Loss 20/101: Loss of veterans to suicide: Shaun Johnson

04/12/22 • 58 min

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The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and loss

#027. Sadly, the UK loses about 70 to 80 veterans to suicide every year, over one a week, and in the US the statistics are significantly higher, with multiples lives lost per day. Such an important topic needs talking about, so in this episode we chat to former soldier Shaun 'Johno' Johnson from London.
Loss #20 of 101 - Loss of veterans to suicide.

Shaun is no stranger to loss. When he was just six years old, his mum died while she was giving birth to his sister. Shaun and his siblings were left with a military dad who, himself, struggled to cope with the death of his young wife.
Years later Shaun followed the familiar footsteps into the military but was discharged with a crush injury 12 years into his intended 22-year career. Another loss. Sadly, Shaun was ill-prepared for his sudden return to Civvy Street, spiralling down and down until a failed attempt to end his own life,. This is sadly not a unique story for military veterans.

However, after a further loss - this time of his dad - and then falling in love with his wife, Shaun chose to regain control of his life, deciding it was worth fighting for. Since then he has dedicated loads of energy to family life, art, music and supporting veterans as they leave the military. He now works for The Poppy Factory and, having lost three ex-military friends in 18 months to suicide, is passionate about raising awareness of the suicide rates among veterans.
To find out more about Shaun visit:
https://twitter.com/Shaun5195
https://twitter.com/OnParadeUK
https://www.youtube.com/OnParadeUK
https://www.shaunjohnson.org

If you need someone to talk to, the Samaritans are always available by phoning 116 123 or by texting ‘SHOUT’ to 85258.
And the National Suicide Prevention Helpline is available on: 0800 689 5652 (UK) or 1-800-273-8255 (US).

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The Silent Why: finding hope in grief and loss - Loss 20/101: Loss of veterans to suicide: Shaun Johnson

Transcript

Shaun00:00:02.279

Hi, my name is Shaun 'Johno' Johnson. I'm a military veteran. I want to talk about some of the friends that I've lost through suicide, what that means to me and how I've overcome my own struggles with suicide as well.

Claire00:00:16.379

Welcome back to The Silent Why podcast, we're your hosts Claire Sandys, and this guy next to me...

Chris00:00:21.329

Alan Ritchson.

Claire