This past week, I lost an acquaintance to veteran suicide. We worked for the same company, and both of us belonged to the company’s veterans group. If I saw him in the hallway, we would exchange hellos as we passed by each other, and we would trade stories about time in service during our monthly veterans group lunches. None of us had any idea of the pain he was going through.
Veteran suicide is a problem, and one that has likely been underreported throughout our nation’s history. Per the latest figures from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
- There were more than 6,000 Veteran suicides each year from 2008 to 2016.
- From 2005 to 2016, Veteran and non-Veteran adult suicide rates increased 25.9 percent and 20.6 percent, respectively.
- From 2015 to 2016, Veteran suicide rates decreased from 30.5 per 100,000 population to 30.1 per 100,000 population.
- In 2016, the suicide rate was 1.5 times greater for Veterans than for non-Veteran adults, after adjusting for age and gender.
There is a mentality in the military that showing signs of illness or injury is a manifestation of weakness. That you should just rub some dirt in it, move on, and continue the mission. That mentality may work when it comes to physical injuries (up to a point). But hiding mental illness, not seeking treatment, and not telling anyone about it is a recipe for disaster.
More than 20 veterans per day commit suicide. That number is unacceptable.
[V]eterans between 18 and 39, between 50 and 69, and 80 and older have seen increases in suicide rates, the report found. And suicide rates are higher for male veterans than female veterans.
The report found that suicide is likeliest among younger veterans of both sexes and among older male veterans. But since these groups account for a relatively small share of the total veteran population, the largest number of suicides occur among the much larger population of middle-aged veterans.
The military and veteran culture must change. It is not weakness to admit that you can no longer continue the mission. Look for the following red flags:
Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a person needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of self-harm. The following can all be warning signs:
- Appearing sad or depressed most of the time
- Hopelessness; feeling like there’s no way out
- Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
- Feeling as if there is no reason to live
- Feeling excessive guilt, shame, or sense of failure
- Rage or anger
- Engaging in risky activities without thinking
- Losing interest in hobbies, work, or school
- Increasing alcohol or drug misuse
- Neglecting personal welfare; a deteriorating physical appearance
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Showing violent behavior, like punching a hole in the wall or getting into fights
- Giving away prized possessions
- Getting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, or writing a will
If the veteran in your life is showing the following signs, get help immediately.
- Thinking about hurting or killing themselves
- Looking for ways to kill themselves
- Talking about death, dying, or suicide
- Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.
If you are a veteran, or if you care for a veteran, the Veterans Crisis Line is always open. Call them at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. Get help! Talk to someone. Do it before it is too late.