Mental Health/Suicide Prevention

In a world where the thin blue line often separates order from chaos, police officers stand as the frontline defenders of societal stability. Yet, beneath the uniform and behind the badge, these men and women grapple with immense emotional and psychological strain, a reality that is frequently overlooked by the public and policymakers alike.

First responders are often seen as modern-day heroes, bravely battling flames to save lives and property. However, behind the courageous facade lies a hidden reality – the profound emotional and psychological strain they endure.

Discover self-care tips tailored for empaths on Jessica Cording Nutrition. The post emphasizes the importance of taking time for yourself, choosing supportive social circles, learning to say no, engaging in creative outlets, scheduling self-care, using mantras, and reducing screen time to maintain emotional and mental well-being.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. When National Suicide Prevention Month began twenty years ago the death by suicide rate was 30% lower than it is today. Even with a continued reduction in the stigma surrounding seeking mental health treatment and the allocation of $222 million by Congress to the VA to prevent suicide in the past decade, there are still 17 veteran suicides each day. Even just one veteran suicide a day is far too many.

For many, the holiday season is synonymous with laughter, cheer and good tidings, large celebrations and social obligations with family and friends. But for some service members, veterans and their family members, extra anxiety prompted by the holidays’ social activities can escalate stress and sink them into depression and thoughts of suicide as they cope with the effects of a debilitating physical injury or post-traumatic stress (PTS).

Out of the COVID-19 pandemic, an opioid epidemic in our country has re-emerged with a vengeance.

More than 3 million Americans have served around 5.4 million deployments since the horrendous events that took place on 9/11, resulting in a considerable number of young veterans struggling with a plethora of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress (PTS) and depression. Virtual reality therapy can be used to decrease or even eliminate symptoms of PTS.

As both the Veterans Administration (VA) and outside medical professionals and facilities look to expand access to mental health services to reach an even greater number of veterans and subsequently lessen the high rates of suicide within the population, the VA, the healthcare industry at-large and political leadership on the federal and state levels should continue to focus on greater efforts to reach rural veterans.

Americans proudly place importance on thanking those who have served our country in defense of our freedoms, but we also must recognize that we have an obligation to many whose lives have been changed through debilitating injuries.