ptsd Va And Suicide

[Berta]

The VA web site posted this info today-

Suicide Signs and Prevention

Do you know how to recognize the signs - and what actions you should take - if you think someone is considering suicide? If you remember only one thing, remember this phone number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

For more information, read "A Lifeline for Veterans in Crisis" in the Sept.-Oct. 2007 issue of VAnguard magazine or visit VA’s mental health Web site.

I am glad the VA posted it again but I think they were only doing this in response to the latest news on the high rate of suicides in vets in the news.

The hot line by the way is at a VAMC close to me with a very good reputation for providing excellent mental health care.

The VA almost closed this VAMC (Canadaigua) some years ago and the vets community protested-

Fortunately they are still providing excellent help to veterans with PTSD and other mental disabilitties.

Edited November 28, 2007 by Berta

[Berta]

I edited what I wanted to delete so it looks OK now-

[Josephine]

If you call that number and give your situation, VA data/Outpatient Clinic, and C#, will the call be entered into your C-file (or, VA medical records) and can you get a copy of the telephone call, maybe via e-mail, or whatever ?

I need to know, please ? Thanks.

My educated guess is yes! That really is not my educated guess. I say yes. I once became so desperate and wrote a letter to my Senator with suicidal thoughts in mind. I just felt so desperate.

Did it show up in my C&P examination. Yes, it did.

Betty

Edited December 4, 2007 by Josephine

[Josephine]

Suicidal thoughts raise the level of the impact your disability has on your life..... thus, raises your disability evaluation (rating, substancially). I am not saying that you should not be truthful.... NO WAY.... but, be truthful. I was in denial for years about suicidal thoughts. I sold all my weapons and guns (3).... because I didn't want them close to me.... because, I realized that if I had one in my night stand, I might just kill myself. I always kept my 9mm Beretta 92F loaded and cocked in my night stand. I got rid of them. Its too easy to raise a gun to your head and end it all.

But...... don't be in denial....... tell the truth.... to your VA Psychiatrist and at any VA C&P evaluation.

Did the good old Lady Doc place that Privacy Amendment Note on my C&P in hopes that I would end it all when I read it.

She waited a month to do it. Detrimental to my healh? Sure, it was at first. and then I decided to push that bitty against a wall.

I have had to deal with her lies and fight her.

Betty

[Jazona]

Just dealing with the VA can give you suicidal thoughts. A few homocidal thoughts as well.

jaz

[john999]

If you go to the VA or give them the idea you are getting ready to kill yourself they have a legal responsibility to admit you either with your consent or against your will as in being committed. Watch what you say to them unless you are ready for a trip inside. They will feel you out to see if you have concrete plans to knock yourself off.

[Pete53]

Just dealing with the VA can give you suicidal thoughts. A few homocidal thoughts as well.

jaz

Ha HA!!!!

In 1991 everytime I went to see a shrink they would ask if I felt like hurting myself. One day I replied that they should be asking if I felt like hurting them. After that they always asked if I flet like hurting myself or others but the look on the face of the Doc is something I will never forget.