Visory Health Veterans: National Suicide Prevention Month

September marks Suicide Prevention Month. This is an important month to remember our brothers and sisters gone too soon and those who remain struggling and need our support and assistance. We’ve all been touched by suicide in one way or another. Whether a loved one is struggling, a neighbor, co-worker, or fellow Veteran you see every week at Church, suicide and its prevalence in our community is undeniable. In this blog, we’ll discuss suicide among the Veteran Community and highlight some practical information to identify some warning signs, how to help prevent suicide, and how to reach out to get help for Veterans in crisis.

Suicide Statistics Among Veterans

Stop Soldier Suicide, a nonprofit organization committed to preventing suicide among U.S. Veterans, estimates that Veterans are at a 72% higher risk of suicide than citizens who haven’t served. There are over 6,000 Veterans lost to suicide each year, and it is the 2nd leading cause of death in Veterans under age 45.

According to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs:

Roughly half of all Veterans in the United States don’t receive services or benefits from the VA.
The 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report states Veteran groups heavily impacted include: Women Veterans, American Indian or Native Veterans, VHA Veterans, Homeless Veterans, and Justice-Involved Veterans.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):

Suicide was one of the nine leading causes of death in the US in 2022
Suicide outnumbered homicides in the US from 2011-2020

Reasons for Veteran Suicide

Suicide is a multifaceted and complex issue. Some factors identified by the Veteran Administration that may contribute to a higher risk of Veteran suicide include:

Housing instability
Anxiety and depression levels
Barriers to health care
Increased firearm availability

Additional suicide higher risk factors for Veterans per SAMHSA include:

Combat exposure
PTSD
Challenges of reintegration from military to civilian life

Suicide Warning Signs in Veterans

Some behaviors that indicate your Veteran needs help or immediate intervention include:

Talking about suicide
Making plans for suicide
They talk about death and dying
Hopelessness, feeling trapped, no way out
Sleeping too little or too much
Withdrawing from family or friends or feeling isolated
Increasing the use of drugs or alcohol
Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
Displaying extreme mood changes; showing rage
Engaging in risky activities without thinking

Suicide risk is greater if a behavior is new or increased.

How to Support the Veteran in Crisis: VA.gov

Remain calm
Listen
Keep eye contact
Don’t argue
Use supportive comments
Let the Veteran talk
Don’t Wait-Reach Out for Help: Veteran Resources; VA.gov/Reach

Preventing Veteran Suicide

What can you do to help prevent Veteran suicide?

Four ways to help a Veteran in crisis: S.A.V.E. (Department of Veterans Affairs):

S: Know the SIGNS that identify if a Veteran might be thinking of suicide
A. ASK the most important questions: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?”
V. Validate the Veteran’s Experience: talk opening, recognize the seriousness of the situation; don’t judge
E. ENCOURAGE treatment and EXPEDITE getting help: don’t leave the Veteran along; don’t keep their suicidal behavior a secret.

Other Veteran Support

Promote firearm safety and secure firearm and medication storage: “Keep It Safe”
Keep Veterans safe on social media platforms: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/docs/Social-Media-Safety-Toolkit-FINAL-508-5-24-23.pdf
Family and friends know the Veteran the best: provide support and be alert for signs of risk and changes in behavior

Where to Get Help

Immediate help: call 911
Veteran Crisis Hot Line: dial 988, prompt 1 for Veterans, to speak with someone 24/7
Online Resource Locator: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources/
VA Mental Health Services: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/

Visory Veteran Community

At Visory Health, we understand the complexity of suicide and the need to assist in its prevention at every possible opportunity.

We hope the information will provide you with some practical understanding and resources to reach out for assistance if your Veteran needs help or is in crisis.

At Visory Health, we see you and we hear you!

Visory Health can assist with affordable prescription medications through our Visory Health discount medication card. Stay on your medications to maintain your physical and mental health.

Stay Healthy, Stay Visory Health!