17.5 is the Number of Veteran Suicide Deaths a day in the U.S. & We Must Change what We are Doing to Make a Difference.

17.5 a day is too many.*

Statistics: The Number of Veterans who Die by Suicide Daily

17.5 is the number of veterans who died by suicide each day in 2021.*

6,392 U.S. veterans total died by suicide in 2021.*

When adjusted, the suicide mortality rate of veterans is still higher than what is observed in the non-Veteran population.*

When adjusted for age and sex-subspecific suicide rates in the non-Veteran population, the % of Veterans dying by suicide is 12.4% higher than what would have been observed.*

12.4% more suicide deaths for Veterans than suicide deaths in the general population.* That is significant.

All deaths by suicide are tragedies and leave a wake of pain, hurt, and confusion behind them. Veterans are fighting this silent battle against suicide and dying at a higher mortality rate to suicide than non-Veterans. This is a significant battle with a significant need. It is complex and multi-faceted. It is painful, and those who are fighting it, often are fighting it alone or their caregivers are fighting alongside them against suicide without others in their life circles knowing the battle that rages in their home.

(*These statistics are from the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report with statistics through the year 2021). 

My New Book is for the Caregiver of Suicidality, Trauma, & Persistent Mental Illness

I am working heavily to edit my manuscript for the caregiver of suicidality, trauma, & persistent mental illness. My book comes out in 2025.

In Ch. 4, I discuss barriers to seeking mental health care in the veteran and military population. It’s a necessary and vital conversation. It’s one we lived through.

If you yourself are a veteran or part of the veteran or military community, I would appreciate hearing your insight on barriers to seeking mental health care. What is a barrier to choosing to seek care? What belief, thought, worry, or concern holds you or others back from seeking mental health care? I’ve addressed a number of them in Ch. 4 of my book, but I’m sure I’ve missed a few. Your insight and thoughts would be appreciated. Please comment on this article or send an email or send a message on Facebook or Instagram.

And now— You don’t want to miss updates on this powerful book or miss helping launch this necessary message into the world.

Make sure to jump on my email newsletter through this link to know about this book and help get its’ message into the world. You’ll also receive a free resource in your inbox as a thank you.

So— what is the first step to change?

The First Step to Changing Veterans’ Mental Health Trajectory is Awareness

Awareness & knowledge is the first step to change. 

It’s the first step to helping break down barriers and support the families who are giving their all for their country. 

The community at large needs to know the statistics. The community needs to know how many people are actually dying daily. When we know, it increases a sense of urgency. We become more aware of our surroundings and of the people in our life. We begin to ask the important questions that may just save a life.

What are important mental health questions to ask if you are worried about suicide for a family member, friend, acquaintance, coworker, or stranger?

Questions to ask that may save a life are simple questions that also can feel awkward and intrusive to ask. The first one is pretty easy though— “How are you?” Then: “How are you really?” Asking it a second time and letting the other person know you actually care and want to know how they are truly doing gives the opportunity for true connection and conversation to take place. You may not get a groundbreaking answer, but know that you asking the question was meaningful to that person. They will remember you actually wanted to know how they were doing. They may not tell you if they are struggling, but it may change the course of their day. They will likely think on that moment many times in the future as well.

If you are concerned about suicide or self-harm, it’s incredibly important to ask “Are you having any thoughts of harming yourself or any intention or plan to hurt yourself?” Don’t allow your discomfort to stop yourself from asking the question if you are concerned. You can preface it with I don’t want to cause any offense but I want to ask you a question because I care. Is it okay if I ask you a question? Then you ask “Do you have any thoughts of harming yourself right now or recently?” I’m asking because I care. I hope it’s okay. The person may get offended, upset, or hurt you’d think that, but hopefully what you will find is they appreciate your care and concern for them. Hopefully they will realize that it wasn’t easy for you to ask the question of them. You can apologize if it didn’t go well and the. Accept that you did what you felt was right in that moment. You did what you believed to be necessary.

It is important to educate yourself on warning signs of suicide risk. NAMI has a list of warning signs and symptoms to be aware of for increase suicide risk. Make sure to learn them in order to be more aware. You can save a life. Truly.

If someone is in suicide crisis or having a mental health emergency, remember 988 is the number to call for those in the U.S. If you don’t remember it, google it in the moment. It will come up quickly.

We must choose to speak up and support the veteran and the caregiver, today.

Let us support the veteran and the caregiver. Let us break the stigma of seeking mental health care.

Too many lives are at stake. Today. Tomorrow. The next day. 

Let’s speak up and speak out so those fighting a silent battle against suicide can get the help they need.

What You Can Do Right Now for Suicide Prevention

You can bring awareness by sharing the message.

— Text, message, or email a friend this article who needs to know about this message.

Remember— Awareness is the first step to change.

➡️ COMMENT “Yes” to this article if you stand in solidarity for the veterans struggling with mental health battles, & you want to support them in their battle on the home front.

You don’t want to miss updates on this powerful book or miss helping launch it into the world. Jump on my email newsletter through this link and snag a free resource as a thank you.

You can also FOLLOW me on INSTAGRAM and FACEBOOK.

Remember, you are not alone in your battle, friend.

Be Blessed today,

-Amber