EP5: Suicide Awareness: Trauma, Mental Health, & The Hidden Toll: Suicide Rates in Veterans & First Responders

🎙️ Random Thoughts – Some Useful: Bro Sessions

Episode Spotlight: The Unseen Battles—Suicide Awareness and Support for Veterans, First Responders, and Beyond

In this deeply impactful episode of Random Thoughts – Some Useful, we take on one of society’s most pressing yet often overlooked topics: suicide rates among veterans, first responders, and the general population.

Joined by my baby brother, we dive into the staggering statistics from the CDC and the Department of Veterans Affairs, exploring the realities of trauma faced by those who dedicate their lives to serving others.

From veterans experiencing 57.3% higher suicide rates than non-veterans to the heartbreaking reality that firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, this episode sheds light on the immense emotional burdens carried by those in these critical professions.

💬 What We Discuss:

Veteran Mental Health: The lasting impact of military service and the high rates of suicide among veterans, particularly those aged 18-34.
First Responder Challenges: The weight of responsibility faced by police, firefighters, and EMS workers, and how these roles can lead to mental health struggles.
The Power of Community: How we can better recognize, support, and uplift those who serve while addressing the emotional burden of trauma, including taking a life in the line of duty or even sourcing one’s own food.
Coping Skills and Resources: Practical tools for navigating mental health challenges and creating a pathway toward healing and resilience.

🌟 Episode Notes

General Population Suicide Statistics:

Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 48,000 deaths in 2021—that’s one suicide every 11 minutes (CDC).
Demographics: Adults aged 25-34 and 85+ face the highest risk. Men are four times more likely to die by suicide, though women attempt it more often.

Veterans:

Veterans face an estimated 16.8 suicides each day—a 57.3% higher risk than the general population (VA).
Combat veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are particularly vulnerable due to PTSD and other mental health issues.

First Responders:

Police officers are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, with over 240 officers lost to suicide in 2021.
Firefighters and EMS workers experience suicidal thoughts at rates 10x higher than the general population.

💛 Support and Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling, these resources are here to help:

For Veterans:

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255, Press 1, or text 838255.
VA Mental Health Services: Visit mentalhealth.va.gov.
Wounded Warrior Project: Offers mental health programs (woundedwarriorproject.org).

For First Responders:

CopLine: 1-800-267-5463 (confidential peer support for law enforcement).
Safe Call Now: 1-206-459-3020 (24/7 crisis hotline).
NVFC Peer Support: nvfc.org/help (firefighters and EMS).

General Resources:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
Mental Health America: mhanational.org.

Faith-Based Support:

Grace Alliance: Christian mental health groups (mentalhealthgracealliance.org).
Celebrate Recovery: Support for trauma, mental health, and addiction (celebraterecovery.com).

💡 Coping Skills

Whether you’re navigating personal struggles or supporting someone else, remember:

Reach Out: Talk to someone you trust.
Ground Yourself: Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique to focus on the present moment.
Move: Physical activity like a short walk or yoga can work wonders.
Create a Safe Space: Remove harmful items from your environment and focus on survival, not solutions, in moments of crisis.