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U.S. Veterans are dying by suicide at an alarming pace.
The national Veteran suicide rate was almost 30 per 100,000 people in 2015, or about 20 deaths every day, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. The age-adjusted rate of suicide among veterans increased more than 30 percent from 2005 to 2015, compared to an almost 20 percent increase among the non-Veteran population. And female Veterans, in particular, saw a 45 percent spike over that same period.
“Military life is hard for a variety of reasons, including an increased exposure to trauma, frequent moves that disrupt one’s social support networks and prolonged separations due to deployments,” said Carl Castro, associate professor, retired U.S. Army colonel and director for USC’s Center for Innovation and Research on Veterans and Military Families.
Exposure to stress during military service may increase or intensify crises. If you’re a Veteran or Service Member experiencing a crisis, the resource below may help.
If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like to talk to someone, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. This is for everyone – and it’s free and confidential.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
Veterans dying by suicide every day
Many factors contribute to someone feeling suicidal. And their personal circumstances can increase the risk. The stigma attached to asking for help may also increase risk. Everyone struggles, but not everyone has a support system to help them cope and solve problems. It’s important for people to connect with others when they are struggling. To help prevent suicide, we can all learn and look for the signs that someone may be at risk.
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