DOD offers worst advice to prevent military suicides

Is going to the gym a good idea when you have PTSD? Sure it is because when you take care of all of you, body, mind and soul, you heal. The problem comes when the DOD offers advice to go to the gym and get away from the platoon. That is the very reason why the National Guards and Reservists have a harder time when they come back. The lack of support from others is their biggest problem. They need to be with others who understand and they can trust. The other bad advice is to tell them to "keep busy" but this only gets them to avoid the issue itself. Being busy helps to heal but staying too busy to address healing makes it worse.

When it comes to families, too often they have no clue what is going on with the soldier. We also have to face the fact there are many without a close family tie. The men and women they serve with are their family so telling them to get away from them is the worst thing to say but it must sound good in their own minds.

News: Importance of suicide prevention

1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division
Story by Spc. Bailey Jester Follow This Journalist
COS KALSU, Iraq – The number of suicides in the military for the month of August was lower than it was last year.

According to stripes.com, since the start of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, more than approximately 1,100 soldiers have taken their own lives.

“Be aware of each other and take care of each other,” advises Ansted, W.Va., native, Capt. Mary Markivich, attached to the 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division as the officer in charge of the Combat Stress Clinic. “Pay attention to their mood, socializing and sleeping habits.”

Markivich says there have been confirmed suicides in the month of August, but overall this year has been lower than past years.

Make time for socializing and make sure to stay connected to loved ones a couple ways to keep busy and spirits up, suggested Markivich.

“We encourage our Soldiers to take personal time,” explained Sgt. 1st Class Wesley Ramon, the first sergeant of Company D, 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division.

“Take time away from the platoon and read a book, contact family or go to the gym.”
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