There are those among us who answered the call of higher duty. Those who put their lives on the line for our freedom. Unfortunately, the ravages of war have claimed some and left others with scars that run deeper than most will ever know. Although the evidence of combat is visible with some, for many it is the unseen mental anguish that goes unchecked. For this reason, Beyond Clothing is placing emphasis on mental health this Veterans Day.
Beyond Clothing Puts Mental Health at the Forefront this Veterans Day
Over recent years the number 22 has been synonymous with veteran suicide. Because, according to a VA report in 2016, that is the number of veterans that commit suicide every day. As a result, many challenges have arisen to bring awareness to this tragic reality. Challenges such as runs, biking, walking, marching, pushups, etc.
Fortunately, according to a VA 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, there is a decrease in veteran suicides. According to the report, in 2019, there were 6,261 veteran suicide deaths. This is 399 fewer than in 2018. However, in 2019, the veteran suicide rate was still 31.6 per 100,000—higher than the 16.8 per 100,000 among non-veterans. The number is almost double for veterans than that of non-veterans. While seeing a decrease is good, there is still so much more to do.
Making a Difference
As a society we cannot let our veterans suffer in lonely silence. It is unacceptable to discard their sacrifice like last year’s fruitcake at this year’s Christmas party. For this reason, one company is literally putting its money where its mouth is. Today, in honor of Veterans Day, Beyond Clothing is shutting down their website for 24 hours, starting at 11:00 AM.
The timing is a nod to the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918. It was on this day that fighting ceased between Allied nations and Germany as an armistice went into effect. For that reason, this is considered the end of “the war to end all wars.”
In a statement from Beyond Clothing they write, “BEYOND Clothing is committed to protecting those who protect us. Our website will be “locked” for 24 hours, beginning at Nov 11th at 11:00am EST, as an effort to raise awareness for mental health. Shopping and browsing will be disabled and our site will point towards mental health resources.
“There are people in our lives today fighting battles that we cannot see. Please. Take a moment and reach out to a Veteran to remind them they have loved ones in their corner. We’re all in this together. We’re all fighters of the good fight.”
If you are a veteran—or know a veteran—struggling with PTSD we encourage you to reach out for help. You are not in this alone. There are many great resources, but namely the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs have many tools that can help. Please head over and explore the options available.
It is with deep gratitude that we thank you for your service and want you to know that you are not forgotten. You matter.
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