New Frontlines: Trends in Veterans' Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Success with Dr. Joe Geraci | Ep. 133

“We need to leverage the sea of Goodwill in the community to do more than just say ‘Thank you for your service.’ Mentor, hire, help with the transition from active duty to civilian life.” - Dr. Joe Geraci

I met Dr. Joseph Geraci on the advisory committee through "Face the Fight" a consortium/initiative; with the goal of reducing Veterans' suicide by 50% in 5 years. We review the crucial support mechanisms for veterans during their vulnerable transition period into civilian life, especially focusing on preventing suicide. It's alarming to see the immense challenges young veterans face, carrying double the risk of suicide compared to their peers. Joe shared some brilliant insights, particularly through the "Onward Ops" initiative, a partnership with Google that empowers us all to become certified sponsors and support our veterans more effectively. If you're moved by this cause, I strongly encourage you to visit onwardops.org—every small step truly counts.

One of the most compelling takeaways from our conversation was Joe’s emphasis on the need for empathy and understanding from mental health professionals and every individual in the community. His experience, bridging military service and psychology, is a powerful testament to how leadership and support can transform lives. Joe spoke about the strategic use of predictive analytics to identify at-risk veterans and the necessity of firearm safety in suicide prevention efforts. It's not just about evidence-based treatments; it's about creating a safe, compassionate space where veterans feel valued and understood. So, let’s rise to the challenge together, acknowledge these brave men and women with more than just words, and take real, heartfelt actions to support their journey.

More about Dr. Joe Geraci

Dr. Joe Geraci, a retired Infantry Lieutenant Colonel with 20+ years of service, deployed to Afghanistan four times with elite units. He holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from Columbia University and teaches military psychology at Columbia. At VISN 2 MIRECC, he develops interventions to eliminate suicide in Transitioning Service Members/Veterans. Towards these aims, he leads two national VA programs, the Veteran Sponsorship Initiative (VSI) and the Veterans Cultural Competency Training.

Takeaways:

  • We have a concerning trend of 18-34-year-old service members' suicide rates increasing while other age groups are holding steady or decreasing.

  • We can use predictive analytics and precision medicine to hone specialized support to those most at risk for suicide during the "deadly gap" --> the 1st 5 months after discharge from the military

  • We need to have leadership training that cultivates tactical/strategic excellence AND empathy and compassion. One without the other will fail our service members. 

Show Notes - More about Dr. Joseph Geraci

  • LinkedIn profile of Dr. Joseph Geraci https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-geraci-phd-psychologist-57092b34/

  • Geraci, J. (n.d.). About Dr. Joseph Geraci. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA VISN 2 Center for Integrated Healthcare. Retrieved from https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn2/geraci.asp

  • Geraci, J. (n.d.). Faculty bio of Dr. Joseph Geraci. Teachers College, Columbia University. Retrieved from https://www.tc.columbia.edu/faculty/jcg2123/

  • More About Dr. Joseph Geraci’s Research

  • ClinicalTrials.gov. (2015). Comparison of standard transition assistance program (TAP) to a more comprehensive, supportive intervention program for transitioning veterans [Study ID: NCT02627612]. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02627612

  • Veterans Affairs Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI). (2021). Supporting Veterans’ mental health: Quality improvement projects to enhance access and transition support. QUERI Quarterly, December 2021 Issue. Retrieved from https://www.queri.research.va.gov/qnews/dec21/default.cfm?QnewsMenu=article3

  • Forster, M., Perez, A. R., & Gerard, M. A. (2023). Psychological impacts of the transition from military to civilian life: Risk and resilience factors. American Journal of Psychology, 131(6), 711-726. doi:10.1037/amp0000783 https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2023-86312-001.html

  • PsychArmor. (2023). Podcast with Dr. Joseph Geraci on veterans’ mental health. PsychArmor. Retrieved from https://psycharmor.org/podcast/dr-joseph-geraci

  • More on Military Transitional Stress

  • Mobbs, M. C., & Bonanno, G. A. (2018). Beyond war and PTSD: The crucial role of transition stress in the mental health of military veterans. Clinical Psychology Review, 59, 137-144. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2017.11.007

  • Nugent, W., Anderson, S., & Litz, B. T. (2020). Systematic review of mental health interventions for military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Journal of Military Medicine, 185(5-6), 317-325. doi:10.1093/milmed/usz453 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7471060/

  • Sayer, N. A., Carlson, K. F., & Frazier, P. A. (2014). Reintegration challenges in U.S. service members and veterans following wartime deployment. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 29(S4), 568-574. doi:10.1007/s11606-014-2902-1

  • Smith, R. T., & True, G. (2014). Warring identities: Identity conflict and the mental distress of American veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Society and Mental Health, 4(2), 147-161. doi:10.1177/2156869313512212

  • Thompson, J. M., Lockhart, W., & Roach, M. B. (2021). Examining suicide and suicidality among veterans transitioning from military to civilian life. Journal of Military and Veterans' Health, 29(3), 33-41. Retrieved from https://jmvh.org/

  • Weiss, E. L., & Coll, J. E. (2022). Exploring the transition from military to civilian life: A review of factors affecting suicide rates among veterans. Military Medicine, 187(1-2), 146-153. doi:10.1093/milmed/usaa338