VETERAN CRISIS LINE

Suicidal Warning Signs

In 2020, there were 6,146 Veteran suicides, which averages to 16.8 Veterans dying by suicide every day.2 Additionally, in the two decades between 2001 and 2020, the prevalence of mental health or substance use disorder (SUD) among participants using Veterans Health Administration (VHA) rose from 27.9% to 41.9%.2

Other commonly cited factors leading to increased suicide risk in Veterans as well as other groups:3

• Anger, rage, mood swings, and episodes of anxiety and agitation.
• Expressing feelings of having no reason to live.
• Increased alcohol and/or substance misuse.
• Self-destructive and risky behaviors like driving while impaired.

Seek help right away if you or someone you know is experiencing signs of committing suicide.

The suicide rate for Veterans is 1.5 times higher than that of the general population.4

Comparing the rate among women Veterans to non-Veteran adult women, the rate is 2.5 times higher.5 In 2017, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) reported the highest suicide rate among women using VA health services at 20 per 100,000. Since 2017, however, that number has decreased and was recorded to be approximately 14 per 100,000 in 2020.2

Suicide rates have been historically high among young Veterans and older Veterans as well. In the 20 years between 2001 and 2020, the suicide rate among Veterans between the ages of 18 and 34 increased by 95.3%. During that same time period, the suicide rate among Veterans between the ages of 55 and 74 rose 58.2%. From 2019-2020, however, the suicide rate for older Veterans decreased while the suicide rate among Veterans in the 18-34 age group increased.

About 17 Veterans commit suicide a day.

Several other factors besides gender and age, play a role in higher suicide rates among Veterans. Certain emotional precursors may precede suicide events, including feelings of loneliness, isolation, hopelessness, and depression.6 In a summary of multiple studies, the VA found a variety of factors that may increase the risk of suicide, especially where multiple factors exist. Some of these include:

Acute psychosocial stressors.

• Having low cholesterol.
• Higher doses of opioid medications for pain control.
• Insomnia.
• Mental health conditions like anxiety disorder, manic-depressive disorder, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
• Substance misuse, especially heavy binge drinking.ilitary Appreciation App was founded by a group of veterans who saw a need for better support and resources for the veteran community. Our organization is committed to providing assistance to veterans in need, whether it's help finding a job, connecting with mental health resources, or accessing affordable housing. We believe that every veteran deserves access to the care and support they need to thrive after serving our country.