Noteboom The Law Firm

Suicide Is a Bigger Threat To Soldiers Than Previously Believed

Veterans returning from deployment face multiple stressors, including the uncertainty of readjusting to life in the civilian world.

Those thoughts coupled with the pressure of daily combat and for some, developing mental illnesses, becomes too much for some soldiers to handle. They eventually see suicide as the only way to end their torment. This is one of the biggest threats to soldiers and veterans today.

There has been a longstanding policy against the President sending sympathy letters to families of soldiers who take their own lives within a combat zone while on deployment. President Obama is not going to abide by that policy.

According to the Army, 301 soldiers took their own lives last year. Those soldiers were active-duty personnel, Reservists, and members of the National Guard. That is 59 more than the year prior. These numbers, however, do not include veterans who commit suicides.

In Florida alone, 7 National Guard soldiers have committed suicide since 2006; the numbers are rising. More soldiers are dying from suicide and high-risk behavior than die in combat. This is mainly because asking for help is looked upon as weakness and has become a stigma. Without changing that culture, progress fighting military suicide will be limited.

President Obama commended the brave service of soldiers who have committed suicide while deployed and stressed they did not "die because they were weak." He highlighted the fact they were not given the help they needed, and called for change.

If you are a disabled veteran who has been denied disability compensation or have not yet applied for benefits from the VA, a South Florida disability attorney from LaVan & Neidenberg is ready to help. To learn if you are entitled to certain programs and benefits contact our veterans disability rights firm today - 1-888-234-5758.