Timothy "TJ" Ryan served just under 13 years in the US Army as an Airborne Ranger, from 2005 to 2017. He had 8 combat deployments to countries, including Iraq and Afghanistan, suffered moral injury, and was later diagnosed with PTSD--and then became an advocate and artist dedicated to eliminating the stigma of mental health care and gun violence. Today, he joins hosts Kelly and JJ, and Ted Bonar, a clinical psychologist specializing in military-related behavioral healthcare concerns, evidence-based treatment of PTSD, and suicide prevention and treatment. Together, they all discuss what it means to be a veteran, what role gender plays in veteran suicide, and how we all can be better informed and understanding about suicidology.
Mentioned in this podcast:
- We Lose 63 People a Day (Brady)
- Ending Family Fire (Brady)
- How Gun Violence and Suicide are Intrinsically Linked (Vets for Gun Reform)
- We Are Not Done Yet (HBO)
- Sources for Suicide Survivors (American Association of Suicidology)
- Firearms, Means Safety, and Suicide Prevention: A Clinical Workshop Webinar (American Association of Suicidology)
The Veteran's Crisis Line:
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1
Text to 838255
or Click Here
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.
For more information on Brady, follow us on social media @Bradybuzz or visit our website at bradyunited.org.
Full transcripts and bibliographies of this episode are available at bradyunited.org/podcast.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.
Music provided by: David “Drumcrazie” Curby
Special thanks to Hogan Lovells for their long-standing legal support
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