“US Veteran suicide rates are staggering”
Veteran crisis helpline is 988
By: Johanna Elattar
Every September, Suicide Prevention Month reminds us of the growing crisis among U.S. military veterans, a population disproportionately affected by mental health issues and tragically high suicide rates. While the country honors their service and sacrifice, veterans are fighting silent battles, often unseen by the general public. At the heart of this issue are two intertwined and devastating forces: post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition that affects countless veterans returning from active duty. PTSD can manifest in a variety of ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hypervigilance. For many veterans, their service exposed them to events that were not only physically dangerous but also psychologically scarring. These traumatic experiences can include witnessing the deaths of comrades, engaging in combat, or dealing with the horrors of war-torn civilian areas.
Unfortunately, PTSD remains a heavily stigmatized disorder, and many veterans feel ashamed to seek help. The “tough-it-out” mentality that permeates military culture often discourages those who need support from asking for it. They are told to stay strong, and some fear that admitting they are struggling will make them seem weak. The sad reality is that without proper mental health treatment, PTSD can lead to depression, substance abuse, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.
Veteran suicide rates are staggering. According to a 2022 report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), more than 6,000 veterans died by suicide in 2020 alone. This number has remained consistently high for over a decade. On average, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide compared to non-veterans. The reasons behind this are complex, but they often include a mix of untreated mental health conditions, the transition from military to civilian life, financial difficulties, and isolation.
For veterans grappling with PTSD, the risk of suicide is significantly higher. Many veterans feel that their experiences set them apart from civilian society, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and hopelessness. They may struggle to reintegrate into normal life, find steady employment, or even maintain relationships with loved ones. Some find it difficult to express the depth of what they experienced, fearing that no one will understand or be able to help.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and it offers an opportunity for us to bring attention to the veteran suicide crisis and encourage change. It’s a time for both awareness and action. One of the key steps in combating veteran suicide is breaking the stigma surrounding mental health care. Veterans should be encouraged to seek treatment for PTSD and other mental health conditions without fear of judgment or repercussion. Programs like the VA’s Veterans Crisis Line, which provides immediate support, and Vet Centers, offering readjustment counseling, play crucial roles in providing accessible care. But these are not enough.
Veterans face unique obstacles to accessing care. Many live in rural areas, far from the nearest VA medical facility, making it difficult to attend therapy sessions regularly. Additionally, some veterans report long wait times and limited resources at VA hospitals. Addressing these systemic issues is critical if we hope to make progress in reducing the rate of veteran suicide.
Another issue is the difficulty many veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. After leaving the highly structured environment of the military, some veterans feel lost or overwhelmed by the relative chaos of civilian life. Providing veterans with greater access to job training, education, and community support can help ease this transition and prevent feelings of isolation.
Hornell, NY, is home to many veterans who struggle with these same issues. For a small town, the presence of veterans is significant, and many local organizations try to support them through these difficult transitions. Hornell’s tight-knit community can make it easier for veterans to find support, but the stigma of mental health struggles is still an obstacle. Veterans here, like everywhere else, are fighting to be understood and to get the help they need.
Suicide Prevention Month is also a call to action for the public. Everyone has a role to play in preventing veteran suicide. If you know a veteran, reach out. Let them know you are there to listen without judgment. Sometimes, a simple conversation can make all the difference. If you notice signs of PTSD or depression in a veteran, encourage them to seek professional help. The earlier they begin treatment, the better their chances of recovery.
Support veteran organizations working to provide mental health care and resources to veterans. Consider donating your time or money to groups like Wounded Warrior Project, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), or local Vet Centers. Use your voice on social media, in your community, or in your workplace to spread awareness about veteran suicide. Let others know that it’s okay to talk about these issues and that help is available.
It’s crucial to recognize when a veteran may be in crisis. Some warning signs that someone may be contemplating suicide include expressing feelings of hopelessness or being trapped, talking about wanting to die, withdrawing from friends and family, engaging in risky behaviors, or displaying sudden mood swings. If you see these signs in a veteran, encourage them to contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255.
https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
While the statistics surrounding veteran suicide are alarming, there is hope. As awareness grows and more resources become available, we are seeing improvements in veteran care and mental health treatment. By continuing to prioritize these issues and advocating for the needs of veterans, we can work together to reduce the number of lives lost to suicide.
As we recognize Suicide Prevention Month, let’s honor our veterans not only for their service but also by ensuring that they receive the care and support they deserve. Their battles did not end when they returned home, and it’s up to all of us to help them heal. Every life saved is a victory worth fighting for.
Johanna Elattar is a Hornell NY based writer who uses her talents to bring attention to community news of all sorts. Oh she also loves ghost stories and local legends!! You can reach her anytime at, hauntedhill@yandex.com
