Mental Help!

We are losing approximately 22 Veterans per day to suicide. Mental Health injuries are the unseen killers of our service men and women. It is an injury that can be difficult to diagnose and even more difficult to treat. If you know a Veteran who is suffering there is help. Sometimes just sitting with them is enough, sometimes talking is enough and sometimes a professional is required. It is our task to support each other; no one left behind! Please check out the VA’s website concerning Veteran suicide. There is good information there that will help you get them the help they need and deserve. Additionally, check out the PROJECT:VetRelief suicide prevention site for more assistance.

PTSD and substance abuse are a massive factor in our veterans believing they have nowhere else to turn. We can help! Here are a couple links that we think provide Veterans with much needed information concerning PTSD and substance abuse. Always remember; there is nothing wrong with asking for help.
Veterans Substance Abuse And Mental Health Resources
Veterans and PTSD
Veterans Crisis Line
VA Mental Health

Veteran suicides are at epidemic proportions. There is a NEW suicide prevention number available if a veteran is struggling and finds themselves in that dark place. We cannot afford to allow a veteran in crisis to go by the wayside. Never leave a comrade behind!
988 option 1 or 1-800-273-8255

The Overwatch Project is committed in combatting veteran suicide. Please take a look at their webpage for more information on how to recognize, intervene and assist a struggling veteran.

The Fire Watch is Florida’s fight to end veteran suicide. They are building a life-saving network of community members and organizations trained to identify the warning signs of veterans in crisis and to direct those veterans to the help they need.

 PTSD is marked by clear physical and psychological symptoms. It often has symptoms like depression, substance abuse, problems of memory and cognition, and other physical and mental health problems. The disorder is also associated with difficulties in social or family life, including occupational instability, marital problems, family discord, and difficulties in parenting. If you are suffering from PTSD, or know someone who is, the following list of resources and information will help you find help in dealing with PTSD and related conditions.
VA Mental Health 
National Center for PTSD
PTSD FAQs
PTSD Discussion Forum
Readjustment Counseling Resources
Military OneSource
Boca Recovery Center: PTSD & Addiction
Boca Recovery Center: Veterans & Addiction

Want to know more?
Here are some links to training and info concerning suicide and ways to prevent it. We HAVE to help our brothers and sisters! We need to know how to recognize the signs, ask the tough questions, persuade our comrade to get help and refer our comrade to the help.
22 Zero
Battle Buddy Foundation
Zero Suicide
Camaraderie Foundation
Cohen Veterans Network
Florida Leads Project
QPR Institute
Safety Planning Intervention
Suicide Prevention Resource Center