not going to be fixed with pills or policies this is going to require a hands on approach. Very sad news.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 1 at 2015 2:32 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 14:32:16 -0400

The VA really needs to end the stigma that having PTSD or any Anxiety Disorder makes you crazy and any report of thinking about suicide will cause one to be locked up at the VA because that right is a HUGE problem.....

Response by SSG Warren Swan made Oct 1 at 2015 3:36 PM

SSG Warren Swan — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:36:40 -0400

Sir this will never stop unfortunately. But what we as leaders and vets do is reinforce the fact that "you're not alone". For those in service it's going to take leadership buy in beyond stat sheets. I know firsthand how crappy troops get treated the moment you become non deployable, or it's found that you've seen mental health. That needs to stop. No more treating them different or with kids gloves. No more ostracizing them from unit activities. No more snide comments about how you're now a liability and a "useless" body and we can't get a replacement as long as you're on the books. How on Gods earth do you think that troop feels now? It's going to take a concerted effort of the O's and the SNCO's to stamp out the bad attitudes and adjust fire on the ones who are confused. Also uncertainty of service hurts. You have SFC So N So who's given 2000% of his life and effort to the Army, and he gets told he's out with no real reason other than sequestration? The troops deserve to know why they're being sent home and know it might not have been their fault at all.
Stop with the mindless powerpoint check the box classes and have the PSG/1SG pull the troops/NCO's out for some one on one time. Make it personal and relatable. O's can do the same. Show that you mean what you're saying beyond the required crap shoved down our throats. Get the SGM's and CSM's out of the offices and mind-numbing meetings and more involved and let them tell their stories. It's amazing when you hear a Sergeant Major talk to you on a personal level on a subject that is dear to everyone. You will feel it. Some might disagree with me, but many of these suicides are NCO business. We know these troops. We're their first line supervisors, TM/SQD LDRS, PSG's whatever. We know them as more than a name and SSN. We should be the ones recognizing that someone's way off from normal, or man he just gave away what? For what? Their families shouldn't be afraid to call us when it's bad or good (not so much as buddy buddy, but a status report on an improving situation helps). All the family members knew my number and the CoC's personal numbers in case something went wrong. I will say I was NOT Joe Super Soldier, I had issues, BUT at no point could anyone ever say, I didn't genuinely care for you, and if you had a family them too. I also had good leadership that went beyond the books to talk and teach. Shadetree talks. Catch you in the parking lot talks. NCO calls. This is all NCO business when we make it our business.