"My sons died fighting different battles. Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and traumatic brain injury are all just as deadly as heart disease, cancer, or diabetes if left untreated. The military has trained medical professionals who can diagnose and treat these illnesses with the hope of complete recovery. It truly is a sign of strength, not weakness, to let someone know you, or someone you love, is not ok. It takes courage to reach out for help."
After the broadcast, General Graham addresses soldiers directly. This message is far more valuable than the broadcast!
News: Retired Army general, wife share story of loss
September 11, 2013
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Mark Graham, a mental health advocate, visits Soldiers with the Third U.S. Army/U.S. Army Forces Central Command to share his story during the annual suicide prevention training, at Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., September 11, 2013. Graham spoke about the loss of both of his sons, one son to a roadside bomb in Iraq and the other to suicide.
"I knew our son was sad; I just didn't know he could die from being too sad."
NATIONAL CRISIS LINE 1-800-273-8255
Combating the stigma of suicide: An Army story (read more)
The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, warned recently that the number of military suicides will likely increase as large numbers of troops return home after multiple deployments. Mullen’s warning comes on the heels of a Pentagon task force report that found the military’s suicide prevention efforts, even after they’ve been beefed up, are still inadequate. We speak to Army Major General Mark Graham, a leading figure in that prevention effort. Gen. Graham lost both of his soldier sons, one in combat and the other, a promising ROTC cadet, to suicide in 2003.
General Speaks Out on Military Suicides After Losing His Soldier Son
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Crisis Intervention and Other Resources
RESOURCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY TO ASSIST UNIFORMED PERSONNEL:
For information about Suicide Prevention Month or to request a suicide prevention presentation, or to seek assistance for someone contemplating suicide, call the Employee Assistance Program at 842-0895 or 843-9897.
Fox Army Health Center's Behavioral Medicine: 955-88, ext 1930
Chaplain Services: 842-2174, 842-2176, or 541-6359
Huntsville/Madison County Mental Health Services: 533-1970
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255
Hope: 1-800-874-2433
VA Readjustment Counseling Services: 1-800-271-1000
ACE: Ask ~ Care ~ Escort
CLICK HERE to learn more about the Warning Signs.
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