06/11/2024
Thankful to the opportunity to keep Sydney’s honor alive!
This year our foundation has started our Heaven's Assembly with our Avengers who we have lost tragically too soon! We will be recognizing the lives below at our 3rd Annual Brett J Morris Avenger Foundation PTS/Mental Health Awareness 5k Run/Walk/Ruck. We want to continue to speak their name, remembering that they lived, are loved and are not forgotten. We speak their name bravely; knowing that they are still here, still ours and still real.
If you know someone who has lost their internal battle and you would like for us to recognize them, please email us at [email protected] with their name, DOB, DOD and a photo.
An estimated 703,000 people die by su***de per year and affects all ages, genders, and ethnicities. The rate for Military and Veteran Su***de is double that of the civilian sector. Risk factors such as PTSD, MST, TBI, depression, chronic pain, as well as family history often lead to these many deaths.
We can't always convince someone to stay, but we show support, encourage people to speak up and check in on our loved ones. Family and friends are often the first to recognize that a loved one may be contemplating, considering, or even planning su***de, and are in a good position to ask their loved one if they are thinking of taking their own life. Though asking may be difficult, studies show it can, and does, often contribute to fewer su***de attempts. There are many signs of su***de, such as: talking about wanting to die, feelings of hopelessness, or sudden changes in behavior. Assist and encourage your loved one to get the help they need.
Statistics:
*Su***de is the 2nd leading cause of death in US Children ages 10-14yrs old
*Su***de is 3rd leading cause of death in US ages 15-24yrs old.
*Su***de is 12th leading cause overall in the US for all deaths/all ages.
*Su***de rates have increased approximately 36% between 2000-2021.
*One death every 11 minutes in the US is by su***de.
*Approx 132 people in US per day by su***de.
*There are more than 5 su***des in the US per hour.
*75% of all su***des are men.
*30% of all veterans have considered su***de.
*Newest studies suggest we lose 44 veterans per day to su***de.
*37% of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans know a veteran who has died by su***de.
*Although the military only makes up 10% of the US population approximately 20% of su***des are veterans
*Over 30,000 veterans have died by su***de since 9/11 vs the 7,000 in combat during OIF and OEF.
Suicidal Thoughts are a symptom, just like any other-they can and need to be treated and can improve over time.
CRISIS SUPPORT
If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of su***de and needs to speak with someone immediately please call 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1 if Veteran), text 838255, call 911, text TALK to 741-741, call or text 988, chat on 988lifelong.org
