Know Jack #482 The Liars Table

Much is said these days on social media about veteran suicide. Rightfully so. If there ever was an epidemic that required the attention of all Americans, this is it.

To be honest, there is no single solution. That’s because we’re dealing with people, people who are hurting and feel alone. The first, best thing to know about people is that no two are exactly alike, and neither are their wants and needs.

What I offer is not a solution, by any stretch of the imagination. It’s more of a hope. Nevertheless, it is not hope without some foundation. If that foundation happens to be exaggerated stories told by old men, so be it. When the military gave serious thought to helping WWII bomber pilots cope with combat, one of the first things they learned was that men sharing their experiences with others who had encountered the same troubles helped their overall mental health.

Some psychologists went along on daylight bombing missions over Germany just to be able to talk to their patients as fellow soldiers. Strangely enough, it worked. It still does. Men who are hesitant to “open up about their feelings” to psychologists, spouses, and friends find they can talk to guys who’ve been there. “There” can be as broad as the same war or as narrow as the same unit and still help.

Can sitting around a table telling stories and drinking beer really prevent vets from committing suicide? I have some experience with suicide prevention. I’m no expert, and I have no definitive answer. But it couldn’t hurt to try.

Can it improve veterans' mental health—absolutely. I have some experience there too and some testimonies to its benefits. Our control group is fondly called the Liar’s Table. We meet once a week, and every man there will tell you he comes away from the table feeling better for the experience.