Veterans Share Their Stories: Why Access to Mental Health Services is Crucial for Our Heroes

COLORADO SPRINGS — Recently, Matthew Livelsberger, an Army veteran, tragically took his own life before detonating a Tesla Cybertruck outside a Trump Hotel on New Year’s Day. His story highlights the urgent need for mental health support among veterans.

Marcus Amos Jr. knows this struggle all too well. Before becoming a barber, he served in the Air Force Security Forces and went on three deployments. During his second deployment, he noticed unexpected changes in himself.

“Being young, you don’t really know what’s happening,” Amos shared. For six long years, he battled constant worries about returning home safely and losing his fellow airmen.

Dr. Rashawnda Walker, a mental health counselor at D&W Psychological Services, understands these challenges. She emphasized that being in a state of constant survival can take a serious toll on one’s mental health. “If you don’t learn how to manage those thoughts, you can feel trapped in a fight-or-flight mode,” she explained.

Statistics from the U.S. Veterans Affairs Department tell a grim story. In 2022, more than 6,400 veterans died by suicide. Amos urges those in similar situations not to suffer in silence. “We aren’t trained to handle these feelings alone. It’s crucial to seek help and use available resources,” he advises.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. You can reach out to the Colorado Mental Health Line by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988colorado.com. Another option is the Colorado Crisis Lifeline, where you can text “TALK” to 38255 or call 1-844-493-8255.