Phoenix soldier’s suicide note goes viral
Jul 8, 2013, 2:36 PM | Updated: Jul 9, 2013, 10:46 am
A suicide note written by a Phoenix soldier is going viral after being released to media.
According to CNN.com, Daniel Somers, who took his own life on June 10, served in the Iraq War and in 2008 was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a brain injury, Gulf War syndrome, fibromyalgia and many other physical and mental health problems.
In his final letter, Somers’ words painted a picture of the effects of depression. He wrote:
“All day, every day a screaming agony in every nerve ending in my body. It is nothing short of torture. My mind is a wasteland, filled with visions of incredible horror, unceasing depression, and crippling anxiety.”
Throughout the note Somers criticized the Department of Veterans Affairs for being careless. After the family released the letter, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors released a statement emphasizing that suicide is not a solution. In response, Somers’ parents said:
“I think what Daniel has asked us to do, which we will not stop doing, is to address the systemic issues at the VA that led to him writing that letter.”
Somers sought help through medication, therapy and creative outlets with no avail.
“Too trapped in a war to be at peace, too damaged to be at war.”
