Last year, 47 Maine veterans took their lives. Averaged out across the United States, 22 veterans kill themselves every day. Among active-duty troops, suicides exceeded combat deaths in Afghanistan at several points in the United States’ more than decade-long engagement there.
These statistics and the personal stories shared by BDN reporter Nok-Noi Ricker in her two-part series on military suicide are a shocking reminder that we as a country are failing our veterans. “Support our troops” signs and events, welcome home ceremonies and parades are important reminders that American soldiers, sailors and Marines put their lives at risk in conflicts that many back home have forgotten. However, there is much to be ashamed of when it comes to treatment of these men and women once they are home.
In Maine, 19 percent of suicides in 2012 and 2013 were by former service members, far exceeding their percentage of the population. Although those recently returned from conflict zones are at risk, the suicide rate is highest among older veterans.
National data show that suicide deaths among young male veterans, age 29 or younger, have increased, but the largest group of deaths is still middle-aged male veterans, according to Robert Bossarte, director of the epidemiology program for the Veterans Administration.
“There is a misconception that it’s young vets who have deployed,” he said. “More than 70 percent of our veteran suicides are age 50 and older and have been out of the service for years.”
In mid-2012, President Barack Obama issued an executive order to improve mental health services for veterans, servicemen, servicewomen and military families.
The VA has increased the crisis line workforce by 50 percent, hired 1,600 new mental health professionals and an additional 300 support staff. In addition to adding more crisis line staff, the VA also is tracking referrals and making follow-up calls to keep veterans engaged and on task with their mental health care.
The order also directed the VA and Department of Defense to conduct outreach campaigns, which led to suicide prevention programs being started around the country, including in Maine, according to Maj. James Brindle, spokesman for the Defense Department.
This outreach targeted a problem military psychologists say is rooted in the culture of the armed forces.
“The military is a warrior culture and to have any sort of behavioral health issue for many would be seen as a weakness,” said Hahna Patterson, Maine Army National Guard director of psychological health. “The No. 1 reason for not coming forward is that belief of seeming to be weak.”
Crossing this hurdle is one of the biggest challenges. Programs that connect veterans with other veterans have proliferated and are having some success. Nationally, Vets4Warriors has a 24-hour hotline, staffed by veterans (855-838-8255).
In Maine, NAMI has veterans and veterans family support groups led by veterans. The Maine Military & Community Network, facilitated by the Maine National Guard, offers guidance on employment, housing, education, benefits and mental health services. Regional groups meet regularly at several locations around the state.
Preventing suicides is difficult work, in part, because many who need help aren’t likely to ask for it. To help those in our community, whether they are veterans or not, we must set aside judgment and instead offer support.
On Veterans Day, the best way to honor service is to ensure that former military members have jobs, homes and the family and community support they need.