A War at Home: Supporting Veterans Who Struggle with Suicide
Earlier this year, the release of a detailed report on post-9/11 military suicides made for grim headlines. Since the terrorist attacks in 2001, NPR reported, deaths by suicide among soldiers and veterans are over 4 times higher than deaths due to combat, accidents and illnesses on the battlefield.
After being willing to sacrifice their lives for our country, veterans return home only to face an epidemic of suicide almost double that of the general population. Whether they saw combat or not, several issues put veterans at greater risk of suicide, including unique mental health concerns, fear of injury or death in combat, sexual assault in the military, separation from loved ones, a masculine military culture and easier access to firearms.
The Rand Corporation found that, within the already high veteran suicide rate, the rate of suicide for veterans with a mental health diagnosis was more than double that of those without diagnoses.
Early intervention through effective mental healthcare is vital to treating these underlying issues. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common issue among veterans. But even veterans who did not see combat may face conditions like bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and various substance abuse disorders that put them at increased risk of suicide.
If you have a loved one who served in the military, make sure to pay attention to their emotional and mental health. As with anyone who is struggling or considering suicide, it’s important to connect with them, help them talk through their concerns and connect them with professional help when necessary.
The nature of military work can separate soldiers from family and friends for extended periods of time. Veterans returning home can also feel disconnected from loved ones and have trouble explaining their emotions and experiences, so try to build connections and respond with empathy to someone reentering civilian society.
It’s also important to keep someone considering suicide away from lethal means like firearms. This is especially vital among veterans because guns accounted for 69.4% of veteran suicides, a much higher proportion than the general population.
While there are many warning signs of suicide, the Veterans Crisis Line lists the following ones as warranting immediate attention:
Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
Looking for ways to kill yourself
Talking about death, dying, or suicide
Self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol and drug abuse, self-injury, risk taking, etc.
In recent years, more resources specifically for veterans who are struggling with suicidal thoughts like the Veterans Crisis Line have become available. This hotline is a vital service that connects people in crisis with qualified responders who are trained specifically to support veterans by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
If you or a veteran you love is in crisis, the Crisis Line can be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255, texting 838255 or clicking this link. They urge calling if someone is talking about feeling hopeless, experiencing anxiety or agitation, or increasing risky behaviors or substance abuse.
Services are anonymous, confidential and available 24/7. Individuals do not have to be registered with or receiving healthcare from the VA to call.
Other resources for individuals in or on the verge of crisis include the Wounded Warrior Project and Make the Connection, which compiles information and resources about veteran mental health.
If you or someone you know is struggling, early intervention with effective mental healthcare can help prevent crisis down the line. To learn about how Right Track Medical Group’s services might help, read about our approach to care. We also have a resource guide about PTSD and how this condition affects veterans.
Schedule an appointment by calling our office at (662) 234-7601.