Veteran Suicide Prevention & Awareness

 
 

Veteran suicide takes a toll on the veteran and the entire family. Veterans Outreach Center joins with the VA and our community partners to support all veterans - because one life lost is one life too many.

Veteran Suicide - A National Crisis

Statistics tell a story. Here are some key findings from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report:

  • In 2021, suicide was the 13th-leading cause of death for Veterans overall, and the second-leading cause of death among Veterans under age 45-years-old.

  • There were 6,392 Veteran suicide deaths in 2021. This was 114 more than in 2020.

  • In 2021, there were 6,042 suicide deaths among Veteran men and 350 suicide deaths among Veteran women.

  • The unadjusted rate of suicide in 2021 among U.S. Veterans was 33.9 per 100,000, up from 32.6 per 100,000 in 2020.

  • In 2021, unadjusted suicide rates were highest among Veterans between ages 18- and 34-years-old, followed by those aged 35- to 54-years-old.

  • In 2021, the unadjusted suicide rate was 46.3 per 100,000 for American Indian or Alaska Native Veterans; 36.3 per 100,000 for White Veterans; 31.6 per 100,000 for Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander Veterans; 17.4 per 100,000 for Black or African American Veterans; and 6.7 per 100,000 for Veterans of multiple races.

Know When Action is Needed

Sometimes, a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide. Learn to recognize these warning signs:

  • Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves

  • Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun

  • Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

  • Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

  • Talking about being a burden to others

  • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

  • Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly

  • Sleeping too little or too much

  • Withdrawing or isolating themselves

  • Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

  • Extreme mood swings

Join Our Mission to Help

Arm yourself with knowledge. These resources are available to anyone who wants to join the battle against veteran suicide:

The holidays can be a particularly difficult time for current military members, veterans, and family. Click the button below to see additional helpful tips for service members and their families during the holidays.