FACSAFOUNDATION.ORG SHATTERING THE SILENCE TOUR DOCUMENTARY PROJECT Volume 7 | Page 41

Correcting Our Mistakes
Veterans, like Somers, often have a difficult time separating experiences on the battlefield from
their lives back home, because they don’t know how to let it out. They shut down, mental
anguish manifesting itself through post-traumatic stress disorder, leaving many to return home
feeling hopeless, lost or misunderstood, never to regain their balance. Oftentimes traumatic brain
injury (TBI) plays a part, further complicating various forms of anxiety disorders and other
psychological factors.
It seems that for all the skills we’re taught in the military—resilience, adaptability, courage—
they abandon us when we’re back in the civilian world.
And so we’re at an impasse.
The same folks who taught us to “suck it up and drive on” have no idea how to bring us back
from that mentality; nor do we have any idea how to retain our survival skills. That means it’s up
to us. And by us, I mean fellow service members, veterans, family members and friends; and you
too, America.
First of all, let’s stop the blame game. The five respective branches and Veterans Affairs are
doing the best they can. Can we expect more help from both? Sure. Can we expect them to have
every answer, or save every life? Absolutely not. Can we even make a difference? YES!
Believe it or not, we are all on the frontlines of the war on suicide. But you and I are not alone.
There’s an entire nation just waiting for direction, waiting to be the lifeboat some of us so
desperately need. That’s why each of us must be educated and prepared to help our service
members and veterans come home.

How to Start Making a Difference
I’m going to tell you how to start this