Suffering in Silence -- April 12, 2013
A Note from Congressman Carson
Dear Friend:
In 2012, 349 members of the U.S. military committed suicide – more than were killed in combat in Afghanistan. Additionally, studies indicate that more than 1 in 4 returning service members may have mental health conditions such as post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, or depression. These numbers point to a dangerous national epidemic within our armed forces, and they demand immediate attention. There is no doubt - these invisible wounds of war are costing us gravely and too many of our men and women in uniform are suffering in silence.
That's why this week I've introduced two pieces of legislation that seek to reduce military suicide and encourage service members to seek the help they need. By requiring mid-deployment mental health evaluations and by better informing service members about the help available, we can start saving lives now and long term, tackle the stigma associated with seeking treatment.
Seeking help shouldn't be something our service members have to second guess; they shouldn't have to fear drawing unwanted attention to themselves or derailing their careers. We have a responsibility to bring this issue into the light and give our service members the support they deserve.
Below, you'll find more information about my legislation, as well as some of the news coverage we've received. Please feel free to reply to this email with your thoughts on the bills.
As always, it's an honor to serve you.
Best,
André
The Inside Scoop
Congressman Carson Introduces Two New Pieces of Legislation
Congressman André Carson introduced this week two pieces of legislation that directly address increases in military suicide and the stigma associated with pursuing mental health treatment. The Military Suicide Reduction Act and the Military Mental Health Empowerment Act take steps to ensure deployed service members have access to quality mental health services, as well as comprehensive information about their privacy and how mental health records may or may not be utilized by the armed forces.
Military Suicide – War's Invisible Casualty | POLITICO
By Rep. André Carson
For too long, we have failed to see our own duplicity in how we deal with wartime injuries. When a member of our military is struck by an enemy bullet or mortar, medics rush to their assistance. We provide immediate treatment and take the necessary precautions to keep our troops healthy and strong. Yet when it comes to their mental health, our soldiers are often abandoned on the battlefield to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and depression. These unseen wounds are often just as deep and their consequences just as severe, but they go untreated. Worse yet, we have created an environment in which proactively seeking treatment is considered taboo. (Read more here.)
Two New Bills Aim to Strengthen Mental Health Help | Military Times
Rep. Andre Carson, a Democrat who had two military mental health bills signed into law in 2011, now proposes improved mental health assessments for service members returning from contingency operations and better notice of what mental health services are available. (Read more here.)
Congressman's Plan to Address Military Suicides | The Alan Colmes Show (Fox News Radio)