World Suicide Prevention Day is held every September 10 with the commitment to bring awareness to the emotional distress that can lead to unimaginable trauma. According to recent data, there has been a rise in suicides in the last 20 years by as much as 30%. Last year, the rate was 14.7 suicides per 100,000 people. This issue is especially relevant to the Veteran community.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has compiled the following alarming statistics related to Veteran suicide:
- Suicide was the 12th-leading cause of death for Veterans in 2022
- There was an average of 17.6 Veteran suicides per day in 2022
- The suicide rate among Veterans was highest in the 18 to 34-year-old group
- Firearms were involved in 73.5% of Veteran suicides
Overall, 140,000 Veterans have died by suicide since 2021. This is a crisis of epic proportions that demands attention.
What Are the Common Reasons for Suicide Risk Among Veterans?
The reasons why someone would take their own life are varied. Often, these tragedies happen without any apparent reason for the family or friends. Within the military community, several issues that Veterans experience that are unique, particularly those related to their deployment and transition back to civilian life.
The following beliefs have been identified as being especially troubling for Veterans:
- Hopelessness: This is the overwhelming sense that things won’t get better for the Veteran.
- Self-hatred: There could be a growing sense of self-hatred that makes them think they are unworthy of love or respect.
- Disconnectedness: Veterans can experience a sense of isolation, and they have no one to turn to for support.
Some Veterans think that their troubles are a burden for their family and that they would be better off without them. Often, these feelings are associated with an illness that the Veteran feels is costing too much for the family and creating a burden for them to provide care.
At Frost Law Firm, PC, we have worked with many Veterans who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma that was contracted through their military service. Many times, they can face crippling medical expenses. That can drive them to dangerous thoughts.
Many of these feelings can be tied to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is high among Veterans. Fortunately, the Veterans Administration has stepped up efforts to prevent suicide among the community.
VA Prevention Plan
The National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report lays out a comprehensive plan to address the issue of Veteran suicides, starting with the COMPACT Act. Under this act, Veterans who are in an acute suicide crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for emergency health care at no cost.
The Suicide Prevention VA Telehealth programs allow Veterans to get access to support through video sessions. Being able to log in and speak with a mental health professional from the comfort of one’s own home has reduced the barriers to care.
Risk identification is also an important component used in suicide prevention among Veterans.
With routine medical care, a risk screening can help identify if the Veteran is currently in crisis. Those risk factors can include the following:
- Insomnia
- Agitation
- Feeling trapped
- Suicidal thoughts
- Suicide preparation or rehearsal
When these risk factors are identified, further care and monitoring can be recommended.
Mission Daybreak is another initiative that can benefit Veterans by providing wellness checks, training enhancements, and developing mental health coping tools.
Immediate Care Help
There are also immediate and direct interventions that Veterans have access to, including the following:
- Veterans Crisis Line: For 24/7 confidential support, veterans and their loved ones can call or text the Veterans Crisis Line
- Call or Text: Dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255
- Chat online: Connect confidentially at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat
The Veterans Crisis Line is answered by a real person who provides confidential help. The caller doesn’t have to give any personal information, and it puts them in charge of the conversation. It’s also free, and enrollment in the VA is not a requirement.
If you suspect that someone you care about is in crisis, you can also reach out to any of the resources listed above for support.
If you’re concerned, help is just a phone call away.
