Argumentative Essay On Veteran Suicide

Suicide is a growing epidemic among our service members and veterans, however, we really don’t know the full extent of this public health concern. The statistical information regarding veteran suicide isn’t sufficient nor does it accurately depict the severity of suicide among female veterans because not all veterans are accounted for, due to how the government defines the term “veteran” (Veterans Benefits, 2010; Department of Veterans Affairs, 2010). Therefore, social workers should be advocating law makers to change the definition of veteran to include all those who served and not just those who discharged under honorable conditions. If we included all prior service members into the veteran category, the daily average of 20 veterans committing

The military has addressed and implemented many safeguards for preventing suicide, through the use of the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program (AFSPP), which has been adopted by all of the military branches and the VA as their suicide prevention program. Martin, Ghahramanlou-Holloway, Lou, & Tucciarone (2009) states military and veteran personnel receive training utilizing the AFSPP which covers the basic information to address and identify suicidality, and screen those who are at risk for suicide (i.e. prior attempts, recent deployment, multiple deployments, marriage, divorce and recent loss of a loved one. However, the AFSPP does not address the identity crisis that women maybe experience due to their change in roles. Therefore, the military conduct cultural competency classes and create a more homogenous climate where women and men are able to feel their job is not bound to any sex (i.e. women in combat jobs and male nurses). The military should change their policies that detour service members from seeking

Now, I am not saying this is an entirely bad idea (danger to self, and or danger to others) but there is latent consequence of removing the service members’ weapon. The service member without her/his weapon is no longer combat effective and therefore, no longer a valued member of the team. Additionally, her/his peers know something is wrong with them, which could result in them being labeled as weak and or untrustworthy. This stigma attached to mental health and this machismo attitude (I am a man, I don’t need help) has caused service members to forgo getting help leaving them to suffer, and some can no longer take the suffering and instead choose to take their own life. All of this could be prevented by creating a climate that is equally interested in maintaining a healthy body as it is at maintaining a healthy