Transcription
7/14/2014
C-Span
I watched a great panel discussion on C-SPAN that was titled: Veterans' Mental Health Care and Suicide.
What I really want to say is thank you to everyone on the panel before the House Veterans Affairs Committee that represented all veterans and families that have struggled withe the lonely battle of post combat PTS.
U.S. Army (ret.) Iraq:
Sgt. Josh Renschler
Mother of Brian Portwine
Ms. Peggy Portwine
Parents of Marine Clay Hunt:
Mr. Richard Selke
Ms. Susan Selke
Parents of U.S.A.N.G. Daniel Somers
Dr. Howard Somers
Ms. Jean Somers
If you have an interest in this topic, you can probably see their testimonies online at C-SPAN. Their children were healthy, had served honorably, and did not make excuses. Except the sergeant committed suicide. Their stories are moving and revealing.
One thing I did not hear them say that I can add from my own experience is that at some core part of the veteran's thinking was/is a desire to protect those you love. When you lose independence, you see you're a burden on your family. Or you're losing self-control and fear you could hurt someone in your own family. Then suicide becomes a reasonable solution to protect those you love most.
Their recommendation to use a "team" approach in treatment is a great way to help veterans find healing. It is most similar to all we do in our military life and would be the most comfortable method to transition into a healing environment.
The other good point they made was the veteran finding a sense of purpose and worth upon returning home or becoming a civilian.
You all did an honorable and courageous thing to speak so clearly and relive your own pain for all of us.
Thank you again.
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Replies (1)
This letter makes me want to go watch it. I'll have to go look it up when I get some spare time. And what an interesting perspective, I never considered the psychological impact of PTSD in not being able to control your own feelings/ emotions which could lead to suicide. I've read about it in regards to other mental illness like schizophrenia, but not in PTSD... interesting. In answer to your question you asked in the letter you last sent me, about the letters getting posted, here are the dates at the top of the most recent letters (not the dates they were added to the site). 7/14, 5/23, 3/21, and 2/8. And in regard to your Facebook page and efforts towards your pardon, there's no information above what I sent you that I'm privy to. M + J might have information that I don't but the FB page has been slow. That said, you have 83 followers! I sent you a letter recently noting that we moved. As it turns out it's a temporary move which I'll elaborate on the next time I get the chance. Mail is being forwarded until we move back, which we hope will happen around Christmas. Also, C.M. wants to come visit you. Does he have to wait until he's 18? Not likely he or I will make it out before his birthday early next year but it's worth knowing ahead of time. He'll send you the information you need to add him to the visitor list. Take care.