Veteran Mental Health

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Veteran Mental Health (NAPSA)—While the appreciation and respect for our military is a yearround sentiment, this month marks a time toreflect and not only thank military service members and veterans for their service, but to make sure we are supporting them physically and emotionally as they transition from active duty. Every day, 20 veterans commit suicide, according to a recent study from the U.S. DepartmentofVeterans Affairs Educational opportunities can help veterans readjust to civilian li (VA). Suicidal thoughts can affect anyoneregardless of age, gender or back- ground. Yet, veterans are at much higher risk; in 2014, veterans accounted for 18 percentofall deaths by suicide in the US. Extra attention should be devoted to promoting resources around and awareness oftheissuesof suicide prevention, and connecting individuals with suicidalideation to treatmentservices. WarningSigns The risk for suicide is 21 percent higher amongveterans when compared to U.S.civilian adults, according to the VA's study—the need for more mental health resourcesis evident. Someofthe factors affecting veter- ans are presence of serious health con- ditions; ongoingstress or single major established an annual evaluation of VA mental health and suicide-prevention programs. While this is certainly a positive step toward improving mentalhealth services for veterans,the solution will not come from onelaw, organization or individ- ual. It takes a comprehensive commit- mentof support from the community asa whole. As one ofthe largest providers of education to veterans, University of Phoenix recognizes thatas it prepares veterans for the next step in theirlife, the adjustmentbacktocivilian life is not just about getting a quality education. University of Phoenix wants to be able to help our veteransin theirtransition to civilianlife. Notonly has University of Phoenix stressors such as job loss; exposure to someoneelse’s suicide; or a family his- always been proudto serve our service tory of suicide. Whileit takes a trained professional to evaluate someoneforsuicidality, the public can be aware ofthe aboverisk factors and can helptoidentify warning signs that indicate someone they know mightbesuicidal. Like risk factors,it is often the combination ofsuicide warning signs that are more important than. one single sign. Positive Approach Thecall to address veteran suicidesis a national issue that reached the White Houselast year when President Obama signed the Clay HuntSuicide Preven- tion Bill. It made information on s cide prevention moreeasily accessible to veterans.It instituted a peer support and community outreach pilot program to assist transitioning service mem- bers, opened upincentives to encourage more people to workat the VA and members andprepare them for future success, butit also works hard to earn the trust of our men and women in the military, and their families. Univer- sity of Phoenix is proud that so many trust it to continue their personal and professional journeys upon returning to civilian life. It believes our soldiers deserve stronghelp in getting a head start, and is always working to make sureit provides them just that. Learn More For moreinformation on suicide prevention and the Veterans’ Crisis Line,visit: www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_ prevention/ www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or (800) 273-8255 www.giveanhour.org/. Formoreinformation about Univer- sity of Phoenix, visit www.phoenix.edu.