Veterans and Suicide: an in-Depth Analysis

1158 Words5 Pages
Suicide is a cowardly deed because it is an act of hiding from the truth and avoiding the consequences ahead; yet our esteemed war veterans cannot continue to exist after seeing and committing harsh actions. “Suicide is the tragic conclusion of the failure to address the spectrum of challenges returning veterans face.” (Schleifer) Veterans went to great lengths to protect our freedom and country even if it meant sacrificing their lives; however during the process they have suffered harsh tragedies. There are a number of issues that determine whether our veterans can retire in glory or wallow in their self-pity and despair. Veterans have to withstand various psychological issues from their horrific war experiences and understand what benefits and challenges are provided for them in an attempt to retire in peace. Depression is commonly known as a mental disorder: with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life. (Webster) Therefore it is considered as a risk factor as it affects their will to live. The usual case would be for veterans who have spent their entire lives serving in the military have a difficult time moving on. As a result they are at risk of depression since they would have a difficult time transitioning to a typical civilian lifestyle. The failure to adapt would lead to more stress and lead to further decline of health. Elders with health complications like diabetes and etc. are typically more prone to developing depression as a result. Therefore according to the VA’s National Registry for depression has recorded 11% of 65 year-old veterans have a major case of depression. ("One in Ten Older Vets is Depressed of Veterans Affairs") Causes of depression in the elderly may have resulted from death of family or spouse and etc. The risk of suicide gradually increases with age so the oldest veterans are at the most risk;
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