Manatee County strives to become a veteran safe place

The rate of veteran suicide in Florida is 2.5 times higher than that of all other civilians, so Manatee County would like to become known as a “Veteran Safe Place.” 

However, that designation requires the community’s help. 

The county has partnered with The Fire Watch, a statewide nonprofit focused on ending veteran suicide, to train residents to spot the signs of a mental health crisis. 

To receive the designation of a safe place, 300 people need to become “watch standers,” but Commissioner Jason Bearden, who is a former E6 staff sergeant for the Marine Corps, upped the goal to 700 trained watch standers.

In the military, a watch stander is someone who looks for potential danger and threats. So in Bearden's view, the more the better.

The training covers the signs of crisis, what steps to take if spotted, and myths that surround suicide. 

Brianne Brown, The Fire Watch’s regional programs director for Central Florida and also an Air Force veteran, stressed that while the training is military focused, it can help save anyone’s life. 

“I truly believe that we can reduce suicide, not only in Manatee County, but in the state and in the nation as this program blossoms,” Bearden said. “It's a wonderful program that educates anybody on how to approach a major issue.” 

The program is also free. Residents can sign up to attend an in-person or virtual training. 

Bearden said he’s working on bringing a training session to the Lakewood Ranch Library to make it easier for East County residents to attend in person.

Even for those individuals who don't know a veteran personally, the course has something to offer. It guides participants through proper etiquette upon meeting a veteran and provides a glimpse into "military culture." 

Thousands of American veterans were asked one question: What is one thing that you would want someone in your life — who is trying to understand you — to know?

The 1.5-hour course covers the 15 most common responses. 

No. 1 on the list is that not all veterans are soldiers. When meeting a veteran, take the time to ask which branch of the military in which they served. 

No. 10 is that it’s hard for veterans to ask for help. 

Brown said military service is so focused on others that self-care is not highly valued. 

The primary emotions of guilt and shame also get in the way of veterans sharing their suicidal thoughts with others. There’s a fear of being judged and a view that the person is weak. 

On the other hand, friends and family are scared to ask the “most important” question, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”

Brown said people can sometimes feel as if asking the question puts a responsibility on them, but watch standers are only asked to “call and connect,” which simply entails connecting the veteran with a professional at the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 

Studies show that most suicidal crises last for a relatively brief period of time, so a delay of a few hours, or sometimes just minutes, could save a life. 

Photo by Lesley Dwyer

Bradenton’s Carlos de Quesada, a former officer for the U.S. Marine Corps, attended the county’s first training session March 26 at the Emergency Operations Center. He was one of a dozen people in attendance. 

“My business partner is also a veteran. My wife is a veteran,” he said. “Thanks be to God that I don’t have any of the issues in terms of suicidal thoughts, but I wanted to be more sensitive to the issue.” 

De Quesada is also a managing partner at VeraCruz Advisory, a consulting firm that works with nonprofit clients that serve veterans, so he tries to stay attuned to the latest thinking on the subject. 

He was impressed with Brown’s presentation and said he will be passing on the information in both his personal and professional lives.

The program uses the acronym S.A.V.E. to easily get its message across.

• Signs include hopelessness, anxiety, insomnia, mood changes, rage, anger, increased substance use and withdrawing from family and friends.
• Ask the most important question, “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
• Validate the veterans experience.
• Encourage treatment and expedite getting help. 

"It's good to know these things," Bearden said. "It helps recognize veterans, and people who aren't veterans, who are dealing with mental health issues." 

To get a veteran help, call 800-273-TALK or 988, and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Another option is to text 988.