Why Veterans Should Never Leave Home Without This Card
Editor's Note
If you experience suicidal thoughts or have lost someone to suicide, the following post could be potentially triggering. You can contact the Crisis Text Line by texting “START” to 741741.
You wouldn’t leave home without your wallet, your money, your identification card. You wouldn’t leave home without credit cards.
American Express put out a commercial in the 70s — “don’t leave without it,” meaning your credit card.
The Veteran Crisis Line card is just as important. We are in the midst of a crisis of our veterans dying by suicide. Around 22 vets die by suicide every day. That is 22 too many.
If you’re a veteran, your life matters.
Now, it is time to say “don’t leave home without your crisis card.”
If you’re a veteran struggling with feelings of despair and hopelessness, you are not alone. Ask for help. Know the warning signs of a crisis: Thinking of death, self-destructive behavior, isolation, hopelessness, anxiety, rage, and increased alcohol or drug use.
Know the resources available to you. You are not alone; there are people ready to help, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, Wounded Warrior Project Talk, IAVA Rapid Response, Veterans Affairs, Veteran’s Crisis Line and the Long Island Crisis Center.
All of these resources have professionals looking to help and keep you safe.
About a decade ago, after my discharge from the service, I was in a dark place. I was struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), experienced loss of a child and my marriage ended.
I did not know what to do. I was facing another “war,” but this one was in my own head. It took me a long time to seek help.
Reaching out to my vet community was the best thing I could have done for myself. Ask for help. You’re a veteran or a combat war hero, but you are also a person. Your life matters.
So I’ve been sitting at the VA since 8:00 a.m., and I picked up this card. I’ve posted this in the past, but one can never post this enough. For those struggling, Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255 Press 1 or text 838255. #veterans pic.twitter.com/JGk90MsLOt
— James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) March 1, 2018
Some of you may not know the meaning of what a semicolon tattoo represents. Those who have a semicolon tattoo are making a bold statement of their experience with depression and suicidality.
A semicolon is a symbol used to represent continuation — when a story could have ended. For those who have a tattoo, it represents the decision to live.
Be aware.
Keep hope alive.
Do not be afraid; do not let your pride stand in your way.
Don’t leave home without it; your card is a lifeline to resources and hope.
I won’t leave home without mine, so neither should you.
Photo by Samantha Sophia on Unsplash
Donna was born in Harlem New York and grew up in Bay Shore, Long island. She went to Brentwood High School, graduated from Columbia University School of Social Work in May 2017 and currently works for the New York State Office of Mental Health at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center Outpatient SOCR (State Operated Community Residence). She is a combat veteran who completed two tours in Iraq. She was on Active duty Army stationed at Hunter Army Airfield 3rd Infantry Division as a mechanic. Since returning home Donna enjoys sharing her experiences and storytelling through writing. Donna’s stories most recently have been published in the New York Times, Writers Guild Imitative, The Seasons, Lockdown, Qutub Minar Review, Summer, War and Battle, Bards Initiative, Radvocate, Oberon, Long Island Poetry Association and The Mighty. Donna has participated in various veteran writing workshops throughout NYC. Recently Donna was featured USA Warrior stories took part in Warrior Chorus and Decruit which encourage self-expression through looking as classical literature and performing it while relating it to your own life with war and trauma. Currently Donna is studying for her licensing in social work. Donna is always seeking new experiences to learn such as Toast Masters which focuses on public speaking. She is involved in World Team Sports, Veteran of Foreign Wars, Wounded Warrior Project and Team Red White and blue, Team Rubicion, Project9line and Provetus, . In her spare time Donna plays sled hockey for the Long Island Rough Riders.A friend/mentor told me about it and i find it important for people with disabilities or illnesses to have a forum to share experiences and support one another. As someone with learning disabilities I know the benefit of sharing your story.
kauldonna