Veteran Suicide Prevention: Breaking the Stigma & Supporting Gold Star Families | We Got Your 6 and 12

On this episode of We Got Your Six and Twelve on WJOB, host Connie Karis leads a powerful and heartfelt conversation about veteran suicide prevention, mental health awareness, grief, and supporting the families left behind after suicide loss.

Joined by Jennifer Snyder Prohl, Marla Haish, and Department of Defense Honor Guard member Nick Suarez, this episode shares the personal experiences of those who have witnessed the struggles of mental illness and lost loved ones to the invisible wounds of military service. Through their stories of Kevin and Eric, the guests discuss the lasting impact of PTSD, depression, survivor's guilt, and the challenges families face while trying to understand and cope with loss.

This important conversation highlights why we must break the stigma surrounding suicide, stop placing blame on grieving families, and create space for honest conversations about mental health. The guests also emphasize that grief looks different for everyone and that healing happens one day at a time.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Veteran suicide prevention and the invisible wounds of military service

• PTSD, depression, and the mental health challenges veterans face

• The experiences of families grieving a loved one lost to suicide

• Survivor's guilt, grief, and the importance of releasing self-blame

• Gold Star families and honoring the lives and legacies of fallen veterans

• How to recognize warning signs and have difficult conversations about suicide

• Free suicide prevention training and mental health resources

• The importance of community support, compassion, and breaking the silence surrounding mental health

Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Resources Mentioned:

• LivingWorks: https://livingworks.net/

• QPR Institute: https://qprinstitute.com/

• Mental Health First Aid: https://www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org/

• Zero Suicide Alliance: https://zerosuicidealliance.com/

• GriefShare: https://www.griefshare.org/

These resources offer training and support to help people recognize warning signs, start difficult conversations, and connect others with help.

At its heart, We Got Your Six and Twelve is dedicated to suicide prevention among veterans, first responders, their families, and the communities that support them. This episode reminds us that a person's life is not defined by their death, families are not to blame for a loved one's struggles, and no one should have to face mental health challenges alone.

Watch, listen, and help us spread awareness. Sometimes, starting a conversation can make a difference. Be kind. Everyone is going through something.

📻 Listen to Veterans Views on WJOB every Friday from 9–10 a.m. Central on WJOB 1230 AM and 104.7 FM in Hammond, Indiana.

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