PTSD
I want to talk about depression, PTSD, and suicide for a moment.
Did you know that veterans are at 57% higher risk of suicide than their peers of the same age groups who haven't served?
But this isn’t just for veterans. We can all get in really low spots in our life.
It’s a season. It’s a valley.
If you are having serious issues, please call 988 and select 1.
You can talk to a Crisis Line responder, anytime day or night.
Whether you’re a veteran or civilian.
But I know this is hard to do.
And I know most of you won’t.
So, I have to be a little mean here.
The fact is that when we had the drill instructor or a tough coach pushing you, you can go further than when it’s just yourself.
So, I’m going to be mean for a moment.
I have to say you cannot give up.
Do not lose this fight. Do not make your parents or family have to plan your funeral.
Do not make them feel guilty that they did not check on you. That they could not reach you.
You can hold on another day, and if you do, I promise the next day will be a little easier.
If you are in a fight that you worry you may lose, call someone. Call a friend or family member. I beg of you.
Or, you can Call 988 and select 1.
But whatever you do, DO. NOT. QUIT.
You’re in a valley.
And this world needs you.
Probably, your parents need you.
Seriously, who’s going to take care of your parents in thirty years? I’m serious. I just helped take care of my Mom. I’m helping take care of my Dad.
Who’s going to do it? Are you just going to let the system take care of them? How horrible is that?
You cannot quit.
There’s something you’re meant to do.
You just can’t see it because you’re in this immediate fog and pain.
You can’t see that end result.
There’s a mission for you to do.
Coach little league.
Help others with ptsd.
Run for office.
There’s some calling for you. You just haven’t found it.
But get involved.
Stop isolating yourself.
Visit a veterans group. The VFW.
Visit a church near you.
Visit some family that you’ve lost touch with. Or that friend you’ve grown apart from.
They’re probably dying to talk to you.
But if you’re struggling, I beg of you, call the Veterans Crisis Line responder, anytime day or night:
Call 988 and select 1.
Or you can start moving toward God.
Read the Bible if you never have. I think it will help. Read some of Psalms or Proverbs. Or start with The New Testament. With John.
I think you’ll find the Bible will start drawing you in.
And changing your life.
if you don’t have a Bible, download a Bible app on your phone. Or look it up online. There are dozens of sites with it.
Even simpler. I have a link in my episode notes that I think can help you. I write a faith-based blog about the Bible and God. And I have a link in my episode notes to a pretty powerful story about my dog, who was a stray we adopted from the shelter. The title of the article is: Be like Ozzie; go near your master.
But whatever you do, do not quit. Please.