There is so much noise impacting our Veterans and our society, every day. Running and fitness are truly the path to light, to work through the wounds and scars from war and trauma.
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#runtocalmthenoise #ptsdrecovery #veteransuicideawareness #runningcommunity #mentalhealth #22aday #run #runner #running #runningmotivation #fitness #fitnessmotivation #triathlete #triathlon #swimming #biking #cycling #cyclist #desertracing #veteran #rltw #texas #veterans #war #trauma #ptsd

I read that an #introduction is the custom.

Hello all. I am a 40 year old mother of 2 awesome kids who are 14 and 10. I live in a small town in New York, the same town I grew up in, but I moved back here in 2016. I am an Army Vet. I work in Veteran Suicide Prevention. Um... what else? I vote blue. I love podcasts and comedy shows, crime TV, my boyfriend, and all things nerdy.

Thank you for having me.
#voteblue #vetresistance #comedy #nyc #veterans #suicideprevention #22aday #podcast

The phone rings. It's one am. John knows I have kids, and that we're in bed at this time of night. That can only mean a few things.

We haven't talked much in the past few months. He stopped by over the summer while moving cross country. Just a night on the couch to see the kids and share a meal.

I don't want to answer the call. It's late, I'm tired. But its out of place. John only calls when necessary.

~~~~

John and I served in the military. Going through A school and Airborne. He was in the color guard at my wedding. We've seen the bottom of more than one bottle together.

A few weeks ago he'd text asking to talk, but I was changing jobs and moving into the new house. Not a lot of time to shoot the breeze.

~~~

I answer the phone. "Helluh? John?" I whisper. His response comes out shaky, a little slurred, and scared. "I...I...you answered. I just need help. I hit bottom."

~~~

This is the 5th suicide intervention I've participated in since joining the Army. One was at the after party for the wedding. One of my color guard had lost his dad and in his grief was planning his own death.

Another lost a fiance, weeks before the wedding.

Another was my own drunken phone call to a friend when I didn't think I could make it another day.

~~~

I lost 2 peers to suicide this year already.
I am determined to not lose a third.

~~~

Get Educated on Suicide and its prevention.

ACE is a great acronym to remember, but there's lots of really great training on suicide prevention and intervention.

Here's a quick lesson.

A. - Ask if they're thinking of killing themselves? Don't mince words. It's not a subject to be taken lightly. And if they're not, they may be a little accosted, but they'll get over it. Don't ask if they're thinking of "hurting" themselves as they may see suicide as the only option to "stop" their hurting.

C - Care. This is the big one. Let the person know you're there for them. And most of all, Listen. The persons reasoning for feeling suicidal may be flawed. They may be emotionally or mentally distraught. They're unlikely to be a good candidate to listen to reason. Instead, assure them that you care, and show them by providing a listening ear.

If possible, solicit a plan and response from them to help them stay safe. These can be intermediate check-ins, an agreement to hand over firearms or dangerous medications or substances, and a promise to stay alive for a agreed on amount of time. (I've used the 'stay alive until tomorrow at noon' or similar in every instance and it was used on me to great effect.)

E - Escort, finally, if possible, and an intervention can not be created, or a promise to stay alive solicited, attempt to escort or guide the subject towards emergency care. Remember, your safety is a main priority throughout all of these steps. If at all possible prioritize and protect your personal wellbeing.

~~~

Remeber, it's a lot easier to Care when you actually care. And its a lot easier to guide individuals to safety when you already know the resources available to you.

~~~

Here's a few resources to get you on the path.

National Suicide Provention Hotline (US)
1-800-273-8255

National Crisis Text Line
Text Hello to 741741

Notably, if you're a member of the Army, Army Reserves or National Guard, ask your leadership about becoming a certified Gatekeeper. This training is extensive and fundamental to an individuals ability to intervene and provide suicide intervention training to others.

#suicide #alcoholism #depression #veterans #22aday

To all my Brothers and Sisters who Served, and are Serving

#Veteran #Veterans #VeteransDay2022 #Veterans_Day #ArmedForces #ThankYou #22aday

RT @AkaMrJenkins
Please reach out, my DMs are ALWAYS open to talk. 😔
#SuicidePrevention
#22ADay

RT @AkaMrJenkins
Please reach out, my DMs are ALWAYS open to talk. 😔
#SuicidePrevention
#22ADay

RT @ResethO
Sometimes you have to get loud! #22aday #savetheunicorn @JesseKellyDC @AP4Liberty @philthatremains @mkolken @mattg444 @RepThomasMassie