Veterans Affairs Department states “Suicide hot line received 22,000 calls from struggling post-traumatic stressed veterans.
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Recently, the Veterans Affair Department (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration teamed up to launch a suicide hotline for individuals suffering from post- traumatic stress disorder. This service was launched after years of criticism surrounding the VA's treatment of wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Additionally, two veterans groups sued the VA in April, citing long delays for processing of applications and other problems in treatment for veterans at risk for suicide.
The department has spent $2.9 million on the hot line thus far, receiving calls from over 22,000 veterans seeking the assistance of the team's 40 highly trained prevention counselors, one-third of which are veterans themselves. “I think there's a comfort in knowing they can get some help from people who do understand what combat stress is like,” states Janet Kemp, national suicide prevention coordinator for the Veterans Affairs Department. She said the hot line was put in place specifically for those veterans who don't get enough help until it is too late. "They have indicated to us that they are in extreme danger, either they have guns in their hand or they're standing on a bridge, or they've already swallowed pills." She also stated that since its creation 1,221 suicides have been averted.”
According to a recent RAND Corp. study, roughly one in five soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan will display symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, putting the veterans at a higher risk for suicide attempts. Researchers at Portland State University have also found that male veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide as non-military males.
Kemp said the hot line is in place to help prevent such deaths associated with the disorder. "We just want them to know there are other options and people do care about them, and we can help them make a difference in their lives," stated in a recent interview.
The VA is now preparing for the eventual return of a large number of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. The increase in veterans could put added stress on the mental health screening program which could lead to a rise in undiagnosed mental health issues however; the VA recently received enough money to double its suicide prevention staff and is planning to hire an additional 212 counselors soon.
If you or someone you know is in the need of assistance please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately. Help is available 24 hours a day by calling 800-273-TALK (8255).