Navigating the hidden identity crisis behind Veteran suicide | Kerron Andrews | TEDxTemecula

Описание: We now understand that there's no direct correlation between combat experience and suicide; service members who spent their entire careers behind a desk are just as vulnerable to suicide as those who saw combat. The military provides us with Identity, Tribe, and Purpose, which fundamentally transform our lives. Unfortunately, when we transition, we often lose our Tribe and Purpose, leading to a disconnect between our old identity and the new civilian lifestyle which I believe is a significant factor in the suicide crisis among veterans. Kerron Andrews is an award-winning filmmaker, speaker, writer, and a Navy veteran with 13 years of service. During his time in the Navy, he excelled as one of the top recruiters in Columbus, Ohio, engaging with hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals. This experience deepened his understanding of why people choose to join the military, revealing the three transformative gifts it offers: Identity, Tribe, and Purpose.

Transitioning from military life presented its own set of mental challenges, prompting Kerron to embark on a journey of self-discovery. Armed with his newfound insights and the perspective gained from his recruiting days, he is now creating a documentary aimed at helping veterans navigate their transition to civilian life. He recognizes the incongruence many veterans face when they leave the military, and the loss of tribe, and purpose.

Kerron believes it's crucial to honor our service while embracing a new identity. Instead of clinging to the phrase ""Once a Marine, always a Marine,"" he advocates for a shift: ""Once a Marine, always a veteran."" This reflects a deeper truth about who we are now, emphasizing that identity shapes behavior. By forging a new identity, veterans can find pride in their past service while discovering who they are in this new chapter of life. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx