While, unfortunately, veteran suicide rates remain high at 22 per day, new studies show that a certain group of veterans is experiencing a decrease in suicide statistics.
A recent report from the American Psychiatric Association’s publication, Psychiatric Services in Advance, revealed a decline in suicide rates among veterans who utilized Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services compared to those who did not. The study examined 170,000 suicides between 2000 and 2010 among nonveterans, veterans who had utilized VHA services and veterans who had not.
The study found an increase of around 25% in the veteran suicide rate and 12% among nonveterans. But the suicide rate for veterans who utilized the VHA programs had decreased significantly. The statistics clearly show that the Veterans Health Administration can be helpful for veterans, yet many are not utilizing its services for one reason or another.
As we’ve written about before, many veterans who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries, PTSD, anxiety and depression following their service can become susceptible to crisis.
If you or a veteran you know are experiencing severe depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts, we encourage you to contact the confidential Veterans Crisis Line by visiting www.veteranscrisisline.net or by calling 1-800-273-8255 and pressing 1.
To locate your nearest VHA center, click here.
