Latest news with #suicidePrevention
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Opinion - This Memorial Day, let's remember the veterans still fighting
Memorial Day has always been a solemn day in my family. I grew up the descendant of six generations of career Army officers. My father often reminded my siblings and me that we 'never missed a meal or heard a shot fired in anger,' and that it was our job to thank those who had. His point was clear: Our comfort was made possible by the sacrifices of others. But in recent years, I have come to believe that Memorial Day needs a broader lens. Even as we rightly honor those who died while serving their country, we must also acknowledge the quieter, often invisible losses here at home. Since the start of the War on Terror in 2001, more than 7,000 U.S. service members have died during their service, mostly in Iraq and Afghanistan. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, 140,000 veterans took their own lives between 2001 and 2022 — well over 6,000 veterans every year, or an average of more than 17 each day. These deaths may not be the result of enemy fire, but they are casualties of war just the same. Research has consistently shown that suicide among veterans is closely linked to their military experience — particularly exposure to combat, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the often abrupt loss of identity and purpose following discharge. Veterans are most at risk immediately after leaving the service, when many many feel most disconnected from the fellowship and mission that once defined their lives. During deployment, servicemembers develop extraordinary bonds. Many of the veterans I have worked with over the past decade say that their primary mission in combat was not glory or medals — it was getting their people home safely. That sense of unity is a kind of armor. But when they return home, that armor often disappears. They leave their unit, lose their support system and face a civilian world that doesn't always understand the war they're still fighting. Lt. Col. Charley Watkins, my dad's Vietnam chopper pilot who now works with veterans in transition, calls this their 'new norm.' It's when the camaraderie fades, and the isolation begins. That isolation is often the most dangerous battlefield. In my work leading filmmaking workshops for veterans, I've seen the power of collaboration up close: Men and women who have never met coming together to craft narratives that express shared service experiences and help them begin to make sense of things that no longer make sense. These aren't just creative exercises. They are personal, hopeful, often transformative opportunities for veterans to feel heard, valued, and part of a team again. Dr. Rachel Yehuda, Mental Health Chief at the Bronx VA Medical Center has said of our workshops, 'Once these struggling veterans begin to see the world differently, anything is possible.' The films themselves are also a potent way for the rest of us to empathize through a medium we all understand. Of course, filmmaking is only one of many collaborative tools for healing. The real solution starts with awareness and then action. Civilians don't need to be experts in trauma to make a difference. Often, the most powerful thing we can do is simple: show up. A call. A coffee. An invitation to a family cookout. These seemingly small gestures can offer the lifeline that keeps someone connected. One of my closest friends, Capt. Rich Barbato, a decorated Iraq War veteran, has lost 42 soldiers from his airborne battalion to suicide. 'If there had been more opportunities and ways to recreate a sense of community when I came home,' he told me recently, 'many more of my brothers in arms would be alive today.' That should haunt us. And it should move us to act. Millions of men and women have courageously served this country so that others like me wouldn't have to. So that we could choose to forget the fact that so many went to war and made the ultimate sacrifice; so that we could pursue prosperity and live our lives in peace. And maybe that's okay. Maybe the ability to lose ourselves in a festive, gorgeous May weekend is simply proof of the value and purity of that gift. And yet that is precisely why it is so important that we do acknowledge our veterans on Memorial Day and every day. So this Memorial Day, while we honor those who died in service to our country, let us also remember those who died after their service — casualties of a war that never truly ended for them. Let us support the families they left behind. And let us recognize that preventing future loss is not just the responsibility of the VA or the Pentagon. It's on all of us. 782 words Benjamin Patton is the Founder and Executive Director of the Patton Veterans Project. He is the grandson of World War II commander General George S. Patton, Jr. and son of Major General George S. Patton IV, a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fun, food & fundraising at the Ruby Lodge Care Home May fair
Residents at Ruby Lodge Care Home in Thirsk are looking forward to welcoming the local community to their May Fair event, taking place on Saturday, 31st May from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. The event promises to be a fun-filled morning for all ages, with a vibrant selection of stalls, entertainment, and activities—all while raising money for a meaningful cause. 'This year's May Fair will support Andy's Man Club, a charity dedicated to suicide prevention and promoting mental health awareness for men," commented home manager Holly Hunton. "We care for many male residents here at Ruby Lodge and know how important it is to help break down the sigma of men's mental health," commented home manager Holly Hunton. (Image: Country Court Care) "In addition to raising funds for this important initiative, half of the proceeds from the event will go toward providing a special activity for the residents of Ruby Lodge.' commented home manager Holly Hunton. Confirmed stallholders include: Jewellery by Carolyn, children's books and gifts from Claire and her 'Sparkling Touches,' bags and cushions by Cherie White. There will be Wooden crafts by Sarah Hubbock, and tote bags and baby clothes from Gillian Starkie. Vicky Queenan will be offering Oriflame cosmetics, while Go Indian Spice will bring a taste of the exotic with their selection of spices. Ana will be selling children's pens and stationery, and Lara Nursery will also be hosting a stall. In addition to shopping, there will be plenty of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Local singer Paul Moore will perform live music, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere. Children will enjoy face painting and classic games like tug of war and the ever popular 'throw a sponge' challenge. No fair would be complete without a sweet treat, and visitors can look forward to a visit from Pearson's Ices of Thirsk, who will be serving up delicious ice cream on site. Light refreshments will be available throughout the morning. (Image: Country Court Care) The team at Ruby Lodge Care Home extends a warm welcome to everyone in the local area to attend and support their community event. For further details, please contact Ruby Lodge Care Home on 01904 937449 or email
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
WCCO investigates what happened after a petition was filed using Minnesota's red flag law
Minnesota's red flag law is designed to take guns out of the hands of people in a moment of crisis. In year one, 138 petitions were filed for people who wanted to die by suicide or hurt someone else. What happened after a judge approved or denied a petition? "It matters to me because it's going to save lives," DFL Rep. Ethan Cha said. Cha knows what it's like to worry about a relative and to step in to remove a gun. He supported the state's red flag law. In its first year, judges approved more than 90% of the extreme risk protection order petitions, lasting for 14 days, up to a year. "Looking at the data, you know, I see that it's being effective, right? It's giving a stop measure for these moments," Cha said. What happened after someone raised a red flag? According to court records, 20 people were charged with a crime following the petition. In the cases we can see, none involved a gun. There were traffic offenses and failing to display a license number on a boat. Two charges were related to why the petition was filed. Someone violated an order for protection. Another involved threats of violence at a dentist's office. That person was also civilly committed. Sue Abderholden, executive director of National Alliance on Mental Illness or NAMI Minnesota, is invested in the outcomes. "Just because someone had an interaction, you know, with law enforcement over that gun doesn't mean that they go on to do other things. And so, it was an effective intervention," Abderholden said. "I think for the people who are committed, that tells us that they really, perhaps didn't have insight into their illness. They weren't willing to go to treatment voluntarily, but clearly, they needed to access treatment." WCCO discovered 10 people had a civil commitment ordered following the petition. "I think that's 10 cases that we could have saved multiple lives, right? It's just not the individual, but you know also the domino effects, right? If this person had access to firearms, what else could have happened," Cha said. There are gaps with the data. We only know what happened when there's been contact with the court. For instance, NAMI says more people may have voluntarily gotten help, but health privacy laws prevent us from learning about it. They would like to see that happen more often than more civil commitments. So far, 92 petitions have been filed in 2025. Police say if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Click here to learn more about the law and how to file a petition. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything. In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.
ABC News
17-05-2025
- Sport
- ABC News
Former West Coast premiership player Adam Selwood dies at 40, just months after twin brother Troy's death
Former West Coast Eagles premiership player Adam Selwood has died aged 40. He played 187 games for West Coast from 2002 to 2013, and was part of the club's 2006 successful premiership campaign. No details have been released about the circumstances of his death. His death comes after his twin brother, former Brisbane Lions player Troy Selwood died by suicide in early February. Troy Selwood's fellow AFL-playing brothers — Adam, Joel and Scott — delivered eulogies at his funeral at Kardinia Park on February 14. Just last month Adam entered the HBF Run for a Reason in Perth to raise money for suicide prevention. Selwood was born in Bendigo in Victoria, moving to WA when he was a teenager. He was part of one of the AFL' s most high-profile families. After his playing career ended Selwood took on several roles at West Coast over the years, including as a development coach and the club's head of female football. The AFL has released a statement on behalf of Fiona Selwood and the Selwood family. "We are heartbroken by the passing of Adam earlier today. Words cannot express the grief and sadness we feel," the family said in the statement. "Adam was a loving husband, and an incredible father to Lenny and Billie. We are devastated to lose such a wonderful husband, father, son and brother."We will miss Adam deeply— his spirit, his kindness, and the joy he brought to every room. "His determination, the lessons he shared, and his infectious personality will stay with us always. Adam had a unique ability to make people feel special, and our family was lucky to experience that every day."We kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time."
Times
14-05-2025
- Health
- Times
Sentiment turning against assisted dying bill, MPs claim
Opponents of assisted dying have said criticism from psychiatrists is a 'blow to the foundations' of a contentious bill that returns to the Commons on Friday — but both sides believe it is still likely to pass. Those opposed to changing the law believe they are seeing 'multiple' MPs come over to their side as practical concerns mount about the bill, while some in government believe sentiment is turning against legalising assisted dying. George Freeman, the former Conservative minister, has become only the third MP to publicly say he will switch sides, after Lee Anderson and Rupert Lowe. He told Times Radio that the bill put forward by the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater risked creating a 'suicide culture' and a 'Dignitas industry'. • Sarah Ditum:
