By Renee Gurley | Contributing Columnist

November is the month the U.S. pauses to honor those who have served. Flags are waved in red, white and blue. Tributes are posted. Ceremonies recognize feats of bravery.

But for many veterans, their story is more complicated. The Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2024 Annual Suicide Prevention Report puts the current average at 17.6 veteran suicides per day. Numbers like this suggest veterans need more than a once-a-year celebration.

The question “What can be done?” doesn’t offer easy answers. However, writing is a possible elixir. Dr. James Pennebaker, a psychologist and pioneer in expressive writing research, found that even short bursts of writing about emotional experiences can improve mental health and reduce symptoms of PTSD. Something powe

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