The issue of mental problems and suicides in Vietnam Vets is still a major presence in our society. It was a major problem during and at the end of the Vietnam war and it is still happening today. The number of Vets who had PTSD at the time was very high, but with recent reevaluation, the numbers have gone up staggeringly. "4 out of 5 people reporting recent symptoms when interviewed 20-25 years after Vietnam" (Veterans Statistics: PTSD, Depression, TBI, Suicide). Because of this immense mental health problem, many Vets do not know how to get help and deal with their problems. A lot of these Vets choose to commit suicide. During the Vietnam war, roughly 60,000 people lost their lives. According to The New York Times, more active duty personal die by their own hand than actually in combat. These numbers are staggering because most Vets are afraid or refuse to get help. The older Vets don't trust the government anymore. Some Vets don't want to get help due to pride or fear as well. They don't believe they need it. Because of this, the suicide rates aren't getting really better. This epidemic of suicide rates and mental illness are still up. There needs to be more funding to this operation to stop this. The VA is there now to help these Vets with their mental issues. They are doing a great job to prevent things like suicide from happening. But Vets cant be afraid of going. They cant feel ashamed or upset by getting the help they need. Once Vets aren't afraid to go get help, this issue will get a lot better.
Some Vets are driven to drugs and drinking to handle the pain. This is not the proper way to heal and get better.
https://www.research.va.gov/topics/vietnam.cfm
http://veteransandptsd.com/PTSD-statistics.html
Ben, this is a very important topic. It is insane to think that so many soldiers would think of such a things as killing themselves to get the pain to go away. Also, I feel that as a nation we should try and reach out to veterans more so that they know that it is okay for them to get help and that they are safe.
ReplyDeleteBen, I agree that once people get help the issue can be resolved but I feel like many Vets did not think that they needed help and that they could handle things on their own. It is very sad that a war can have this much impact on a humans mind and mental health.
ReplyDeleteBen, you said that vets don't know how to get help. This is astonishing to me. It's almost as if there are so many vets and active duty soldiers with mental illness that they are running out of help to give, because there aren't enough people to help. I agree that vets need to be strong and try to get help, despite being scared. Adding more people in the field of counseling and therapy would most likely make the rates go down as well. Veterans need to know that they're greatly appreciated and that their service will forever be cherished. Everyone should give the upmost respect to vets and men/women who are currently serving.
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