We all care about our family, friends and neighbors. The John E. Jacobs American Legion Post 68 of Leland, North Carolina (www.ncpost68.com) is asking you to pay attention to those around us that we care about. This time of year, those of us with depression, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other mental health issues may be having a hard time. Post 68 Vice Commander John Hacker is leading a program called, “Veterans Suicide Awareness Community Project." We are also recognizing an often overlooked portion of our population, female veterans. Often, female veterans are not recognized for their service. This needs to change. Many served side by side with their male counterparts and were exposed to the same trauma. Did you know 1 in every 6 active-duty members, 1 in every 4 reserve members and 1 in every 5 National Guard is a woman. Patty Kelly stated, “I want to add another stressor and would like to hear what other female veterans think. I don’t believe female veterans' military service is as valued in our society as men’s service. Many of us served much longer than some men, but it isn’t recognized by many. We all want to feel valued and appreciated.” Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then Press 1 OR Text 838255
An annual review of suicide among veterans found that rates increased in 2021 during COVID-19 lockdowns, with the largest jumps among young women with some military service, according to a report released Thursday from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Among young women, when compared to their civilian counterparts who never joined the military, female veterans between 18 to 34 years old were nearly three and a half times more likely to take their own lives in 2021, and among women of all ages who died by suicide in 2021. Overall, the rate of female veterans of any age dying by suicide jumped by 23.7% from 2020, versus a 3.5% jump among men. Web site: Be the One www.legion.org/betheone
The VA's annual suicide report for 2023 indicates the rate of suicide among women veterans of different age groups versus women with no military ties increased. Women veterans 18 to 34 spiked to over 3.5, meaning veteran women in that age group were 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than their civilian peers, a record high.
One report indicated a lot of the other issues might just be issues that women in the country face that are compounded for veterans, such as lack of childcare due to availability or cost, waning support systems and work-related struggles. They haven't had the best experience in the military and a lot of mothers have reached out, saying how they've been separated from their children or have been the primary caretaker as a woman in the military and then becoming a veteran and trying to find that same income. There's a lot of stressors.
It comes down to community support and understanding these issues that our female veterans are faced with today.
Step up and BE THE ONE to help. Now is the Time to CARE and be aware!
Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then Press 1 OR Text 838255
www.ncpost68.com
