Buddy Check 22 and One Too Many

 

The idea of “22” has taken a hit in the military community. The data that I along with so many others reference is from a report published three years ago referencing numbers from before that.

For example, read “Examining the Narrative of 22”

http://www.oafnation.com/hitter-feed/2016/1/28/why-you-can-delete-all-your-22-a-day-hashtags

 

Here is the good news, the current number is no longer 22.

Here is the bad news, even one is too many.

 

While some may say to jump off this bandwagon, I choose to stay with the model of suicide prevention. Everyone’s experience is vastly different, but I know what depression is to me. While depression is not the sole reason people commit or attempt suicide, it is often a contributing factor. Maybe I will change my wording from “Buddy Check 22” to “One Is Too Many”. I don’t know, but this is not something to be abandoned.

Regardless of the number, check in with your buddy today. Smile and greet at a stranger walking down the street. You never know if your smile is the only one they will receive all day.

 

 

#twloha

#onetoomany

 

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