Unseen Wounds
Veteran mental health problems take a massive toll on those who serve. Intrusive memories, nightmares, and emotional numbing haunt many of our Nation’s Veterans and wreak havoc on their well-being. Relationships with loved ones, sleep schedules, and more can suffer as a result.
Many of the common triggers of Veteran trauma, including physical injuries, the loss of comrades, and combat exposure, are frequent occurrences for those who sacrifice so much for our country. Too often, Veterans see death as a way out.
The Truth About Veteran Suicide
A 2022 report found that roughly 17 U.S. Veterans died by suicide in 2020… per day. That’s 6,146 lives lost over the full year. The Veteran suicide rate? 57.3% greater than for non-Veteran U.S. adults. And this was considered a year of improvement compared to the late 2010s.
The mental health needs of those who served are often forgotten. As we enter National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September, more awareness about these unseen wounds, and the resources available to help mitigate them, is necessary.
The Stigma Surrounding Veteran Mental Health
The stigma surrounding Veteran mental health problems, particularly among males, makes it difficult for many of those who serve to seek help. This perpetuates a cycle of silence that continues even after Veterans transition back to civilian life.
Society’s image of Veterans often fails to align with the realities they face. Those who’ve served are celebrated as heroes and symbols of patriotism. This idealized image leads to misconceptions. Veterans are often seen as defined solely by their military service, overlooking the full range of their identities and experiences. There is a tendency to perceive Veterans as invincible, neglecting their frequent mental health challenges. Those who’ve served can feel pressured into living up to the expectation of being unphased luminaries.
Normalizing Veteran mental health treatment, encouraging Veterans to seek help, and breaking down these unrealistic Veteran stereotypes can make a significant impact on the well being of our Veterans.
Solutions for a Better Future
At Nation’s Finest, we understand the urgent need to address the complex issue of Veteran suicide. Our most focused effort in this area is the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program. Through the SSG Fox program, we provide specialized support to at-risk Veterans and their families, aiming to prevent Veteran suicide through outreach, dedicated prevention services, and connection to local resources.
Beyond the SSG Fox Program, our commitment to enhancing Veteran lives encompasses a range of services that indirectly contribute to suicide prevention by improving overall quality of life and wellbeing:
- Housing Solutions to support low-income Veterans in crisis and to address the issue of homelessness
- Mental health services, including individual and group therapy sessions at our clinical model residential facilities
- Employment Assistance to support Veterans in their job/career search
- Mobile Services Units to reach rural Veterans with limited access to care and resources
- Other personalized supportive services designed to meet the individual needs of each Veteran
If you or a Veteran you know needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Find a Nation’s Finest location near you or call 1-833-468-9676. Veterans in crisis should call the VA Crisis Line (988), a valuable resource available to Veterans, their families, and concerned individuals that offers support and guidance during challenging times.
I have been trying to offer m y services of suicide awareness using my art gallery in Windsor, Ca as a lace of respite to those struggling to survive the aftermath of losing a loved one to suicide. I want to offer 90 minute art classes to those who struggle with the aftermath of losing someone they loved to suicide. The paintbrush is my Tool. The goal is to distract or redirect the brain for 90 minutes of doing simple art projects giving time to rebuild strength to continue the battle of overcoming that which was not by choice and hope that the battle will be little easier leaving my art studio then it was coming in.. I am a survivor. I witnesses at close range the violent suicide of my fiancee in 2009. His suicide left me broken and debilitated. I was diagnosed with acute 100% PTSD and told I would never be able to function normally in society again due to the violent and close range nature of his suicide. I was sent to a acute trauma center in New Mexico where I was sedated for almost 3 months just to stop the screaming. When I wasn’t sedated I thought he had killed me too and that my spirit was stuck in between the living and the dead. Ididnt know who I was or where I was or why I was there. They slowly brought me back to life and art therapy along with equine therapy played a distinct role in saving my life. Forever grateful, I always wanted to share the gift given. In 2023 I was finally deemed a 100% disabled veteran. I used my award money to establish the now open ARTBUYT GALLERY AND FUTURE HOME TO THE JOSEPH COYNER FOUNDATION STUDIO where my goal is to offer free of charge 90 min sessions in my HEALING WITH T program and offer respite to the wounded and traumatized heart and mind of those trying to survive the loss of a loved one through suicide. Art mixed with love and support saved my mind and is healing my heart. It has taken over a decade to get to this point. Nobody will ever completely heal from the devastating loss but we can learn to find hope and have priceless moments of peace in-between the battles of loss. I want to help. artbuyt.com artbuyt3@gmail.com
*healing d&spiritwlove&hope
*healmind&heartwlove&hope