Veterans Mental Health – Interview

I was honored to participate in an interview with ABC 6 Columbus titled Ohio Veterans Speak up about Mental Health, Helping Others.

Ironically, I live ten minutes from the equine therapy program featured in this interview. The city of Delaware appreciates everything they do for veterans and first responders.

OSPF Mission Statement

The Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation champions, advocates, and coordinates strategies to reduce the risk of suicide and supports efforts to assist those individuals, families, and communities impacted by suicide.

Organizations featured in this interview

• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation
• Stockhands Horses for Healing

At the end of the day, we know that one suicide is one too many, so anything above zero is too much.

Jason Hughes

Mental Health Resources for Veterans

• OHIOcares: Ohio Cares
• VA Mental Health Services
• Mental Health | Department of Veterans Services
• Find a CVSO | Department of Veterans Services 
• Star Providers Registry: www.starproviders.org
• Stockhands Horses for Healing Veteran Outreach Program
• VA Central Ohio Health Care System is four VA clinics, a stand-alone behavioral health clinic, and a level 2 complexity ambulatory care center that offers a full spectrum of primary care services, evidence-based behavioral health care, specialty medicine services, and same-day ambulatory surgery for more than 40,000 veterans in 14 counties throughout central Ohio.
• Life Side Ohio is a campaign of direct suicide prevention outreach dedicated to the firearms community. It provides resources like hunting dates, mental health training, mental health support, and firearms stories.
• Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation (OSPF) is a non-profit organization that educates, advocates and builds connections and support for individuals, families, and communities to prevent suicide. 614-429-1528
• The Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) provides training and technical assistance to communities, supporting resiliency in youth and families and promoting awareness of healthy lifestyle choices.
• Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities (OACBHA) represents all local mental health and recovery boards at the state level. Crisis Text Line: Text “4Hope” to 741741 or call 614-224-1111
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ohio provides free programs and training for individuals and families affected by mental illness.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for free and confidential support 24/7

Things to consider about mental health:

1. 1 in 5 people will have a mental illness at some point. (CDC)
2. 1 and 25 have a serious mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.) (CDC)
3. 41% of people with a mental illness use mental health services in any given year. (National Council for Behavioral Health)
4. The effects of mental illness can be temporary or long-lasting. (Mayo Clinic)
5. Mental health stigma is an issue because of various reasons:
   • People make jokes about it.
   • People downplay it.
   • For military service members or veterans, the old-school myth: “Asking for help is a sign of weakness.”
   • People exaggerate by spreading false information like, “If your employer knows about your mental illness, your career is over.” The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protects employees from discrimination based on a disability – including mental illnesses like depression or anxiety.

If you are having suicidal thoughts

• Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• Call your mental health specialist.
• Call a suicide hotline number – 988
• National Suicide Prevention Line
• Seek help from your primary care provider.
• Reach out to a close friend or loved one.