Mallory Wire

The United States celebrated Veterans Day on Nov. 11. It is a day dedicated to American veterans of wars. It became a federal holiday in our country on Nov. 11th, 1938, called Armistice Day. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War it became known as Veterans Day.

As we honor our veterans, we need to recognize that many struggle with their mental health. According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, there were 6,392 veteran suicide deaths in 2021, and it was the 2nd leading cause of death among Veterans under age 45-years-old. American Indian or Alaska Native veterans have the highest suicide rate among all veterans followed by Whites, Asians, and African Americans. Of all veteran suicides in 2021, 72% were by firearms. The firearm suicide rate among Veteran women was 281% higher than non-veteran women, and the firearm suicide rate among veteran men was 62% higher than for non-veteran men in 2021.

The Veterans Administration found a variety of factors that may increase the risk of suicide. Some of these are: substance abuse, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, anxiety, insomnia, higher doses of opioid medications for pain control, and acute psychosocial stressors. Veterans who misuse drugs and alcohol are more than twice as likely to die by suicide than other veterans.

The VA has mental health resources. A good place to start would be to visit vetcenter.va.gov or you can call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1. You can also text 838255. For people with hearing loss, they can call TTY:800-799-4889.

The Jason Foundation (JFI) is another valuable resource. JFI is dedicated to the prevention of suicide through educational awareness programs that equip us with the tools and resources to help identify and assist at-risk youth and adults. If you have a friend or loved one who is a veteran and struggling with their mental health, it is important to know the warning signs and risk factors associated with suicidal ideation. Knowing this information could be key to saving that person’s life. For more information and to find the closest Affiliate Office to you, visit jasonfoundation.com.

Mallory Wire is the associate division director of The Jason Foundation.