INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION of MINORITY VETERANS
825 Gum Branch Rd, Suite: 104,
Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540
Letter from the National Commander for I*AM*VETS
September is Suicide Prevention Month, this year 2024 the Department of Veteran Affairs theme is “Don’t wait, Reach Out.”
Veterans are trained to endure any challenging situation they encounter; this doesn’t mean that they are not affected by some of the challenging situations they find themselves in. Veterans are trained to deal with emotions differently than the average non-veterans. Veterans while on active duty worry about the stigma of weakness. If they showed emotions, they were labeled weak; therefore, they learned how to hide their emotions to complete the mission. The veterans’ emotions can become problematic to their health once they are no longer in the service. Veterans are at a higher risk for suicide compared to the general population. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate among Veterans in 2021 was 71.8% higher than non-Veterans adults in the United States.
There are many factors that will trigger a Veteran to commit suicide such as divorce, the loss of a job, substance abuse, mental health, and housing to name. These are high-risk factors for suicide. (VA Veterans Crisis Prevention Campaign Overview). There are also factors in which a Veteran navigates life’s challenges. They can experience additional barriers in accessing support and resources. Such as fear of judgment, difficulties accessing health care, and misconceptions about support. Other concerns can impact when and how Veterans can reach out for help (VA Veterans Crisis Prevention Campaign Overview). According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 6,392 veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021. We all can help prevent veterans' suicide by emphasizing the urgency to continue the efforts of suicide prevention.
Everyone plays an important role in preventing Veterans' suicide not only during September but throughout the year.
-
If you come across a veteran that is struggling let them know that there’s help, suicide is preventable and there’s hope.
-
Veterans are the first to assist others, but sometimes is hard for Veterans to ask for help or accept the help they need for themselves. Encourage the veteran to find help if they need it.
-
Check-in with Veterans that you know and see how they are doing. Let them know that you care about them and their physical and mental state of mind.
-
Know that suicide is preventable. The Department of Veterans Affairs is aware of the factors that can lead a Veteran to suicide. It is important to encourage the veteran who is at risk of committing suicide to visit www.va.gov/REACH for resources available to the veteran or call the lifeline 988.
-
Learn more about what resources are available in preventing suicide by visiting www.va.gov/REACH. You will be able to find comprehensive resources.
The International Association of Minority Veterans will continue its effort to reduce veteran suicide by educating and assisting any veteran or family member who’s having suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24/7, 365 days a year. Dial 988, press 1, text 838255 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Nelson Valentin
National Commander
International Association of Minority Veterans
(910) 238-4688
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INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION of MINORITY VETERANS
825 Gum Branch Rd, Suite: 104,
Jacksonville, North Carolina 28540
Letter from the National Commander for I*AM*VETS
September is Suicide Prevention Month, this year 2024 the Department of Veteran Affairs theme is “Don’t wait, Reach Out.”
Veterans are trained to endure any challenging situation they encounter; this doesn’t mean that they are not affected by some of the challenging situations they find themselves in. Veterans are trained to deal with emotions differently than the average non-veterans. Veterans while on active duty worry about the stigma of weakness. If they showed emotions, they were labeled weak; therefore, they learned how to hide their emotions to complete the mission. The veterans’ emotions can become problematic to their health once they are no longer in the service. Veterans are at a higher risk for suicide compared to the general population. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the suicide rate among Veterans in 2021 was 71.8% higher than non-Veterans adults in the United States.
There are many factors that will trigger a Veteran to commit suicide such as divorce, the loss of a job, substance abuse, mental health, and housing to name. These are high-risk factors for suicide. (VA Veterans Crisis Prevention Campaign Overview). There are also factors in which a Veteran navigates life’s challenges. They can experience additional barriers in accessing support and resources. Such as fear of judgment, difficulties accessing health care, and misconceptions about support. Other concerns can impact when and how Veterans can reach out for help (VA Veterans Crisis Prevention Campaign Overview). According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, 6,392 veterans lost their lives to suicide in 2021. We all can help prevent veterans' suicide by emphasizing the urgency to continue the efforts of suicide prevention.
Everyone plays an important role in preventing Veterans' suicide not only during September but throughout the year.
-
If you come across a veteran that is struggling let them know that there’s help, suicide is preventable and there’s hope.
-
Veterans are the first to assist others, but sometimes is hard for Veterans to ask for help or accept the help they need for themselves. Encourage the veteran to find help if they need it.
-
Check-in with Veterans that you know and see how they are doing. Let them know that you care about them and their physical and mental state of mind.
-
Know that suicide is preventable. The Department of Veterans Affairs is aware of the factors that can lead a Veteran to suicide. It is important to encourage the veteran who is at risk of committing suicide to visit www.va.gov/REACH for resources available to the veteran or call the lifeline 988.
-
Learn more about what resources are available in preventing suicide by visiting www.va.gov/REACH. You will be able to find comprehensive resources.
The International Association of Minority Veterans will continue its effort to reduce veteran suicide by educating and assisting any veteran or family member who’s having suicidal thoughts.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive free, confidential support and crisis intervention available 24/7, 365 days a year. Dial 988, press 1, text 838255 or chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.
Nelson Valentin
National Commander
International Association of Minority Veterans
(910) 238-4688
