When I was in Port Orchard, Washington, a grabbed a copy of the paper Northwest Navy Life at the restaurant we visited. In its pages it had an article about people doing 22 pushups on the 22nd of the month at the local Navy hospital, to bring awareness to the 22 veterans who are committing suicide every day. The article sparked awareness in my brain. It also mentioned that on a recent survey fourteen percent of veterans reports having suicidal thoughts. I was unclear if this was at any given time, or over the past few months or what. However, still the truth is that veterans are committing suicide at an alarming rate. The article also points out that too many suicides take place among active duty personnel as well.
The article further gives a task for those who may know someone who is depressed. The call it ACTs of Kindness. Using the acronym ACT Ask - someone if they are thinking of suicide. Care - listen, offer hope, and not be judgmental. Treat - don't leave a suicidal person alone and get assistance. Other resources include, Nation Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-TALK. The Navy also offers this website for ideas.
