Oklahoma National Guard leader urges service members to reach out for help amid Suicide Prevention Month
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is sparking an important discussion in the military.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is sparking an important discussion in the military.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is sparking an important discussion in the military.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, which is sparking an important discussion in the military.
Since 9/11, just over 7,000 service members have died during military operations. During that time, more than 30,000 took their own lives.
The leader of the Oklahoma National Guard hopes to show Oklahoma's heroes that they aren't alone.
The men and women of the U.S. military may seem like indestructible superheroes, bravely serving and protecting our nation. But Maj. Gen. Michael Thompson, Oklahoma National Guard adjutant general, says they're human, too.
"Everything that you see affecting our communities, like anxiety and depression and addiction and failed relationships, that's going to affect your military as well," Thompson said.
With military suicides four times higher than deaths in war operations since 9/11, Thompson is sounding the alarm.
"We like to think that we are resilient and we are immune to that because we wear our uniform, but we truly aren't," he said.
Thompson told KOCO 5 that the COVID-19 pandemic hasn't helped as isolation during lockdown enhanced those feelings of anxiety and depression. He wants everyone struggling to know help is available.
"We've spent a lot of money and a lot of resources putting talented people around to help people get through a crisis," Thompson said. "But they can't help if they don't know about the crisis. So, reach out to someone. Let us help you."
Thompson also urges civilians to be nice to service members.
"You really don't know what that person is going through," he said.
Anyone who is struggling and needs help can call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.