Veterans Day aims to honor military veterans. This day reminds us to be thankful for all those who served in the United States Armed Forces. It is also an opportunity to express our gratefulness towards those who are actively serving and risk their well-being for this country on a continuous basis.
I am not only thankful for this holiday, but day-in-and-day-out for all those who serve. Most times, we live our hectic lives and do think about the sacrifice being made by all the members of the armed forces. I want to take this opportunity to officially THANK YOU ALL for your service!!!
Negative Consequences
Besides being an honorable position, being part of the Armed Forces is extremely strenuous. Unfortunately, serving can have negative after-effects for some. It can take a toll, not only physically but mentally and emotionally. Obviously, physical injuries are devastating but there are deeper scars than the visible ones.
It is estimated that veterans have about a 50 percent higher rate of suicide than civilians. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, it looks like roughly 22 veterans commit suicide per day. Some believe that this is an exaggerated number while others suggest that this figure undercounts suicides. Either way, the bottom line is that the rates of suicide are higher among veterans than for the rest of the population. And that’s indisputable!
You may ask how is this possible….. Well, the majority of veteran suicides can be attributed to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Having a mental health background, I have seen first hand the horrible effects of PTSD.
This disorder takes place sometimes after experiencing a traumatic event and involves four clusters of symptoms:
- symptoms dealing with intrusion (flashbacks, nightmares, recurring thoughts)
- symptoms of avoidance (avoiding places/people/objects that are a reminder of the trauma)
- negative alterations in cognitions and mood (negative thoughts about themselves/ others/ the world, feelings of guilt and blame, difficulty remembering facts about the event, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities or people, feelings of depression)
- alterations in arousal and reactivity (being easily startled, feeling tense, edgy or anxious
- outbursts of anger, difficulty sleeping)
PTSD is devastating for the individuals experiencing it, as well as for their loved ones. Unfortunately, it is often accompanied by substance abuse, which itself can increase depression and suicidal thoughts. Drinking and/or using drugs as a way to cope with the internal anguish should be avoided since it only worsens the situation.
RESOURCES
I am listing a few organizations that offer diverse services for veterans. If you are a veteran or know of a veteran who is experiencing PTSD or need other kinds of assistance. Some of these organizations offer numerous and diverse concrete services, not just mental health assistance.
Organizations for Veterans:
- www.honorcouragecommitment.org
- www.22kill.com
- www.vettix.org
- www.soldiersangels.org
- www.woundedwarriorproject.org
- www.missionincitrus.com
- www.operationtroopappreciation.org
- www.freedomalliance.org
- www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
- www.cardoneuniversity.com/vets/
Organizations dealing with Suicide Prevention:
- www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/lifelinechat.aspx
- www.hopeline.com
- www.suicide.org/suicide-hotlines.html
22Kill
Through social media, I encountered 22kill, an organization that’s spreading the word about veteran suicide. Their name represents the suicide rate mentioned above. One of the ways it raises awareness about the suicide rates is by inviting people to join a movement of performing 22 push-ups a day for 22 days and share it via social media.
Watch my video and join me in performing the 22 daily push-ups for 22 days. Please invite friends and family, and post through your social media with Hashtag #22kill and the caption posted on the video.
Cardone and Free Training
Grant Cardone, New York Times bestselling author and among the best sales trainers in the world, is giving vets free access to the #1 Sales System in the World, at Cardone University. Grant with his “Whatever it Takes” motto helps thousands daily.
Fortunately, Grant identified another sad fact related to veterans. Since many veterans face unemployment, he is currently offering them free access to his amazing program. The program aims to give the fundamentals of selling and entrepreneurship. As you know, the acquisition of a skill is extremely valuable and makes anyone more marketable. If you are a veteran, go to Cardone University and take advantage of this impressively generous opportunity.
Please share this post even if you don’t personally know any veterans,
someone in need may see it and take advantage of the available resources!!!
To a Fitter Healthier You,
The Fitness Wellness Mentor
