Veteran suicide is a tragic problem in America and overseas. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 20 veterans kill themselves every day. While these statistics are heartbreaking, it’s also important to understand the underlying causes behind veteran suicides in order to develop better ways to stop them from happening. Let’s explore what we know about why veterans are at higher risk of committing suicide to find solutions that can save lives.
Veteran Suicide Risk Factors
There are several risk factors that contribute to veteran suicide, including mental health problems, substance abuse, physical health problems, and social isolation. These factors can increase the likelihood that a veteran will take his own life, as can feelings hopelessness or desperate. It is important to recognize these risk factors so we can focus our efforts on helping those who need it most.
Mental Health Problems
Mental health problems are one of the biggest contributors to veteran suicides. Traumatic events that service members experience while they’re in the military can have long-term effects on their mental health and well-being.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental diseases are common amongst veterans and can lead to suicidal thoughts or behavior if left untreated. It is extremely important for veterans to get access to quality mental health services to stop them from getting to this point.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse is another major factor in veteran suicides. Many veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their emotional pain or trauma symptoms. Unfortunately, this often leads to addiction and further complicates any mental health problems they may face. It is important for veterans to receive treatment for both substance abuse and mental health problems at the same time so they get the full support they need during recovery.
Physical Health Problems
Physical health problems can even be a factor in veteran suicides. Chronic pain or physical illnesses can make it difficult for veterans to deal with everyday life and lead them down a dark path if not properly treated by medical professionals. Additionally, many veterans experience chronic fatigue because of sleep disturbances caused by PTSD or other disorders, which further complicates their ability to manage daily tasks and responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed or incapacitated because of an absence of energy or motivation.
Recognizing the Signs of Suicidal Thoughts
Suicide is a major problem, but it can be prevented if we can recognize the signs of suicidal thoughts in ourselves or those around us. It’s important to take the time to understand what people may be going through and how to identify the signs of suicidal ideation.
Warning Signs That Someone Is Planning Suicide
The final warning signs that somebody may be planning suicide are more extreme than mere verbal cues or changes in behavior. People who are contemplating suicide may keep drugs or buy guns; they may additionally give away all their belongings and make plans after they die, such as writing a will or arranging a funeral.
Let’s say you noticed these warning signs in yourself or someone you know. In this case, it is extremely important to instantly seek help from a medical professional who can provide support and resources to those struggling with suicidal ideation.
Preventing Veteran Suicide
Veterans suicide is a heartbreaking reality that affects thousands of individuals every year all over the world. By understanding the risk factors related to veteran suicide—including mental health issues, substance abuse, physical health problems, and social isolation—we can begin to develop better prevention methods in addition to more comprehensive treatment protocols for those who may be considering taking their own. live in hopelessness or hopelessness.
With the right educational programs and support, we can help make sure that nobody who has served our country feels they haven’t any other choice but to end their own life prematurely because of extraordinary circumstances they feel they could no longer handle on their own. . We owe it to our brave men and girls who risk everything when they step up to serve our country to provide them with all the mandatory resources to live happy, successful lives after coming home from active duty service abroad.
