Tag: suicide prevention

Updated on February 4, 2017
The PTSD Addiction
Every now then, a song will pop up on my playlist that fills me with emotion and motivation to write something. Before I begin, watch this video by Blue October.

Updated on November 1, 2015
Army Throwing Soldiers Away
At the end of 2013, I qualified for an intensive, inpatient PTSD program called Warrior Combat Stress RESET Program. Applicants had to undergo extensive testing, interviews, and assessments before being admitted. Reset is an eleven–week intensive outpatient treatment… Read More

Posted on January 16, 2015
DOD Releases 2013 Suicide Event Report
Today, the Department of Defense (DoD) released its 2013 calendar year Suicide Event Report (DoDSER), which details the number of suicide attempts and deaths for U.S. service members. The DoDSER also includes detailed assessments of demographic information, behavioral… Read More

Posted on May 23, 2013
Army Releases April 2013 Suicide Information
We’re going the wrong way here. In spite of numerous suicide prevention programs aimed at reducing or eliminating suicides in the Army, we continue to suffer these preventable losses. So, if programs aren’t working why do you think… Read More

Updated on April 27, 2013
Army Releases March 2013 Suicide Information
We still don’t seem to be making progress here. Leaders, WAKE UP!! The Army released suicide data today for the month of March 2013. During March, among active-duty soldiers, there were 10 potential suicides: three have been confirmed… Read More

Updated on February 8, 2013
Ask for Help
It’s a message so simple that even a 7-year old understands it. “Ask for help!!!” wrote little John Murray on Post-it notes. It’s a simple message, but also an extraordinarily profound one when you realize whom it is… Read More

Posted on January 3, 2013
An Unwelcome Christmas
Today, I got an announcement from Fort Hood public affairs about the death of a Soldier. Usually, these announcements are necessitated after a Soldier is killed in a traffic fatality or serious illness. Unfortunately, this one was an… Read More

Posted on December 13, 2012
Suicides Eclipse 2011 but Drop Slightly From Previous Month
The DOD released its monthly suicide statistics today. We have officially eclipsed the 2011 totals, which is a new record high for the number of troops that have taken their lives by their own hands. During November, among… Read More

Updated on December 3, 2012
Retired Flag Officers Demand Troops’ Gun Information
According to the Washington Post, a group of retired generals and admirals is lobbying congress to change their stance on the 2011 NDAA that ordered military leaders from collecting information about the weapons troops keep at home. Reading… Read More

Posted on November 28, 2012
Should Attempted Suicide Be a Crime?
The McClatchy reports that the military is struggling with dealing with troops that unsuccessfully attempt suicide. Marine Corps Pvt. Lazzaric T. Caldwell slit his wrists and spurred a legal debate that’s consuming the Pentagon, as well as the… Read More

Posted on November 15, 2012
Army Still Struggling with Suicide
On September 27th, the entire stopped what it was doing for a Suicide Stand Down. Every Soldier in the Army – deployed or not – was required to attend training designed to draw attention to indicators of potential… Read More

Updated on November 10, 2012
ASP Radio: Interview with Psychotherapist Robert Buck, inventor of Neuview Glasses for PTS
On Episode 2 of ASP Radio, I interviewed Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. Robert Buck. About 12 years ago, he read a book that he says changed his life called “Of Two Minds” by Dr. Fredric Schiffer…. Read More

Posted on October 31, 2012
SMA Speaks Out on Suicide and Other Issues
GANNETT GOVERNMENT MEDIA CO. The cover of this week’s Army Times boldly proclaims, “SMA Cracks Down.” Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler highlighted several areas that NCOs need to crack down on: hazing, sexual assault, tattoos, and… Read More
Updated on September 30, 2012
Leaders Killing the Led?
On Thursday, I wrote about my positive training experience during the Suicide Prevention Stand Down Day. During the discussion in my group, there were three Soldiers, including myself, that shared stories of their past suicide attempts or thoughts…. Read More

Updated on September 29, 2012
Suicide Prevention Stand Down
As you may know, the Army set aside today to focus on a serious issue plaguing our force: suicide. The Army released suicide data today for the month of August. During August, among active-duty soldiers, there were 16… Read More