News – Sheridan Media
The VA Healthcare System in Sheridan is reminding residents to reach out and check on veterans this time of year.
According to Veteran Outreach Inc., older veterans can sometimes become isolated from their family due to the inability to get around effectively. Older veterans may be unable to leave the VA hospital, long-term care facility, or be house-bound, which can lead to severe depression.
Veterans aged 55-74 have a higher rate of suicide compared to civilians of that same age group, also veterans aged 55 and older, still represent the largest number of suicides among the veteran population.
Younger veterans also face many different challenges during the holidays. They might still be trying to adjust to civilian life and the holidays can add to that stress. Large crowds and lots of noise can also cause many to experience Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD) symptoms. Younger veterans might also have vivid memories of a specific date during the holidays during a past deployment, or be separated from their families.
While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, VA Healthcare System’s Suicide Prevention Team Community Engagement Coordinator Kayla Stevens told listeners depression and stress can also be linked to the changing season.
K. Stevens
According to Stevens, sometimes simply checking on and listening to a veteran who may be experiencing emotional difficulty can be the answer to helping them.
Should a listening ear and a should not be enough, veterans and anyone experiencing difficulty this time of year can call the number, 988 and press 1.
If you are concerned about a veteran, reach out to them or contact the Crisis Line. The phone number is the same for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988 or 1-800-273-8255, however by pressing “1” at the prompt the caller is connected to the Veterans Crisis Line.
Additional ways to connect to the Veterans Crisis Line are by texting 838255, or via chat at www.veteranscrisisline.net.
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Last modified: December 5, 2022