Suicide's silent victims speak out

Suicide's silent victims speak out
September 19, 2011

By Patricia Deal,
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center Public Affairs

FORT HOOD, Texas, Sept. 19, 2011 -- It just wasn't something you talked about -- ever."

"To this day, my daughter won't talk about her brother."

"I thought I was OK all these years, but just out of the blue it hit me and I couldn't stop crying."

These are cries of pain and anguish from members of the Army family personally affected by the trauma of suicide.

Some lost a parent, a sibling, a child, a co-worker, a friend. Some are survivors from their own attempts.

They are Soldiers, civilians, spouses. They come from all areas and some even work in the behavioral health field. No profession or rank is exempt from the dark reaches of suicide.

All agreed to tell their stories in hopes their experiences can help other "silent victims," those impacted by the trauma of suicide, and help themselves heal a bit in the process.

Nancy Gist's experience has made her an advocate of sorts for speaking out against the stigma associated with suicide.

Her youngest brother shot himself in the head exactly one month after his 19th birthday.
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