President Donald Trump signed a bill into law 17 OCT that contains dozens of methods to prevent suicide among veterans, including measures to boost mental health research and staffing at the Department of Veterans Affairs and establish a multimillion-dollar grant program for state and local groups. Sens. Jerry Moran (R-KS) and Jon Tester (D-MT), leaders of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said the bipartisan bill had the potential to reform mental health care at the VA and improve veterans’ access to lifesaving mental health services. “This new law combines the best ideas from veterans, veteran’s service organizations, the VA, and mental health care advocates to deliver innovative solutions that’ll help heal invisible wounds of war through increased access to care, alternate therapies and local treatment options,” Tester said in a statement. Most notably, the bill will offer up to $174 million during the next five years to state and local groups that provide suicide-prevention services to veterans and their families. Lawmakers believe the program will create better collaboration between the organizations and the VA. They think the partnership will result in earlier identification of veterans who are at risk of suicide, giving mental health providers more time to intervene. The bill is called the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (S.785), named for a retired Navy commander who died by suicide in 2018 at age 46. The legislation comes at a particularly dire time, as experts speculate the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is worsening mental health problems across the country. Last week, Gen. James C. McConville, the Army’s chief of staff, said the pandemic was taking a toll on the mental health of soldiers and could be a factor in this year’s increase in suicides in the service. Suicide among veterans is disproportionately higher than the rest of the U.S. population, with an estimated 20 veterans dying by suicide each day, according to VA data. “Many of our veterans are suffering from daunting, sometimes overwhelming mental health challenges, that have only been made worse by this pandemic,” Moran said in a statement. They lack “access to modern, effective and compassionate mental health care and suicide prevention services.” Moran said the new law would improve suicide prevention research, services and programs. “This is a significant day for veterans,” he said. The new law requires the VA to establish a plan for boosting its mental health staff and creates a scholarship program to increase staff at Vet Centers. It mandates the VA to research hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a possible treatment for mental illness, as well as the possibility that living at high altitudes increases suicide risk. The law also orders the Government Accountability Office and the VA Office of Inspector General to initiate investigations into a host of issues, including one on the VA mental health workforce and others on VA Vet Centers and the effectiveness of the agency’s suicide-prevention outreach. After months of negotiations, the legislation passed through Congress with the support of Democrats and Republicans. During negotiations, a measure was omitted that would have addressed firearm safety as a method of suicide prevention. The provision would’ve directed the VA to train health care workers to talk with suicidal patients about the dangers of having easy access to guns and how to safely store them. According to the latest VA data, firearms are used in nearly 70 percent of veteran suicides. -o-o-O-o-o- In addition to the Commander John Scott Hannon Act, Trump on Saturday signed into law the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 (S.2661). The new law designates 9-8-8 as the universal phone number for mental health emergencies. Multiple suicide prevention hotlines will be united under the 9-8-8 number within the next two years. Until then, veterans can still reach the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, and then press 1, or via text at 838255. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), a Marine Corps veteran, was one of the lawmakers to lead the legislation through Congress. “It is a national step forward out of the shadows of stigma that prevent too many people from getting help and into a new era when mental health care is easy to get and normal to talk about,” Moulton said in a statement. “This is a win for every American who has been affected by mental illness.”

This time of year we see lots of ads for red roses and romantic dinners. While those are certainly important components of romance, lasting love involves two people taking care of each other. In some marriages, that may include being alert for signs of PTSD in your spouse.

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to know when your partner is struggling. In our daily interactions as couples, we sometimes misunderstand each other, tensions arise and we fight. Then, we withdraw from each other. This is a normal interaction between spouses, right? Not always. Perhaps the tension you feel is because your partner is feeling the effects of PTSD.

It is not always easy to figure out if someone has PTSD, but there are some signs that can clue you in. In some cases it can be very obvious. For instance, if your service member returns from a deployment and is still having difficulty falling asleep, wakes up in a cold sweat and punches at an imaginary foe, months after he or she returns, PTSD  may be the culprit.

In other cases, the signs might not be as obvious. Your partner could gradually withdraw from activities and people he otherwise enjoyed. You might notice him having nightmares and difficulty falling asleep. He might feel emotionally numb and could appear anxious, worried, angry or moody. When the symptoms are milder it can be difficult to tell the difference between everyday stress and PTSD.

Here’s the main difference: everyday stress doesn’t last long. Your partner may feel out of sorts, anxious and have trouble sleeping because of stress in his or her life, problems at work, or in a relationship. The stress is temporary. The stress resolves and doesn’t affect everyday life in a significant way. It also may not follow a particularly traumatic event. This is not the case with PTSD. PTSD symptoms continue for longer than the average stress episode.

Signs to Watch

In most cases, PTSD sets in after a traumatic event has taken place, such as the violent death of a friend or family member, combat experience, or a natural disaster. It also lasts. It doesn’t just go away, and it affects their everyday life. You may notice your partner has recurring nightmares or thoughts about a traumatic event. You may see trouble sleeping and eating, or have a marked increase in anxiety and fear.

Your partner may be on edge, easily startled and overly alert. At other times he could appear depressed, with a low energy level, memory loss and a lack of focus. He may have difficulty making decisions, and avoid people, places or activities that would normally make your spouse happy. You may suddenly feel like you are walking on egg shells, afraid you might "set him off." You begin to worry that your partner is no longer himself. He may be suffering from PTSD, and it is not his fault, nor is it your fault, but he does need help.

Here is a list of symptoms to look for in your spouse or partner which may indicate they have PTSD:

Intrusive memories
Flashbacks
Re-occurring nightmares
Intense distress or irritability
Physical reactions such as rapid breathing, sweating, or nausea, when remembering or being reminded of the trauma
Avoidance
Feeling emotionally detached from others
Emotional numbness
Experiencing hopelessness about the future
Inability to remember important aspects of the traumatic event
Arousal or anxiety symptoms
Bouts of moodiness or anger
Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
A sense of being "on alert" or "on guard" – Hypervigilance
Developing a destructive addiction
Suicidal thoughts

If you suspect that a loved one has PTSD, it’s important to seek help right away. The sooner PTSD is treated, the easier it is to overcome. PTSD can interfere with your partner’s entire life, health, relationships and work. You can take a free anonymous screening on behalf of your partner online.

If your partner is reluctant to seek treatment, you can find support for yourself in how to help your partner too.

In this month where relationships are the focus, take an inventory of your relationship. Is your spouse experiencing any of the above symptoms? If so, contact a mental health provider in your area for an assessment, diagnosis and plan. If your spouse is actively suicidal, get help right away. And remember, you are not alone. Help is out there for you and your spouse so that you can have a happier and healthier relationship.

If you feel you or your partner are currently suffering from PTSD, contact a mental health professional or, if you need someone to talk to, call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, and press 1.

There are more than 19 million adults in the United States living with depression and many more people could be suffering but are unaware that what they are feeling is depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. This common and treatable illness affects people from all walks of life and can significantly interfere with a person’s behavior, physical health and interaction with others.

The more you know about depression, the more likely you are to be able to help yourself or help others. While great strides have been made in recent years to educate the public about depression and reduce stigma surrounding mental illness, many myths still remain about the condition.

Myth – Depression is a character flaw. Depression is not a personal weakness and it should be viewed as any other medical condition. People who are depressed are often unable to function as they had in the past and struggle to accomplish everyday tasks. This is not because they are lazy or being dramatic, it is because depression is a serious health issue that should be recognized and treated as early as possible.

Myth – Only certain types of people have depression. Depression affects all ages, races and genders. Even people who seem to have everything including a good job and healthy relationships can have depression. While statistics show that some groups, like older adults, are more likely to suffer from depression, anyone can struggle with the illness. It can run in families, but anyone, even those without a family history, can be depressed.

Myth – Depression causes people to be violent. People who are depressed are no more likely to be violent or commit crimes than members of the general population. Although some people with depression do experience feelings of anger and sometimes have outbursts, the vast majority of people who have depression never harm anyone.

Myth – Depression is not a big deal. If left untreated, depression can lead to extreme changes in your mood, thoughts, behaviors and bodily functions, and for some people suicidal thoughts. Almost everyone who dies by suicide has given some clue or warning. Do not ignore suicide threats. Statements like “You’ll be sorry when I’m dead,” or “I can’t see any way out” – no matter how casually or jokingly said – may indicate serious suicidal feelings.

Myth – Depression will go away on its own. Positive thinking is not enough to cure depression. Some people who have mild depression can make lifestyle changes which can help alleviate symptoms of depression, but many others need to seek treatment to get better. A mental health professional can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behaviors, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A clinician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is beneficial. Early detection is extremely important because 80 percent of people who receive some form of treatment for depression can learn to manage the condition and live a fulfilling life.

Fact – Help is available. If you think you or someone you know might be struggling with depression, you are encouraged to visit http://afterdeployment.dcoe.mil/ and take an online mental health screening. Online screenings are free, anonymous and available 24/7.

Although the screenings are not diagnostic, they do provide valuable insight helping to identify if you are exhibiting symptoms associated with depression and connecting you with appropriate treatment resources.

NOTE: If you or someone you know is in immediate danger because of thoughts of suicide, call 911 immediately. If there is no immediate danger but rather a need to talk to someone, call the national suicide prevention line at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255)

For about 50 percent of veterans who take their own lives, the time between initial consideration of suicide
and actual attempt is less than 10 minutes, says Matt Wetenkamp, a former Marine Corps sniper and scout
who now serves as veteran suicide prevention coordinator for the Colorado Department of Public Health
and Environment. “We know that most available methods are rarely fatal,” Wetenkamp told members of
The American Legion’s Traumatic Brain Injury, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Suicide Prevention
Committee in a virtual meeting 3 MAR as part of the organization’s annual Washington Conference. “But
one particular method is almost always fatal.” Firearms, he said, cause more fatal suicides than all other
methods of attempt combined.
Wetenkamp and retired U.S. Navy SEAL Jimmy Graham, founder of the Able Shepherd training
program – both gun owners – shared with the committee steps that can be taken by veterans and family
members to help reduce lethal suicide by firearms and possibly even prevent government attempts to
restrict second-amendment rights for some veterans. “We, as gun owners, can help prevent suicide,”
Graham explained in a video presented to the committee. “Protecting your loved ones involves more than
keeping them safe from accident or attack. Suicide is a serious issue.” Graham said that if friends and
family members can be on the lookout for signs of suicidality, directly ask the person in question about it,
and take steps to secure firearms during high-risk moments, “we can save lives.” Among the
recommendations:
 Spend quality, one-on-one time with loved ones and watch for signs of possible suicidality.
Signs include talk of wanting to kill oneself, increased use of drugs or alcohol, reckless
behavior, self-isolation and extreme mood swings. Graham said suicide risk also rises after a
sudden painful personal, financial or job crisis. “They may talk about feeling hopeless or being a
burden to others,” Graham said. “Take these warning signs seriously, and take action.”
 Temporary out-of-home firearm storage may save friends or family members who are
struggling, Graham said. Gun shops, shooting ranges and law-enforcement facilities may offer
such storage, he added. Firearms can also be loaned to relatives who are legally authorized to
possess firearms.
 Safe, secure home storage of firearms – such as combination-lock safes – can improve safety by
making access to guns more difficult and time-consuming to reach in times of crisis, which often
can be fleeting, Graham said. “Any strategy that builds time between someone in a suicidal crisis
and a firearm will keep everyone safer.”
 Asking directly if someone is suicidal, regardless how uncomfortable that may be, can also
reduce the risk. Contrary to popular belief, Graham said, the direct approach can improve the
situation rather than exacerbate it.
 “Reducing suicide within each of our homes is a job for each of us, as responsible gun owners,”
Graham explained in the video. “Together, we can protect our families, our friends and our
freedom.”
Committee Chairman Ronald F. Conley, a past national commander of The American Legion, made
the point that “The American Legion is a strong supporter of the second amendment. We are not here
trying to take anyone’s guns away. What we’re trying to do is resolve a problem that is a crisis in this
country, of veterans taking their own lives through suicide.” Conley asked Wetenkamp about some state
laws or restrictions that seek to limit or deny gun purchase or ownership to veterans diagnosed with PTSD
or other conditions.
“As an employee of the State of Colorado, I support all of the laws that are on the books,” he said. “As
a lifelong gun owner and veteran and supporter of the second amendment, I view everything I’ve said here
today almost as a plea to you – to the firearm community, to the veteran community at large – take this
seriously and do what we can to take care of it on our own – if you don’t like people ending up on lists, if
you don’t like red-flag laws … if you don’t like the idea of a parent going to jail because someone accessed
their gun. If you don’t like all those ideas, then let’s take care of this on our own as a community. We can
take care of each other.”
Wetenkamp said the veteran-to-veteran approach is analogous to standard social practices to reduce
drunk driving. “We, as a community – whether community means the veteran community (or) the firearm-owning community
need to figure out what our ‘friends don’t let friends drive drunk’ is for guns and
suicide. We all have a duty, a role and a voice that we can share. We can be the voice of reason in this
conversation … and it does make a difference. It’s our duty, I believe. “You hear many – whether it’s
within the veteran community, firearm community or law enforcement – the sheepdog analogy, the idea
that there are the wolves, there are sheep and there are those who think of themselves as the protectors, as
the sheepdogs. Well, that applies to suicide prevention and taking care of our loved ones in our circles, as
well.”
The problem, Wetenkamp explained, is not improving during the COVID-19 pandemic. Suicide
remains a top 10 cause of death in the United States, with more than five Americans an hour reportedly
taking their own lives. Veterans, he added, are especially vulnerable due to their access and understanding
of firearms. “This is a unique group. Obviously, veterans have a high degree of familiarity with firearms,
much more so than the average non-veteran. At least 50 percent of veterans report owning at least one gun.
At least a third report keeping one unlocked and loaded at all times. And we know from the numbers that
veterans are more likely than non-veterans to use a firearm in an attempt. And I say this without any
negative connotations whatsoever. It’s just the facts on the ground.”
However, Wetenkamp made it clear that there is no correlation between gun ownership and suicide.
“Firearm owners are not more suicidal. There (are) no higher rates of suicidal thoughts, behaviors, mental
health problems… it’s just that when that person finds themself in a suicidal crisis, their attempts are more
fatal.” Shooting, he said, is “the most lethal and the most common method used in suicide attempts. Ninety
percent of attempts with guns are fatal. Five percent of attempts with all other methods are fatal. More
people die every year by suicide with a firearm than all other methods combined … A lot of lives can be
saved by temporarily keeping that one method just further than an arm’s reach away, for a few days.”36
The TBI, PTSD and Suicide Prevention Committee also received a presentation from Kelley Tubbs,
Washington D.C. VA Medical Center transition care and transition program manager, who explained how
the COVID-19 pandemic and virtual treatment were affecting at-risk veterans with PTSD. He said the
paradigm has accelerated use of video treatment but added, “You really can’t do acupuncture virtually.
You have to do that in person.”
When in-person care or visits from outside vendors have been needed, safety protocols like face masks
and home sanitizing have been required. Many self-isolating veterans, Tubbs said, “were forced to take a
step back” during the pandemic. “I think a lot of reflection went on.” “We’re dealing with a crisis, as far
as the pandemic goes,” Conley said. “But this crisis of suicide has been on the books for a number of years.
We need to address the issue, as we move on.” [Source: The American Legion | Jeff Stoffer | March 4,
2021 ++]

After a failed attempt last year, lawmakers reintroduced a bill 15 JUN that would allow service members
to quickly seek mental health care in confidence by using a safe word. The bill, titled the Brandon Act,
was named for Brandon Caserta, a 21-year-old sailor who died by suicide June 25, 2018, at Naval Station
Norfolk, Va. A command investigation into Caserta’s death determined that belligerent and brash leadership
of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 28 contributed to his decision to end his own life. He felt alone, stuck
and afraid of retaliation, his parents said.
Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA) is leading the House bill, and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the bill in
the Senate. The measure made it into the House’s version of the National Defense Authorization Act last
year but was taken out in final negotiations. “We’re back here again demanding Congress pass the Brandon
Act,” Moulton said Wednesday outside the Capitol. “By passing this bill, Congress could empower service
members to quickly get help in an emergency situation as soon as they confided in someone that they needed
it.” Under the bill, all service members would have to tell their supervisor or commanding officer is that
they had a “Brandon Act concern” to receive a referral for mental health care, Moulton said.
Caserta’s parents, Patrick and Teri Caserta, have pushed for the change since their son died three years
ago. The couple spoke outside the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, continuing to advocate for the bill.
“Brandon had a smile that made everyone want to smile,” Patrick Caserta said. “He cared about everyone.
Please support the Brandon Act. This is truly a matter of life or death.” Brandon Caserta was one of 325
active-duty service members who died by suicide in 2018, and one of 68 sailors, according to military data.
Suicides have increased since then. In 2019, 348 active-duty service members died by suicide, and in 2020
that number rose to 377. The military saw a significant spike in suicides during the end of 2020.
The Brandon Act creates a system modeled off the process available to victims of sexual assault, which
would allow serve members who experience mental health issues to receive care without notifying their
command or opening an official investigation of any allegations. The Casertas believe the change would
help reduce the perceived barriers of self-reporting for mental health evaluations and ease service members’
path to care. “While we can’t get Brandon back, we can honor his legacy, honor his service and prevent
tragic losses like these from ever happening again,” Kelly said.

Designed for the military community but beneficial for use by
anyone, the relaxation app trains you on the “belly breathing” technique that has proven
benefits for your overall mental health. Use the app’s breathing exercises to learn and
practice the breathing technique. Free download for iPhone and Android devices at
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/breathe2relax/id425720246.

Gaps in DOD’s Mental Health Care System Being Filled by Reddit

The suicide rate for young military service members aged 18-24 in 2020 was more than double
that of civilians in the same age bracket, and higher than those of all age demographics among
civilians, according to Department of Defense data and findings recently released by the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention. In the past five years alone, the suicide rate among active
duty service members overall has increased by 41%.
Although young people in the United States report the highest level of social media use of any
demographic among the U.S. population, neither the U.S. Army nor the DoD has an official system
in place to respond to reports of mental health harm or distress online. The systems that are in
place – such as suicide hotline numbers – are often defunct, or only reachable during normal
business hours.
An unofficial subreddit, R/Army at https://www.reddit.com/r/arm, run by current and former
U.S. Army personnel has been forced to fill the gap left by an unresponsive DoD, providing
counseling to service members struggling with thoughts of self-harm. The members of this
subreddit are occupying this role without any funding or payment, and have systematically
documented the serious incidents they have encountered. Although the moderation team and users
of the subreddit have saved multiple lives and attempted to inform the DoD of flaws in their suicide
prevention program, the DoD has not officially responded.

This is why organizations like Operation Shockwave found at https://operationshockwave.org/ and others are so important and why we need to ensure we have some mental health training to ensure we know the signs and how to get help for our brothers and sisters.
DoD Suicide Policy Update 15: Pentagon Releases Latest Numbers for Suicide Deaths In 2020
 A total of 306 service members died by suicide in the first half of 2020, according to the most recent Pentagon report released on 15 OCY, which covers suicide deaths up to June 30. For the first half of this year, 170 active-duty service members, 90 reservists, and 46 National Guardsmen died by suicide, the report said. During the same period in 2019, 302 service members died by suicide, including 163 active-duty service members, 88 reservists, and 51 National Guardsmen. The report shows that active-duty and reserve suicide deaths increased for the months of April, May, and June, coinciding with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that began sweeping through most of the country. 4 | P a g e "We’ve got work ahead, I’ll just be honest with you," Gen. Charles "CQ" Brown, Air Force chief of staff, told reporters in September. "The challenge I’ve seen here is, the stressors that we have this year are much different than the stressors we had last year." Between April 1 and June 30, a total of 82 active-duty service members had died by suicide, compared to 72 deaths during the second quarter of 2019, the report says. Most of the active-duty services reported an increase in suicide deaths from April through June, according to the report: 43 soldiers died, an increase of six deaths compared with the same time period last year; 10 Marines, an increase of four deaths; 11 sailors died, a reduction of three deaths; and 18 airmen died, an increase of three deaths. Reserve forces also reported 26 deaths, up from 16 during the second quarter of 2019. That breaks down to 16 deaths in the Army Reserve, double the suicide deaths compared to last year; two deaths in the Marine Reserve, compared with one death last year; three deaths in the Navy Reserve, compared with two deaths last year; and five deaths in the Air Force Reserve, the same as during the same time period in 2019, the report says. The National Guard reported a decrease in suicide deaths: 23, compared with 27 deaths during the same time period in 2019, according to the report. Seventeen Army National Guard and six Air National Guard service members died by suicide in the second quarter of 2020, compared with 24 Army National Guard and three Air National Guard deaths in the second quarter of 2019. The report says it is too early to determine whether the number of service members who die by suicide will be higher in 2020 than it was last year. But on Sept. 27, the Associated Press revealed that military deaths by suicide had increased by roughly 20% so far in 2020, citing more recent data. In the Army, a total of 114 active-duty soldiers had died by suicide by the end of August, a roughly 30% increase in deaths compared to the same time period in 2019, Army officials confirmed. The Army National Guard also saw a roughly 10% increase in suicide deaths and the Army Reserve reported a 41% increase in deaths compared with 2019. Army Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville recently said that COVID-19 is likely a factor in the increase in deaths. "Some of the scientists have said they've not been able to show causation between [COVID-19] and suicides, but I would argue — at least my sense is — it is having an effect because it disconnects people,” McConville told reporters during an Oct. 13 news conference. If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273- TALK (800-273-8255) to reach a trained counselor. Use that same number and press "1" to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. [Source: Task & Purpose | Jeff Schogol | October 15, 2020 ++]

Peoria SUPPORT connects citizens to non-profit organizations and government programs, and also publishes the Community Resource guide. View information about upcoming Awareness Series and Collaborative Impact Workshop events. Subscribe to Peoria SUPPORT email newsletter to get notified about upcoming free seminars and events.

https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/depa...n-services

Maricopa County is making it easier for residents to find COVID-19 relief assistance with Take Care, a collection of programs designed to help keep people and businesses healthy during the pandemic.
The programs, funded by the CARES Act, include:
Free COVID-19 Testing – Maricopa County offers free COVID-19 testing at locations across the region.
Free Flu Vaccinations – This year, it’s more important than ever to get a flu shot. Maricopa County makes finding free flu vaccinations easy with its interactive Vaccine Finder, community flu vaccination events held across the county, and three health clinics, which are open to the public.
COVID-19 Crisis Rental Assistance – Through this program, operated by the County and local community actions programs, more than 7,700 months of rent totaling more than $11 million has already been provided to help residents stay in their homes during the pandemic.
COVID-19 Crisis Utility Assistance – Maricopa County households experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for COVID Crisis Utility Assistance to help them pay gas and electric bills.
Maricopa County Funeral Assistance - Partnering with Valley of the Sun United Way, the County is providing much-needed financial assistance to grieving families unable to pay the cost of a funeral or burial for a loved one.
Maricopa County Small Business & Nonprofit Relief – This program is designed to assist small businesses and non-profit organizations by reimbursing them with grants of up to $25,000 for losses incurred during the pandemic.
To find information and applications for all of these programs, Maricopa County residents can visit Maricopa.gov/TakeCare.