Suicide is never the right solution for combat veterans who suffer from the symptoms of PTSD. We need to do more!

As related by Military.com the picture is not always on the side of the combat veteran suffering from symptoms of PTSD.  Click on the Military.com site reference “Addressing PTSD” to read the entire story.  I have heard stories from combat veterans and others who share what they hear. The stigma of mental health disorders is and will be a huge challenge for combat veterans.  I remain confident that as the campaign for PTSD awareness gets stronger and the public is educated, including soldiers in combat, and those coming home, will get a fair shake.  We need to take the extra time to listen and to ensure that the correct diagnosis and treatment plan is provided.  Suicide should never be the final answer!  Family and loved ones must be engaged in this effort!


Steve Sparks
Author
Reconciliation: A Son’s Story


Quoted from Military.com:


“The day before Halloween 2008, Army Pvt. Adam Lieberman swallowed handfuls of prescription pain pills and psychotropic drugs. Then he picked up a can of black paint and smeared onto the wall of his room in the Fort Carson barracks what he thought would be his last words to the world. “I FACED THE ENEMY AND LIVED!” Lieberman painted on the wall in big, black letters. “IT WAS THE DEATH DEALERS THAT TOOK MY LIFE!” Soldiers called Lieberman’s unit, the 1st Battalion, 67th Armored Regiment, the Death Dealers. Adam suffered serious mental health problems after a year of combat in Iraq. The Army, however, blamed his problems on a personality disorder, anxiety disorder or alcohol abuse — anything but the war. Instead of receiving treatment from the Army for his war-related problems, Adam faced something more akin to harassment. He was punished and demoted for his bad behavior, but not treated effectively for its cause. The Army’s fervent tough-guy atmosphere discouraged Adam from seeking help. Eventually he saw no other way out. Now, in what was to be his last message, he pointed the finger at the Army for his death.”