A Sobering Statistic: We are Losing too Many returning Vets to Suicide

Normally when I blog it’s on strategies about career planning or the job search. But I’m compelled to share with you some insight about those who have made a sacrifice and have gone to serve you, me and this country. Veteran Affairs reported a staggering statistic, an average of 18 vets commit suicide each and every day. The University of Georgia conducted a detailed analysis from state authorities for 2004 and 2005. It found that veterans were more than twice as likely to commit suicide in 2005 than non-vets. PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder) is often cited as the primary cause.

One age group stood out. Veterans aged 20 through 24, those who have served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They had the highest suicide rate among all veterans, estimated between two and four times higher than civilians the same age. (The suicide rate for non-veterans is 8.3 per 100,000, while the rate for veterans was found to be between 22.9 and 31.9 per 100,000.)

I have joined alliances with an organization called DryHootch http://dryhootch.org . Dryhootch is a 501c3 nonprofit formed by combat veterans to "help veterans & their families who survived the war, survive the peace.” It’s a warm and inviting coffee house & resource center, a place where veterans can go to reconnect. DryHootch is a safe place where the troubles, fears, and worries of service and sacrifice can be addressed. It helps veterans learn skills on how to cope and how to deal with the memories that won't go away. Vet led, peer to peer counseling groups are held for addictions, PTSD, and family issues, all helping promote healing and reflection.

In March of 2010, the jobless rate for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan reached 14.7 percent, nearly 50 percent higher than the official nationwide unemployment rate in the US. This only fuels the frustration and feeling of being out of control. Although I’m not qualified to address the psychological challenges these individuals face, I felt a need to lend a hand. My focus is to help them on their journey to find meaningful employment.

DryHootch opened their doors in August of 2010. They are faced with large tasks and at times overwhelming responsibilities. Unfortunately funds are very tight … but these are tough folks - doing tough work, putting heads down and doing what we can.