Recent
reports say that nearly one military personnel dies by suicide daily, marking
more suicides than deaths in the war in Afghanistan. Both those who have been
deployed and those who serve stateside are at risk. They face tremendous stressors;
they often return home unable to find employment or to find relationships
severed. Many soldiers refuse to admit their struggles for fear of being dubbed
weak. Many do not understand that the threat of suicide affects people of all
walks of life. Stigma prevents people from getting help.
I was
disturbed to read that Major General Dana Pittard, commander of the 1st Armored
Division, had written in his Army blog, "I have now come to the conclusion
that suicide is an absolutely selfish act." He also wrote, "I am
personally fed up with soldiers who are choosing to take their own lives so
that others can clean up their mess. Be an adult, act like an adult, and deal
with your real-life problems like the rest of us." While I’m sure he
thought this “pep talk” would prevent future suicides, instead it further promulgates
the stigma that prevents people from getting help. People do not take their
lives because of childish ways, but because they have lost hope. (The Major
General did later retract his statements.)
Thankfully,
there are people like Major General Mark Graham and his wife Carol who are
advocates in the fight against suicide, particularly in the military. You can
hear their story by clicking here.
If you
know someone who serves in the Armed Forces, I encourage you to have candid
discussions with them regarding suicide. Covenant with them to seek help if
they get to the point of desperation. There is a National Suicide Prevention
Hotline (1-800-273-TALK) where you can call and talk one-on-one with a
counselor.
Join me
in praying for our military personnel – sometimes the wars fought are the wars
within.
Labels: Mental Health, Suicide
