Veteran Suicide Prevention: What We Know and What We Can Do
Veteran suicide is a national crisis. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 17 veterans die by suicide every day in the United States. Understanding the causes, warning signs, and effective interventions is critical to turning this tide.
Why Veterans Are at Higher Risk
Military service can expose individuals to unique risk factors that increase vulnerability to suicidal ideation:
- Combat trauma and PTSD: Repeated exposure to life-threatening situations creates deep psychological wounds that, without proper treatment, can become overwhelming.
- Moral injury: The psychological damage caused by actions that violate one’s own moral code — common in combat situations — is a significant but underrecognized factor.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): TBIs sustained during service are strongly linked to increased suicide risk.
- Transition challenges: Moving from military to civilian life can cause a profound loss of purpose, structure, and community.
- Access to lethal means: Veterans are more likely to own firearms, which increases the lethality of suicide attempts.
- Stigma around mental health: Military culture sometimes discourages seeking help, leading veterans to suffer in silence.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Recognizing the warning signs of suicidal ideation in a veteran can save a life:
- Talking about wanting to die or having no reason to live
- Withdrawing from friends, family, and activities they once enjoyed
- Increased alcohol or drug use
- Giving away prized possessions
- Extreme mood swings or sudden calmness after a period of depression
- Expressing feelings of being a burden to others
- Researching methods of suicide
What You Can Do Right Now
- Ask directly: Research shows that asking someone if they are thinking about suicide does not increase risk — it opens the door to help.
- Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for the veteran to express their feelings without fear of criticism.
- Remove access to lethal means: If you believe someone is at immediate risk, help safely secure or remove firearms and medications.
- Connect them to help: Call the Veterans Crisis Line together: dial 988, then press 1.
- Follow up: One conversation isn’t enough. Check in regularly and let them know you care.
If You Are a Veteran in Crisis
You are not alone. What you are feeling is real, and help is available. Please reach out:
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- VA Same-Day Mental Health Care: Walk into your nearest VA medical center and ask for same-day mental health services.
