Calls To Veterans' Suicide Hot Line Double

New VA Phone Line, Created Last July, Now gets 250 Calls Per Day; 22,000 Vets Called Last Year

(CBS/AP)  More than 22,000 veterans have sought help from a special suicide hot line in its first year, and 1,221 suicides have been averted, the government says.

According to a recent RAND Corp. study, roughly one in five soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan displays symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, putting them at a higher risk for suicide. Researchers at Portland State University found that male veterans are twice as likely to commit suicide than men who are not veterans.

This month, a former Army medic, Joseph Dwyer, who was shown in a Military Times photograph running through a battle zone carrying an Iraqi boy, died of an accidental overdose after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder for almost five years.

Janet Kemp, national suicide prevention coordinator for the Veterans Affairs Department, said the hot line is in place to help prevent deaths such as Dwyer's. "We just want them to know there's other options and people do care about them, and we can help them make a difference in their lives," she said in an interview.

The VA teamed up with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to launch the hot line last July after years of criticism that the VA wasn't doing enough to help wounded soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. In April, two veterans groups sued the VA, citing long delays for processing applications and other problems in treatment for veterans at risk for suicide. The department has spent $2.9 million on the hot line thus far.

The hot line receives up to 250 calls per day - double the average number calling when it began. Kemp said callers are divided evenly between veterans from the Iraq, Afghanistan and Vietnam wars. Richard McKeon, public health adviser for SAMHSA, said 10 to 20 of the 1,575 calls received each week have to be rerouted to high-volume backup call centers throughout the country.

The VA estimates that every year 6,500 veterans take their own lives. The mental health director for the VA, Ira Katz, said in an e-mail last December that of the 18 veterans who commit suicide each day, four to five of them are under VA care, and 12,000 veterans under VA care are attempting suicide each year.

This month, the hot line began an advertising campaign in Washington area subway stations and buses featuring the slogan, "It takes the courage and strength of a warrior to ask for help."

The veterans hot line, which is linked to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, received 55,000 callers in its first year, including both veterans and people who are concerned about them, according to figures being released Monday. One-third of the 40 specially trained counselors are veterans themselves.

"We try to get them (callers) to talk about their situation and what they remember and see if they can identify exactly what their issues are. I think there's a comfort in knowing that they can get some help from people who do understand what combat stress is like," Kemp said.

From the call center, counselors instantly can check a veteran's medical records and then connect the caller to local VA suicide prevention coordinators for follow-up, monitoring and care at local VA medical centers. Kemp said that since the hot line started, 106 veterans have been steered to free medical care from the VA.

Kemp said the hot line was put in place specifically for those veterans who don't get enough help until it's too late. "They have indicated to us that they are in extreme danger, either they have guns in their hand or they're standing on a bridge, or they've already swallowed pills," she said. Kemp said 1,221 veterans who were in such situations were rescued during the hot line's first year.

As the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue, an increasing number of troops have been turning to medication to deal with the stress of battle. Each year, between 20 and 40 soldiers are evacuated from war zones for mental problems brought on by combat, reported CBS News National Security Correspondent David Martin, and many more stay in the battle with the help of medication.

A recent survey found 12 percent of soldiers in Iraq reported taking either anti-depressants or sleeping pills. That works out to about 19,000 soldiers, half of them using anti-depressants.

The VA is preparing for the eventual return of a large number of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. This could put added stress on the mental health screening program for returning veterans, which could lead to a rise in undiagnosed mental health issues. The VA recently got enough money to double its suicide prevention staff and is planning to hire 212 more people soon.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling 800-273-TALK (8255); veterans should press "1" after being connected.

[robroyh390]

Great - good news from the Iraq war

[tbweb]

I served 1 tour in ''Nam, my uncle served 5! My family thought my uncle was crazy but he was all into it and could not wait to get back! Multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan should be voluntary after 1 tour, 3 or more tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan seems extreme and highlights a bigger issue, the burden of war is not fairly shared by all Americans. I believe in the draft, I think all Americans should serve, it has its downside but the upside is it forces all segments of American society to not only share the burden of Freedom but to get to know each other as well. The all volunteer military is being abused and unfairly burdened, no wonder suicides are so high.

[citizenusa-2009]

Will the corrupt Bush/Cheney Administration be held accountable for the horror they''ve inflicted? Will they??

[bobnjersey]

more suicides are likely to result from running this story ... it''s known to be contagious ... and related to how suicide incidents are publicly reported.

[ponco seno]

"Active-Duty Soldier Suicides Hit New High"


GOP Conservatives will say "They were weak minded liberals"

[mcv57]

If I were soldier in Iraq, my conscience and faith would not allow me to take my own life, but in a self-sacriface I would kill a general or two.

Reasoning: I would give my life trying to stop this insane government conflict by striking at its malfunction - military leaders who will not put an end to this corrupt government expedition. Can you imagine if all suicides would make the same sacriface. This profiteering venture would be over in a matter of days.

[taotxzen]

I will never surrender in Iraq - John McCain

Surrender to who is my question. Al Qaeda?

Al Qaeda in Iraq, The Big Bad Wolf:

Estimates for Al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) numbers range from 850, about three to five percent of the Sunni insurgency, to several thousand. In 2006 the State Department''''s Bureau of Intelligence and Research estimated that AQI%u2019s membership was in a range of "more than 1,000," putting AQI%u2019s forces at less than one percent of the insurgency.

The Congressional Research Service noted in its September 2007 report that attacks from al-Qaeda are less than two percent of the violence in Iraq.

[tbweb]

No. No downside. It is the All-Volunteer that has a downside.

Posted by Nancy_Naive at 11:14 AM : May 29, 2008,,,

Yes it does have a downside, because those forced to serve and who really don''t want to be there really do make life miserable for everyone else instead of just serving their time and being professional about it and this adds to the burden of those trying to serve their country! I know this may sound corny to some, but there is such a thing as being a real American, being Patriotic, looking out for the interest of all Americans. When I signed up many were protesting, running to Canada and burning Draft Cards, I wasn''t no war hero but I served. I remember how I felt at the time, I was scared like many but it seemed like the right thing to do and I felt good serving, I felt like I contributed, did my part and earned my right to be Free.

No. No downside. It is the All-Volunteer that has a downside. Look at the rise of evangelicalism in the military, or the lopsidedness of the conservatives in the military, and the under-educated in the ranks.

There should be a mandatory 3-year stint all citizens, and a 20-year career limit with a large payout at 10 and 15, i.e., leave at 10 years and receive a paid-up retirement account based on rank, e.g. $200,000 IRA for an NCO.
Regards,
Posted by Nancy_Naive
____________________

Nancy,

I''ve been saying the same thing for years; ever since my first deployment to Europe, where most nations have a mandatory 2-year military service requirement. As a veteran I whole-heartedly agree with this proposal.

[michellem99-2009]

Vets before I have my say while I have the right to do, I want to thank each one of ye. I trully mean thank ye for yer duty to nation. I am pissed at the death rate these poor souls take by ending their life. No war is worth it when they know the war is illegal and lied to. I live with a vet. My father is a vet. Welcole to the police state of bush. This makes me cry. They are given their duty to do. Those boys and girls ye raised and love. This is not right they die to end their hell. Is driving that car ye feel ye got to drive worth a war over oil. I am down on the joy riders. Car races. Not the businesses that need to drive. It is time to hold the govt accoutable in the way it sends them to war.

[mudrose-2009]

CBS THE BLOG HIGHLY PRAISED FOR PIMPING VICTIMIZATION!
IT''S AN ENDLESS RANT OF VICTIMIZATION - PITY PARTY OF BARACK HUSEIN OBAMA.

[reedtaz73]

I wonder if it''s an escape to them or a way to deal with their personal guilt over taking the lives of others...maybe women and children.

When I signed up many were protesting, running to Canada and burning Draft Cards, I wasn''''t no war hero but I served. I remember how I felt at the time, I was scared like many but it seemed like the right thing to do and I felt good serving, I felt like I contributed, did my part and earned my right to be Free.
tbweb
_______________________

I signed up during a ''deep peace'' timeframe. If citizens knew this would be a requirement, they''d rethink pointless wars a little more.

Would probably end up saving a lot of taxpayer money in the long run!

[macusweil]

Blame the commander in chief. His Republican ideal of "support our troops" literally translates into support the GOPs failed policies so they can continue their incompetence & graft. It has nothing to do with actual caring about the needs of our military men & women, a hollow rallying for a now defunct base.

[tbweb]

signed up during a ''''deep peace'''' timeframe. If citizens knew this would be a requirement, they''''d rethink pointless wars a little more.

Would probably end up saving a lot of taxpayer money in the long run!

Posted by careyana at 11:39 AM : May 29, 2008,,,

There was no deep peace time frame in ''Nam, what a joke, many think the end years were peaceful and no fighting took place, I lost 21 buddies during this peaceful time frame. If you look at the way the U.S. left ''Nam, running, escaping from roof tops hanging on to choppers, its obvious just from that drama there was no peaceful time frame! This is why I want the U.S. to exit Iraq with honor, not leave like it left ''Nam. Peaceful time frame my azz! lol

[michellem99-2009]

Nancy dear yer a blind minded. Do ye really believe every Amrican should sevre once he/she is an adult. Ye more dumb than that there computer in yer home. Thanks for the haha session. Ye put yer foot in yer mouth. If ye do then dear how do the blind, deaf, ect serve..we don''t. It may surprise ye I looked in to that. Dear ye can''t I was told nicely.

CBS THE BLOG HIGHLY PRAISED FOR PIMPING VICTIMIZATION!
IT''''S AN ENDLESS RANT OF VICTIMIZATION - PITY PARTY OF BARACK HUSEIN OBAMA.

Posted by mudrose
_________________

See you in the sand soon?

[isntitobvus]

I support our Troops wherever they are assigned duty and regardless of the duty they are assigned to.

I do not support this needless, ill-conceived war created by GWB PROPAGANDA and the Repugnant Party.

We Support the United States Military - The TRUE American Patriots!

We denounce the COWARDS (BUSH, Cheney, Rove, Rumsfield, Rice) in the GWB White House that place(d) such a low value on the lives of those serving our country as Soldiers of these United States of America.

My prayer is that God remain merciful for the duration our Nations'' hideous folly in the Middle East.

There was no deep peace time frame in ''''Nam, what a joke, many think the end years were peaceful and no fighting took place, I lost 21 buddies during this peaceful time frame. If you look at the way the U.S. left ''''Nam, running, escaping from roof tops hanging on to choppers, its obvious just from that drama there was no peaceful time frame! This is why I want the U.S. to exit Iraq with honor, not leave like it left ''''Nam. Peaceful time frame my azz! lol
Posted by tbweb
___________________

Sorry I wasn''t born till the mid-70''s after my father came back from his tour during Nam. I joined in the mid-90''s when the worst thing that had happened in the US was the first towers bombing in ''93. Went to Europe and the desert. I couldn''t imagine spending 12 months away from friends and family staring at sand.

I think an honorable exit would be one where we come to an agreement with the Iraqi government and the citizens in the hardest hit cities there. Not till we blow them all to smithereens.

[lovegetpeace]

Folks,
These suicides guarantee that eventually Osama Bin Ladin will win this unpopular war.

[liberalme]

Folks,
These suicides guarantee that eventually Osama Bin Ladin will win this unpopular war.

Posted by lovegetpeace at 11:55 AM : May 29, 2008

Win what? There is nothing at all to win.

[dorlockt]

Given below are some of the verses from the Holy Qur%u2019an

Posted by drmaqazi at 11:56 AM : May 29, 2008

The best part about the Quran is that is biodegrades fairly easily, so I can flush as many as I want down the toilet.

Destruction to Islam!

[demslie]

Sure let''''s all have a mandatory prison sentence of 2 years in the military......

Posted by cwazywabt

Well, CBS (Communist Broadcast System) is doing its job, like all Democrat Liars, of giving the Angry and Crazy Democrats like Cwazywabt something to scream about. Yes we know that Democrats hate the United States Military and are liars too. cwazywabit sounds like he has real chip on his shoulder. By the way, what is the difference between 102 suicides in 1990 and 108 in 2007? And care to quess what the largest group of suicides come from? The American Medical Association says the most predominate group for suicide is Gayss and Lessbians. Care to guess why the Democrats don''t mention that?? So much for thier obvious evil intentions and political agenda with this story.

[gopsoccermom]

I bet unpatriotic liberals are happy about this.

[johnpatrick9]

*** the conservative right wing nut jobs that send our troops into wars based on oil and ego...traitors to the American Republic.

[bobnjersey]

[I don''''t understand... can you show us what you mean?]
[Posted by Nancy_Naive at 11:15 AM : May 29, 2008]

you can google ''suicide contagion'' or ''suicide contagious'' and you''ll have a long list of things to read on this issue. you can also google ''social proof'' ... the underlying psychological foundation that''s believed to be responsible for the phenomenon. here''s a few summaries:

http://suicideandmentalhealthassociationinternational.org/suiconclust.html

Suicide contagion is not a new phenomenon. Evidence of suicide clusters and imitative deaths has been reported in accounts from ancient times through the twentieth century. Concern about suicide contagion has increased due to a number of highly publicized suicide outbreaks among teenagers and young adults in recent years and to new evidence that a significant number of suicides appear to be associated with suicide stories in the mass media.

http://www.suicidology.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=1&subarticlenbr=2

........between 1984 and 1987, journalists in Vienna covered the deaths of individuals who jumped in front of trains in the subway system. The coverage was extensive and dramatic. In 1987, a campaign alerted reporters to the possible negative effects of such reporting, and suggested alternate strategies for coverage. In the first six months after the campaign began, subway suicides and non-fatal attempts dropped by more than eighty percent. The total number of suicides in Vienna declined as well

[peach652]

So, when a person enlists to be a soldier, does he think going to war is going to be a "walk in the park"? Granted, I don''t think our soldiers are treated well... our government has never treated soldiers particularly well. But these guys knew that before enlisting and signed up anyway.

[piercetheval]

It''s too bad that active duty politicians aren''t doing the same...

[nanc12]

But these guys knew that before enlisting and signed up anyway.
Posted by peach652
Recruiters are desparate to sign up their quota of recruits. They tell them they''re more likely to get killed here than in Iraq. They promise them they won''t have to go to Iraq. They tell them they''ll learn computer skills and serve in Germany. They promise them signing bonuses. Here''s just one example of a TV station''s report - I believe 60 minutes or 20/20 did a program about the recruiters, too. http://www.wlwt.com/news/4508233/detail.html

[Latrocinor]

No "mission accomplish"

Posted by zoe2006
.. .. ..
You are correct.

In his speech on that Aircraft Carrier President Bush said:

"By Paul Reynolds
World affairs correspondent, BBC News

President Bush declares the end of major combat in Iraq aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln in 2003...

President Bush did not say "Mission Accomplished" on the deck of the USS Abraham Lincoln off San Diego on 1 May five years ago...

"From Pakistan to the Philippines to the Horn of Africa, we are hunting down al-Qaeda killers."

"The war on terror is not over; yet it is not endless. We do not know the day of final victory, but we have seen the turning of the tide."

[lmmmss]

I really wish all these "warriers" of words on these posts, the ones who call everyone who hates the war unpatriotic, stupid liberals, anti-soldier and other nonsense, would put their bodies where their mouths are and join up and go serve so that these poor kids who''ve had multiple tours because there just aren''t enough enlisted soldiers to keep this going otherwise can come on home and recover. Put up or shut up. If you''re past your prime, maybe you can convince your loved ones to go in your place.

[tbweb]

So, when a person enlists to be a soldier, does he think going to war is going to be a "walk in the park"? Granted, I don''''t think our soldiers are treated well... our government has never treated soldiers particularly well. But these guys knew that before enlisting and signed up anyway.

Posted by peach652 at 12:24 PM : May 29, 2008,,,

Its not about the military not treating people well, its about people not realizing the military will treat you different! The United States is a Democracy, the military is a dictatorship, many people are shocked to discover this simple fact, you follows orders or go to jail whether you agree with those orders or not, many people can''t handle that, they want to negotiate and debate, there is no negotiation or debate! lol

[gabbysmomrs]

Deploy soldiers 1,2,3,4,5 times (as my grandson has been), extend their tours, lessen their time at home (2007 was the only year my grandson spent a year at home between deployments. He left recently for a 15-month deployment, his 5th and longest.

No wonder some are committing suicide. Even though the Armed Forces use these people as part of the machinery of war...replaceable... I cannot understand why they seem surprised when soldiers commit suicide, desert, harm themself, have PTSD and more serious mental problems, and marriages fall apart. This makes me angry. And the fact that when the injured are brought home it takes them forever to be declared disabled and often are not given the care they really need.

[irliberal]

Well, if I was a soldier and I was lied to and forced to invade a country because of those lies, then I was forced to stay there for year after year after year, I''d be depressed. Not rocket science, folks.

[piercetheval]

Meanwhile Exxon stockholders are rejecting "Green Resolutions" it''s all about making the $$$s for corporate Amerika folks. Send us you''re tried your poor your downtrodden ''cause We Need Fresh Troops!

[Latrocinor]

"Ya, I''''d say we should stay in Iraq another 100 years"

John McCain

John - that translates to another 2,700 suicides (and who knows how many Americans killed in action).

Posted by SHURCH4TRUTH
.. ... ..
You are spreading a DNC engineered lie about John McCain so you deserve the same kind of governemnt.

Here'' s the truth:

"New York Times
April 27, 2008

D.N.C. Advertisement: McCain%u2019s %u2018100 Years%u2019 in Iraq

By Kate Phillips

Using footage from the town-hall-style meeting way back in January when a voter and Senator John McCain went back-and-forth about how long the United States would stay in Iraq, . . .
In the commercial, Mr. McCain%u2019s words speak for themselves, not misstated as they have been on the campaign trail as though he called for 100 years of war. In the initial exchange with the voter, Dave Tiffany, and in subsequent interviews, Mr. McCain made it clear he was not talking about extended combat, but about the fact that he would not mind maintaining a presence in Iraq to assist with stability. (He likened it to the continuing presence of troops in South Korea or Bosnia.)"
.. .. ..

So, you deserve the same you give, a mis-information spreading spin-jocky government.

Your government is a reflection of you and the other people.

[piercetheval]

bhoogren, you inbred, backwards, little neo-con sycophant...what''s the freakin difference! Military occupation is just another spin-phrase!
Bring The Troops Home Now!

[tbweb]

Well, if I was a soldier and I was lied to and forced to invade a country because of those lies, then I was forced to stay there for year after year after year, I''''d be depressed. Not rocket science, folks.

Posted by IRLiberal at 12:43 PM : May 29, 2008,,,

Many of America''s enemies know how our military functions and tries to exploit our processes, figuring incorrectly that this unit or that unit will rotate or will only be deployed 12 months or 6 months and enemies plan strategies around that! I agree that the military must do what it has to do to defeat that enemy logic and stay deployed as long as it takes, but I also think the U.S. should adjust so that the same personnel don''t unfairly absorb that additional burden. If you serve in the military and something unusual happens like war or extended duty, then like "tag" you''re it, thats how it works, some serve when no wars happen and they get lucky by serving and getting out, others who serve are unlucky and catch all the action, thats the way it works and I will admit that those who serve should at least understand that much.

[haoli25]

What''s a few dead soldiers, at least Jenna had a nice wedding.

[michellem99-2009]

I ''member when Nixon resigned. It was in Aug of 74. Some of ye were babies or not born yet. A little child in the 70s how was I to know they be used and die in a war that in bush mind only. Ye go in a govt building now.. THIS IS NOT THE AMERICA THE OLDER VETS LIKE MY FATHER SERVED AND VETS IN THEIR 50s OR OLDER KNOW WHAT I MEAN. I have to run my coat and the like thru an x ray mxchine,a lady paw thru my purse, put things in a bowl,walk thru a thing that trips as my cane and metal on my person I can''t remove.I and every body must wear clothes. A wane other my person. THIS is not freedom. If ye think it is yer a blind fool. That bas***** ye love and put in, look at the young..I pity them as they know no better. Not ONE PERSON RUNNING FOR THE OVAL OFFICE IS WORTH THE VOTE . We are not FREE today. Thank an old vet and listen to his/her day. Ye will be getting a lesson that priceless. I AM IN MY 50s.

[darnedsocks]

THESE SOLDIERS NEED A "CLEAR PURPOSE & OBJECTIVE." IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO KEEP GOING WHEN THESE THINGS ARE "FUZZY"

[starleo146]

Mc Bush if you win I will know for sure our country has gone mad

[Latrocinor]

bhoogren, you inbred, backwards, little neo-con sycophant...what''''s the freakin difference! Military occupation is just another spin-phrase!
Bring The Troops Home Now!

Posted by piercetheval
.. .. ..

That I do not drink the hate poisoned Kool-aid lies and misinformation of moveone.org, like you do, does not disqualify me from being a Democrat.

That you choose to use irrational lies and emotional vomiting of hate and rage and anger does not make you one.

It insures you get a government with people who WILL NOT put out effort to be engaged with you but will only accept your vote.

They will lie to your face, give you misinformation, manipulate relations with you in order to avoid your demented vomiting of hate and rage.

That makes you the loser.

[ponco seno]

Active-Duty Soldier Suicides Hit New High
Pentagon Reports 108 Soldiers Killed Themselves In 2007 Marking Third-Straight Increase



Republicans are saying "These were weak minded liberal soldiers"

[Latrocinor]

Republicans are saying "These were weak minded liberal soldiers"

Posted by RealityToday
.. .. ..
Liar. No one except you said that.

[liberalme]

Many of America''''s enemies know how our military functions and tries to exploit our processes, figuring incorrectly that this unit or that unit will rotate or will only be deployed 12 months or 6 months and enemies plan strategies around that! I agree that the military must do what it has to do to defeat that enemy logic and stay deployed as long as it takes, but I also think the U.S. should adjust so that the same personnel don''''t unfairly absorb that additional burden. If you serve in the military and something unusual happens like war or extended duty, then like "tag" you''''re it, thats how it works, some serve when no wars happen and they get lucky by serving and getting out, others who serve are unlucky and catch all the action, thats the way it works and I will admit that those who serve should at least understand that much.

Posted by tbweb at 12:53 PM : May 29, 2008

Iraq was never our enemy!

Sadam, Iraq had nothing to do with 911--the ONLY reason there are terrorists there now is because Bush USED our troops as bait to get then there.
4085 Troops killed 108 suicides (that we know of), Bush--you have the blood of 4193 plus troops on your hands, one day I hope you will see that blood and be unable to wash it off.

[rf35]

"Mr. McCain made it clear he was not talking about extended combat, but about the fact that he would not mind maintaining a presence in Iraq to assist with stability. (He likened it to the continuing presence of troops in South Korea or Bosnia.)"

Oh, bull *****! The continuing presence in S. Korea involved billions in infrastructure and a population that wants us there and helps foot the bill. Appropriate, since we provide them a tremendous economic boost. Iraqis would offer minimal support for permanent US bases. Since the level of hostility toward us is high in Iraq, service members stationed there would have little freedom to leave the base for recreation and would consider it among the world%u2019s worst assignments. Keep those suicide rates climbing, dipshitt!

[jerr11]

More good news for the Liar-in-Chief!

His legacy as a great leader is now secure!

935 Lies.

4085 Dead Americans.

$43 trillion squandered.

As Reverend Harry Powell Said, "A liar is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord."

G W Bush is an abomination in the eyes of the Lord!

G W Bush - Son of Satan.

Damned for all time!

[rf35]

Anyone ever wonder if the WMD that were destroyed are having effects on our military in Iraq?

Posted by seah5 at 01:09 PM : May 29, 2008

No, because they were all moved to Syria before the invasion.

[Latrocinor]

Mc Bush if you win I will know for sure our country has gone mad

Posted by starleo14672
.. ....

No one named Mc Bush is running so you have nothing to worry about.