Comments on: Condolence for Soldier Suicide http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/ by Dr. Michael Blumenfield Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:13:22 -0700 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: We Can’t Prevent Suicides and PTSD in the Military | What's hot right now.... http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-1437 Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: We Can’t Prevent Suicides and PTSD in the Military | What's hot right now.... Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:38:37 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-1437 [...] see : Why Hasn't President Obama Changed His Policy on Condolence Letters? ( Huffington Post ) Condolence For Soldier Suicide ( PsychiatryTalk.com) More on Mental [...] [...] see : Why Hasn't President Obama Changed His Policy on Condolence Letters? ( Huffington Post ) Condolence For Soldier Suicide ( PsychiatryTalk.com) More on Mental [...]

]]> By: Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: We Can’t Prevent Suicides and PTSD in the Military « Read NEWS http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-1436 Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: We Can’t Prevent Suicides and PTSD in the Military « Read NEWS Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:13:34 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-1436 [...] : Why Hasn’t President Obama Changed His Policy on Condolence Letters? ( Huffington Post ) Condolence For Soldier Suicide ( [...] [...] : Why Hasn’t President Obama Changed His Policy on Condolence Letters? ( Huffington Post ) Condolence For Soldier Suicide ( [...]

]]> By: Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: We Can’t Prevent Suicides and PTSD in the Military | GoodPorkBadPork.com http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-1435 Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: We Can’t Prevent Suicides and PTSD in the Military | GoodPorkBadPork.com Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:04:13 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-1435 [...] : Why Hasn’t President Obama Changed His Policy on Condolence Letters? ( Huffington Post ) Condolence For Soldier Suicide ( [...] [...] : Why Hasn’t President Obama Changed His Policy on Condolence Letters? ( Huffington Post ) Condolence For Soldier Suicide ( [...]

]]> By: Autism Symptoms http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-1104 Autism Symptoms Sat, 10 Jul 2010 06:18:30 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-1104 This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks! This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I enjoy seeing websites that understand the value of providing a prime resource for free. I truly loved reading your post. Thanks!

]]> By: Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: Why Hasn’t President Obama Changed His Policy on Writing Letters of Condolence ? | Twitmerlin - News, Celebs Gossip, Social Media http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-183 Michael Blumenfield, M.D.: Why Hasn’t President Obama Changed His Policy on Writing Letters of Condolence ? | Twitmerlin - News, Celebs Gossip, Social Media Sat, 06 Feb 2010 16:45:40 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-183 [...] issue has been discussed extensively in the press and on the blogosphere. I have also recently written about this important [...] [...] issue has been discussed extensively in the press and on the blogosphere. I have also recently written about this important [...]

]]> By: Ann H. Kazarian, MD http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-94 Ann H. Kazarian, MD Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:50:24 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-94 I wholeheartedly agree that families of all those who commit suicide while on active duty should received those letters of condolence from the President. I do understand the dilemma of decision about those no longer in that status, but as one who treated many cases of PTSD among women who never served in the military, I know it is a long-lasting, treatment-resistant illness that eventually can be fatal. I wholeheartedly agree that families of all those who commit suicide while on active duty should received those letters of condolence from the President. I do understand the dilemma of decision about those no longer in that status, but as one who treated many cases of PTSD among women who never served in the military, I know it is a long-lasting, treatment-resistant illness that eventually can be fatal.

]]> By: Gregg Keesling http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-91 Gregg Keesling Fri, 25 Dec 2009 01:39:29 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-91 Those that die for heroic deeds deserve the extra medals like the Silver Star or Purple Heart. There are many ways for the military to honor those that do extraordinary things and they should. The Presidential condolence letter should be the basic acknowledgement a family receives, whether the death is by an accident, illness or suicide. Those that die for heroic deeds deserve the extra medals like the Silver Star or Purple Heart. There are many ways for the military to honor those that do extraordinary things and they should. The Presidential condolence letter should be the basic acknowledgement a family receives, whether the death is by an accident, illness or suicide.

]]> By: Dr Disinhibition http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-89 Dr Disinhibition Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:50:58 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-89 A compelling argument. Whatever decision the President makes, he needs to make it with consideration of the larger issues that go beyond behavioral health. If he extends this letter to those that commit suicide having been exposed to combat, does he extend this letter to all who have committed suicide? What if they commit suicide the day after they enter basic training? What if they commit suicide long after they left service as a homeless veteran 30 years after this conflict has ended? Often times when one looks at the details of a case, it appears the prominent precipitating factors aren't directly deployment related. Contrary to what is read in the newspaper, it is not easily said in many cases that "If he/she hadn't deployed, if he/she hadn't seen combat, then this wouldn't have happened." So if the President extends this letter to Soldiers' families whose loved ones commit suicide, I would assert then that this letter should be written to any servicemember who dies during their active duty obligation for any cause of death to include Myocardial Infarction, Lupus, Cancer, and Motor Vehicle Accidents. What about when the Soldier dies years later from cancer that he/she attributes to exposures he received while deployed? The argument extends to this example as well. If you're willing to commit to extending this letter by the President to all Soldiers who die while on active duty for ANY reason, that's reasonable and consistent with the basis of the argument. But expect push back from those that disagree with you... those that do believe that some soldiers deaths are more worthy than others. Right or wrong, this is a belief that permeates our society as well as the armed forces. Some deaths are seen as more glorious / righteous / respected than others. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sends this implicit message. Its not rocket science to understand that "300" is a popular movie among deployed Soldiers. Is the judgement that some deaths more worthy than others wrong? right? I don't know. Regardless, it is commonplace and it is this concept that will primarily drive pushback against this move. A compelling argument.

Whatever decision the President makes, he needs to make it with consideration of the larger issues that go beyond behavioral health.

If he extends this letter to those that commit suicide having been exposed to combat, does he extend this letter to all who have committed suicide? What if they commit suicide the day after they enter basic training? What if they commit suicide long after they left service as a homeless veteran 30 years after this conflict has ended?

Often times when one looks at the details of a case, it appears the prominent precipitating factors aren’t directly deployment related. Contrary to what is read in the newspaper, it is not easily said in many cases that “If he/she hadn’t deployed, if he/she hadn’t seen combat, then this wouldn’t have happened.”

So if the President extends this letter to Soldiers’ families whose loved ones commit suicide, I would assert then that this letter should be written to any servicemember who dies during their active duty obligation for any cause of death to include Myocardial Infarction, Lupus, Cancer, and Motor Vehicle Accidents. What about when the Soldier dies years later from cancer that he/she attributes to exposures he received while deployed? The argument extends to this example as well.

If you’re willing to commit to extending this letter by the President to all Soldiers who die while on active duty for ANY reason, that’s reasonable and consistent with the basis of the argument. But expect push back from those that disagree with you… those that do believe that some soldiers deaths are more worthy than others. Right or wrong, this is a belief that permeates our society as well as the armed forces. Some deaths are seen as more glorious / righteous / respected than others. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier sends this implicit message. Its not rocket science to understand that “300″ is a popular movie among deployed Soldiers.

Is the judgement that some deaths more worthy than others wrong? right? I don’t know. Regardless, it is commonplace and it is this concept that will primarily drive pushback against this move.

]]> By: Isaiah A. Share, M.D. http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-86 Isaiah A. Share, M.D. Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:39:04 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-86 Not only is it likely that many or perhaps most cases of suicide are due to PTSD, but what is worse, is the possiblility that the degree of stress to which troops are being subjected is being grossly underestimated, and that the fact of individual limits to stress,e .g., the fact of a "breaking p oint" for each person is being ignored or obscured in some way. Data from WWI. WWII, Korea , and clinical observations as back as the Civil War, indicated that this breaking point varied according to the intensity of combat but I believe was not more than twenty five days. The combat rotations in in AFghanistan and Iraq are obviously mcu longer and while bullets may not be flying the stresses may be comparable. Its really unjust not to send letters of condolence for these troops and more positive leadership in this area shjould be forthcoming. Also, it seems that the number of troops necessary for successful counterterrorism operations my be much greater than what is now thought to be appropriate. Not only is it likely that many or perhaps most cases of suicide are due to PTSD, but what is worse, is the possiblility that the degree of stress to which troops are being subjected is being grossly underestimated, and that the fact of individual limits to stress,e .g., the fact of a “breaking p oint” for each person is being ignored or obscured in some way.
Data from WWI. WWII, Korea , and clinical observations as back as the Civil War, indicated that this breaking point varied according to the intensity of combat but I believe was not more than twenty five days. The combat rotations in in AFghanistan and Iraq are obviously mcu longer and while bullets may not be flying the stresses may be comparable.
Its really unjust not to send letters of condolence for these troops and more positive leadership in this area shjould be forthcoming.
Also, it seems that the number of troops necessary for successful counterterrorism operations my be much greater than what is now thought to be appropriate.

]]> By: Gregg Keesling http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/2009/12/condolence-for-soldier-suicide/comment-page-1/#comment-85 Gregg Keesling Thu, 24 Dec 2009 01:36:57 +0000 http://www.psychiatrytalk.com/?p=458#comment-85 Our son Chancellor Keesling died by suicide in Iraq on June 19th of this year. It is his story that has spurred the review currently underway. Thank you so much for writing this column and thank you for making a good case for why the President and the Secretary of Defense should change their long standing policy. And of course we appreciate the help that you cand other organizations are organizing around the isue. As the 5-6 investigation demonstrated, our son Chancellor was a good soldier. He succumbed to an illness as much as someone who dies in the war theater from food poisoning or infection, and we believe that the President should send condolences and express the country's appreciation of our family’s sacrifice. Less than 1% of our country serves in the military. Regardless of how a soldier dies at war, unless there are exigent circumstances the families of these soldiers who make a significant sacrifice for our country deserve solace and some acknowledgement from the President. Thank you again for your interest in our cause. Please help us in shining a light on this antiquated government policy. Below are links to the various coverage on this story. http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/27/soldier.suicide/index.html http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/10/condolence.letters/index.html?iref=allsearch http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/23/military.suicide.letters/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker Families of Military Suicides Seek White House Condolences http://www.indystar.com/article/20091201/OPINION08/912010306/1301/OPINION http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125911318179763359.html http://news.psydir.com/Psychology-Articles/condolence-letters-for-the-families-of-soldiers-who-die-by-suicide-a-response-to-paul-steinbergs-new-york-times-opinion-piece/ http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/12/opinion/12steinberg.html http://rawstory.com/news/afp/US_reviews_condolence_policy_for_tr_12162009.html Editorial - Neglected Warriors - NYTimes.com http://www.time.com/time/quotes/0,26174,1942938,00.html http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/soldiers-who-commit-suicide-merit-condolence-letter-98076.html?showComments=true&postingId=119259#commentsList http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20091201.shtml http://www.newser.com/story/74791/soldiers-family-pushes-for-suicide-condolences.html Families of Military Suicides Seek White House Condolences http://www.democracynow.org/2009/10/27/exclusive_parents_of_soldier_who_killed http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20091027_the_war_condolences_obama_hasnt_sent Parents of Iraq Veteran Receive Mistaken Notice from US Gov’t, Not Condolence Letter They Await from Obama Our son Chancellor Keesling died by suicide in Iraq on June 19th of this year. It is his story that has spurred the review currently underway.

Thank you so much for writing this column and thank you for making a good case for why the President and the Secretary of Defense should change their long standing policy. And of course we appreciate the help that you cand other organizations are organizing around the isue.

As the 5-6 investigation demonstrated, our son Chancellor was a good soldier. He succumbed to an illness as much as someone who dies in the war theater from food poisoning or infection, and we believe that the President should send condolences and express the country’s appreciation of our family’s sacrifice.

Less than 1% of our country serves in the military. Regardless of how a soldier dies at war, unless there are exigent circumstances the families of these soldiers who make a significant sacrifice for our country deserve solace and some acknowledgement from the President.

Thank you again for your interest in our cause. Please help us in shining a light on this antiquated government policy.

Below are links to the various coverage on this story.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/11/27/soldier.suicide/index.html
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/10/condolence.letters/index.html?iref=allsearch
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/12/23/military.suicide.letters/index.html?eref=rss_politics&iref=polticker
Families of Military Suicides Seek White House Condolences
http://www.indystar.com/article/20091201/OPINION08/912010306/1301/OPINION
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125911318179763359.html
http://news.psydir.com/Psychology-Articles/condolence-letters-for-the-families-of-soldiers-who-die-by-suicide-a-response-to-paul-steinbergs-new-york-times-opinion-piece/
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/12/opinion/12steinberg.html
http://rawstory.com/news/afp/US_reviews_condolence_policy_for_tr_12162009.html

Editorial – Neglected Warriors – NYTimes.com

http://www.time.com/time/quotes/0,26174,1942938,00.html
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/health/soldiers-who-commit-suicide-merit-condolence-letter-98076.html?showComments=true&postingId=119259#commentsList
http://www.cbc.ca/radioshows/AS_IT_HAPPENS/20091201.shtml
http://www.newser.com/story/74791/soldiers-family-pushes-for-suicide-condolences.html

Families of Military Suicides Seek White House Condolences

http://www.democracynow.org/2009/10/27/exclusive_parents_of_soldier_who_killed
http://www.truthdig.com/report/item/20091027_the_war_condolences_obama_hasnt_sent
Parents of Iraq Veteran Receive Mistaken Notice from US Gov’t, Not Condolence Letter They Await from Obama

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