For the past several years, a big talking point throughout the nation has been the suicide rate among veterans. A part of the problem is the inability for veterans to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder better known as PTSD. We recently spoke with Todd Brehmer, the Manitowoc County Veteran Service Officer.
PTSD is not only difficult on the person suffering, but also for the family and friends surrounding that person. They often feel like they can’t help, or the veteran doesn’t want to talk about it. A big thing to remember is to keep showing love toward the person. Just like depression, it is very hard for someone who hasn’t suffered from PTSD to completely understand how it feels. If there are any veterans out there who are having a hard time, Brehmer wishes to stress one major thing.
He went on to stress that there is nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone reacts to stressful situations differently, and having thoughts of suicide does not make you weak. As a matter of fact, seeking help may be the toughest thing to do, but it will make you that much stronger. This topic is very near and dear to Brehmer’s heart.
If you see someone, veteran or not, acting strangely, or talking about suicide, don’t be afraid to ask them if they are thinking about doing it. If they are already talking about it, you will not put the thought in their head. All you will do is help them through their troubles by making them face it. As far as the number of veteran suicides a year, Manitowoc County sees between 5-10 a year, but nationally,
The County Veteran Service Office doesn’t offer anything in house as far as therapy goes, but Brehmer explains the options you do have.
Most people believe that in order to have PTSD, the vet must have seen combat. That’s not always the case. There are a rising number of PTSD cases where the vet was a victim of military sexual trauma, or assault, in both men and women.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, visit the County Veteran Service Office at 1701 Michigan Ave, Manitowoc, or if you are in immediate need of help call 911. Help bring the suicide rate down to zero.
