“I Don’t Ever Remember Wanting to Hurt Myself” – One Veteran’s Story

“I Don’t Ever Remember Wanting to Hurt Myself” – One Veteran’s Story
Filed under DOD NEWS, SUICIDE PREVENTION
Written on SEPTEMBER 13, 2011 AT 8:30 AM by JTOZER
Posted by Corina Notyce, DCoE Strategic Communications
From www.DcoE.health.mil

The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) is sharing personal accountsfrom members of the military community who have intervened and successfully prevented a suicide, assisted someone in need, or took steps to seek help themselves when they experienced suicidal thoughts. We hope these personal stories offer hope and encouragement and remind others that help is out there. If you are currently having thoughts of suicide or know someone that is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) for immediate help, military community members choose 1.

The following story is shared by Army veteran Micheal K. Strong. In May, he participated in the 2011 Warrior Games on the U.S. Paralympic Team.

My name is Micheal K. Strong, and I survived.

I don’t ever remember wanting to hurt myself. Although, looking back on everything, it was kind of hard to ignore the warning signs. I was even trained as the company suicide prevention NCO. I was always the soldier that had the “Suck it up, and drive on” mentality. That doesn’t always work or fit everyone.

I was becoming more reclusive and withdrawn. I had sought help through the chaplain, and I was feeling better. I remember feeling hopeless and not seeing anything in my future. On July 15, 2009 I shot myself through the face. I don’t remember doing it, but I can remember every detail when I came to from being knocked out, until they put me to sleep in the Emergency Room.
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