Timothy "TJ" Ryan served just under 13 years in the U.S. Army as an Airborne Ranger, from 2005 to 2017. He had eight 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
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. 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 visit the Veterans Crisis Line website.
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