By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
(This story is about suicide among veterans. The national suicide and crisis lifeline for veterans can be reached by calling 988 then pressing 1. The Wood County crisis hotline for veterans is 419-502-4673.)
Last month, local veterans gathered to learn how they could help fellow veterans considering suicide. They learned warning signs, risk factors, and interventions.
At the same time, nationally, the Veterans Administration experienced job and funding cuts that many fear will make it more difficult for the agency to respond to the mental health needs of veterans in a timely manner.
Current data shows an average of 17.6 veteran suicides occur per day. Suicide remains the second leading cause of death among veterans under 45 years old. Veterans are at a higher risk for suicide than the general population – with veterans making up 6% of the U.S. population, but 13% of the suicide deaths.
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reported 6,407 veteran suicide deaths. At the Wood County Veterans Service Office, people aware of those stats discussed how to change those numbers.
Jeremy Suttles, from the V.A. Suicide Prevention Team in Ann Arbor, talked about risk factors including health issues like chronic pain, and feelings of isolation among veterans.
Suttles cited the access to lethal means among vets, with firearms used in 73.5% of veteran suicide deaths, according to the V.A.
Wood County Veterans Service Commission Executive Director Zach Migura talked about the local “Morale, Welfare and Recreation” programs intended to reduce the social isolation felt by many veterans.
Three MWR programs are underway in Wood County – with 11 vets signed up to learn to play guitar, 17 signed up for woodworking, and 28 volunteering to “adopt a highway” near the veterans office.
The ultimate goal is to provide connections and prevent the number of suicides among veterans.
The V.A. provides care to more than nine million veterans. The Trump administration has said it plans to eliminate 80,000 V.A. jobs, according to the Associated Press. The first round of cuts has already halted some research studies and slashed support staff.
Ongoing staff shortages had already created long wait times for care for veterans – sometimes taking months to get an appointment.
In President Donald Trump’s cuts to social services, the nation’s Veterans Crisis Line is losing employees to layoffs. An estimated 800 to 900 of the 1,130 crisis line workers have always worked remotely, so ending remote work options will further undermine staffing.
When asked about the impact of the cuts, an official with the V.A.’s Public Affairs Office in Ann Arbor, said he was not allowed to comment. Instead he sent a video link to a speech by V.A. Secretary Doug Collins.
In the video, Collins promised that cuts will only be made after thorough review.
Among the 2,400 employees fired from the V.A. in the first round of cuts were workers who purchase medical supplies, schedule appointments and arrange rides for patients to see their doctors. Many are veterans themselves, according to AP.
In the video, Collins said the major changes were being made to provide better services than ever before – “So get used to it,” he stated.
After this story was posted, Pete Kasperowicz, the V.A. press secretary, reached out to BG Independent News to state that the 2,400 employees laid off in February were in non-critical positions such as publicists, interior designers and DEI officers.
“The notion that these layoffs are causing widespread issues across the department is false,” Kasperowicz wrote in an email. He did not dispute the plans to eventually eliminate 80,000 V.A. jobs.
Kasperowicz also stated that 300,000 “mission critical positions,” including all Veterans Crisis Line positions, are exempt from the federal hiring freeze and layoffs.
Back in Bowling Green last month, Suttles talked about about some of the myths surrounding suicide:
- People who talk about suicide are just seeking attention. Not true, he said. “You should always take them seriously.”
- Only people with specialized training can intervene. False. Anyone who cares and is willing to listen can help.
- Talking about suicide will put the idea in someone’s head. “It’s not going to make someone think about it if they haven’t already,” Suttles said.
Suttles shared the Veterans Administration’s SAVE method.
First, recognize the signs of suicidal thinking. If someone is getting their affairs in order, giving away personal items, or suddenly going from depressed to having a great sense of relief, it may be time for immediate attention.
Other warning signs:
- Hopelessness, feeling like there is no way out.
- Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness or mood swings.
- Feeling like there is no reason to live.
- Rage or anger.
- Engaging in risky activities without thinking.
- Increasing alcohol or drug use.
- Withdrawing from family and friends.
Second, ask the question – and make it direct and unambiguous. “Are you thinking of killing yourself?” “Are you thinking of suicide?” “Have you had thoughts about taking your own life?”
Third, validate the veteran’s experience and feelings. “Their pain is valid,” he said. Recognize the seriousness. Don’t pass judgment, and reassure that help is available.
And finally, encourage treatment and expedite getting help. Do not keep a veteran’s suicidal thoughts a secret. Do not leave them alone.
Suttles also presented other data. For every person who dies from suicide, approximately 135 other people are affected. “It sends ripples through a community,” he said. And those who survive the loss of someone to suicide, are then more at risk themselves.
“We can and will save lives,” Suttles said.
