(Hilary Valdez)
Debriefing Marines after Operation Iraqi Freedom II was an intense therapeutic process. Marines were expected to transition from bullets to Power Point, from combatants to gentlemen. After intense firefights, the loss of comrades and life-threatening situations, memories are impossible to forget. The memories are burned into the brain and keeps replaying in nightmares, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Although the firefights concluded, for many veterans an invisible war had just started. The mind is split between scenes of combat and adjusting to a new normal of everyday life and shopping at Wal-Mart. Enter Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs 2024, and National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, in 2022, there were a total of 6,407 suicides among U.S. veterans. Today an average of 18 veteran suicides per day are occurring, according to Military.com. PTSD can lead to feelings of hopelessness, emotional numbness, guilt, or shame. Some veterans withdraw from relationships or lose interest in activities they previously enjoyed. For some, being in a constant state of alertness can lead to irritability, difficulty sleeping, feeling easily startled, or being hyper vigilant. Even being in a crowded shopping center can be stressful.
Whereas an Adjustment disorder is a mental disorder defined by a maladaptive response to a psychosocial stressor. When triaging Marines for treatment, some diagnosticians may choose this diagnosis, which involves similar treatment but different long-term medical benefits.
PTSD is not a weakness. Police officers, firefighters, first responders, ambulance personnel, 911 dispatchers, hospital trauma staff and high stress occupations can experience PTSD. The disorder is a human response to a long-term exposure to a traumatic event. The symptoms including flashbacks, anxiety and nightmares, are not signs of failure— they are signs of an overloaded, overwhelmed mind. Veterans may have difficulty concentrating, managing stress or working in settings that trigger memories of combat. Without support, these issues can lead to unemployment, financial instability or even homelessness. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, however, for those affected, it can change the way they think, feel and interact with the world.
Through it all, your coping skills are tested to the limit. Your psychological armor has to be strong enough to cope with suicide ideation and actual suicide attempts. At its core, suicide is seldom about a single event. It is often the result of a complex mix of reasons: mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, illness, alcohol and drug abuse, financial hardship, relationship failures, a sense of hopelessness, a disconnection from others, lack of a reason-for-being, unable to navigate life’s challenges, death of friends and loved ones. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) can help anyone reframe traumatic memories and reduce their emotional impact. Remember: H.O.P.E., or Hold On Pain Ends.
Today, suicide is a major public health issue, affecting every age, gender, culture and social background. Suicide remains surrounded by stigma, silence and misunderstanding. Breaking that silence is the first step toward prevention. Understanding that suicidal thoughts are symptoms of deep distress, not personal weakness, is essential in responding with compassion instead of judgment. Being open and honest with one’s feelings and a willingness to seek assistance is the first stage toward awareness and spotting warning signs. Common behaviors of suicidal ideation include withdrawing from friends and family, mood shifts, talking about dying, giving away possessions, careless behavior, or talking about being trapped. Honesty comes in when asking someone directly if they are thinking about suicide: it can lead to a life-saving conversation.
The National Institutes of Health suggests the most effective approaches to suicide prevention involves the following action steps.
Ask: If you suspect someone may be struggling, directly ask if they are having suicidal thoughts. This question can be difficult but may help the person feel seen and understood.
Be There: Listen without judgment and show concern. Emotional support, whether by being physically present or connecting through calls or texts, helps reduce feelings of isolation and increases a person’s sense of belonging, which is a protective factor against suicide.
Help Keep Them Safe: Reduce access to lethal means, such as firearms, medications, or dangerous locations, particularly during high-risk moments. Ask about specific plans and take steps to keep the individual safe. Limiting access to a chance for self-harm has been shown to decrease suicide rates.
When under stress call crisis intervention services, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline in the United States. These services offer free, confidential support 24/7 through phone, text, or online chat. If you’re overseas, Military OneSource services are available for servicemembers and their families 24 hours a day, 365 days a year; dial 800-342-9647. DOD Civilians can also contact the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), 24/7 at 866-580-9046 (TTY 711). Another resource is your local Military Family Life Consultant. Family therapy and peer support groups is useful for long-term recovery and prevention. Prevention is not the sole responsibility of mental health professionals; it’s a shared responsibility including families, friends, and co-workers.
Seeking help is not a sign of weakness—it’s an act of strength so the mind can find peace again. The goal is not to remove the past, but to carry your memories so they no longer interrupt or prevent you from enjoying the present.
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Hilary Valdez is a freelancer living in Tokyo, Japan. He is an experienced Mental Health professional and Resiliency Trainer. Valdez is a former Marine and has worked with the military most of his career and most recently worked at Camp Zama as a Master Resiliency Trainer. Valdez now has a private practice and publishes books on social and psychological issues. His books are available on Amazon and for Kindle. Learn more about Valdez and contact him at his website or email. Follow his YouTube channel Hilary’s Quick Talk for more insights.
