Veteran's Day

As Veteran's Day approaches I become pensive. I have friends who strive to take their husbands on mini vacations this weekend... anything to keep them away from home and all the patriotic crap on TV. For many men this is a hard day to look in the eye. Bad memories. Worse dreams. We may put this day aside to honor the dead, but it often only opens the wounds of the living.

Consider:

• Almost 1 in 3 veterans returning from Afghanistan and Iraq confront mental health problems.
• In 2006, the suicide rate in the Army reached its highest level in 26 years.
• Approximately 30% of veterans treated in the Veterans health system suffer from depressive symptoms, two to three times the rate of the general population.
• More Vietnam veterans have now died from suicide than were killed directly during the war in the 1960s and 70s.
• Approximately 40% of homeless veterans have mental illnesses. Approximately 57% of this group are African American or Hispanic veterans.

Perhaps along with honoring those slain in war, we should consider taking better care of those who survive it. If you know a veteran who is suffering, please visit the NAMI Veteran's Resource Center for up to date information, online discussion groups and links to agencies and organizations that can help. Or make a donation and add your vet's name to the NAMI Veteran's Tribute Honor Roll. It's time we supported our troops in a way that leads to healing and a return to a full and productive life.