Dr. Keith Ablow: On Memorial Day Millions of Veterans Still Fight for Their Lives

Memorial Day honors the heroes who died in service to the United States of America, fighting to preserve freedom.  That is the ultimate sacrifice and should motivate the rest of us to do everything we can to protect this nation from the constant efforts of evil forces to destroy it.  To give one’s life for ideals integral to the soul of Man, as ensconced in the U.S. Constitution, is not just inspiring; it is awe inspiring.

As one of the founders, along with Commander Kirk Lippold, USN (Ret.), Christian Josi and Bill Fidler, of Help22 (www.help22.org), I know that millions of veterans continue to fight for their lives against scourges like major depression and PTSD, which are the direct result of their service.  According to some studies, 22 veterans per day take their lives; other studies say the number is higher.  That’s why we started Help22—to offer any veteran the psychological coaching to resist giving into despondency and darkness.

When we send warriors into battle, we know very well that we are exposing them to stresses that can slowly—rather than immediately—take their lives.  They know it, too.  Yet, they go to defend this country and its interests, nonetheless. 

On Memorial Day, we honor the fallen.  And on Memorial Day, we should also acknowledge that some heroes fall many years after the impact of what they have done—for us and the US.  And we should do all we can to prevent more losses on that battlefield of the mind where wars settled decades ago can still rage on.

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If you or a loved one needs help to survive the aftermath of serving this country, contact us at www.help22.org