Estimated duration: 2-3 minutes
WOODS CROSS — 17 veterans commit suicide every day, and we have resources to help. Created by a Utah veteran for those struggling with mental health.
Sergeant Josh Hansen retired from the Army. He was injured while on duty in Iraq and returned home in March 2007 with a traumatic brain injury.
After returning home, he had a hard time.
“I was on a really dark road with my mental health and never got out, was isolated and had very dark thoughts about suicide,” he said.
At the same time, my older brother in uniform was also having a hard time.
The friend committed suicide in 2010 — a tragic loss that inspired the Foundation’s brainchild.
“It was my wake-up call. I needed to fight to stay alive, and I needed to help other veterans who took care of each other during the war. We needed that at home.” said Hansen.
In 2014, Hansen founded Continue Mission, a nonprofit that helps veterans join together for anything they can do outside, like biking, hiking, and pickleball.
“What helped me was that I started organizing by going outside and exercising,” he said.
According to Veterans Affairs, veterans are most at risk of suicide during the first three months after leaving the military.
“There are several explanations for it. One is the feeling of belonging and isolation after leaving the military, and the struggles veterans have with their identity,” says Joe Salt Lake Veterans Administration psychologist. Merrill said.
Merrill added that if you know a struggling veteran, use the acronym SAVE.
S — Need to recognize signs of suicidal ideation
A — Ask the most important question of all — “Are you suicidal?”
V — validate veteran experience
E — Encourage treatment and seek help quickly
“This helps us respond in a very kind and considerate way,” she said.
According to Stop Soldier Suicide, veterans are 57% more at risk of suicide than non-serviced people, a figure that underscores the critical need for resources like Continue Mission.
“Many veterans tell us that our organization and the people they met in it are still here today,” Hansen said. I thought if I could get my life back, we would be doing well.”
If you’re struggling, there are resources out there. VA is veteran crisis linewith live chat option.
Hansen encourages veterans and their families to participate in the Continue Mission. For more information, continue mission website.
