Congressman Ted S. Yoho (R-FL) gave the following remarks on the House floor about suicide prevention.
Remarks as prepared:
I would like to thank the gentlewoman from Arizona for hosting this special order and continuing to call attention to the 20 veteran suicides the nation suffers each day.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but as a country, we need to use this platform to make it a national priority every hour, every day, every month of the year.
Suicide is among the top ten leading causes of death in the United States. I urge all Americans to take the time to learn the warning signs and where to find help for someone who may be struggling.
From the brilliant comedian Robin Williams, to bullied young kids, to the brave men and women of our nation’s military returning from the battlefield; suicide doesn’t discriminate. Emotional pain and despair can set in and take root in the mind and body of all ages and across all demographics.
Often the signs of suicide go undetected which leaves those left behind asking ‘why did this happen and what could I have done to help prevent this tragedy.”
It is so important that we have an open and honest dialog about the issue of suicide. The more we talk about it, we increase people’s awareness that there is help, there are alternatives.
Today a disproportionate amount of our nation’s veterans are falling victim to suicide. After all they have given to this country; it is tragic and unacceptable that our nation’s veterans often suffer alone until it is too late for those around them to help.
By shining a light on veteran suicide, we as a nation can start to understand the urgency to which we need to solve and prevent this epidemic that our veterans, their families, and their friends struggle with. Not recognizing the signs early enough all too often leads to loss of life.
Our government asks our men and women to place themselves in harm’s way - we as a nation must come together to ensure a strong support system is in place to help them when they come home.
This begins with raising public awareness and eliminating stigmas associated with seeking help. This means connecting combat veterans with mental health providers who have a shared experience of having served in a combat zone themselves. This means additional mental health resources. And, this means prioritizing a change in our nation’s approach to recognizing the needs of others who may be suffering in silence.
Congress and the VA are working to enact changes that will help save our soldiers, but we cannot do it alone. It is the American people that will lead the way in changing the way society views, recognizes, and treats mental health conditions.
To the men and women whose pain has yet to be known, I say to you, “I see you. I hear you. Finding support and comfort in one another, it is together that we can survive.”
I urge anyone who is suffering to reach out to those around you and ask for help – this does not mean you are weak or deficient. Asking for help is the greatest sign of the enduring strength and perseverance you possess.
Call a local mental health clinic or your local VA. Call your Member of Congress if you need to, we’re here to help – you are never alone.
I thank my colleague, and I yield back.
