Suicide is public health crisis in America - and it impacts military members and veterans especially hard. The CDC notes that veterans are among the group of Americans with higher-than-average rates of suicide.
From the CDC:
In 2020, 6,146 veterans died by suicide. Suicide was the 13th leading cause of death among veterans overall, and the second leading cause of death among veterans under age 45.8 Veterans have an adjusted suicide rate that is 57.3% greater than the non-veteran U.S. adult population. Veterans account for about 13.9% of suicides among adults in the United States.
Additionally, in 2019, 1.6% of veteran young adults ages 18-25 reported making a suicide attempt during the previous 12 months. This was an increase from 0.9% in 2009.
It doesn't have to be this way! Military members, their families and veterans have access to many mental health resources.
Military OneSource may be accessed online or by phone (800-342-9647). Services are available 24/7. The service also offers a veterans crisis line for those in immediate danger. It is online at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ or call 988.
Social workers, counselors and religious leaders are available at military bases across the world. Help is available - please reach out!