EP:191 In the Trenches of Mental Health: Combatting Suicide Among Veterans
Coming Home Well
English - August 04, 2023 04:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB - ★★★★★ - 6 ratingsGovernment Health & Fitness Mental Health veteran 9/11 disabledveterans ptsd tbi iraq afghanistan military army airforce Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Are you ready to explore the labyrinth of mental health among veterans, particularly the pressing issue of suicide? Let us guide you in this deep dive, with the assistance of our experienced guest, Megan Flaherty, a licensed clinical social worker from Hampton VA, who shines a light on suicide prevention - the VA's top clinical priority. We dissect the complexities of suicide prevention, emphasizing the power of universal screening, community dialogue, and the essential role of empathy when faced with a veteran admitting suicidal thoughts.
Our exploration continues as we zoom in on 'Lethal Means Safety' and the significance of community involvement. Megan unpacks the various strategies that create a buffer between destructive thoughts and the ability to act on them, highlighting effective measures such as gun locks and medication management. She also provides a glimpse into her role as the VA's Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, aimed at enhancing the community environment for veterans and their families.
Wrapping up our discussion, we delve into the changing attitudes towards mental health, especially among the younger generation. We examine how normalizing mental health talks has empowered more individuals to seek help. Megan touches on the emergency number 988 for veterans in crisis and the importance of considering social determinants of health. We wrap up with a discussion on the PACT Act and practical steps veterans exposed to harmful substances like burn pits and agent orange can take to access benefits. Listen to this enlightening episode and acquire the knowledge to make a significant difference in the lives of veterans.
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