Every 65 minutes a veteran commits suicide. It is fairly well known that military veterans consistently experience higher rates of suicide attempts and deaths. The most recent Department of Veterans Affairs suicide report shows that the military veteran suicide rate is more than double that of civilians. Suicide rates among the United States public have been increasing for the past 20 years, but among active military personnel and veterans of the post - 9/11 wars, the rate is even higher, outpacing average Americans. Suicide is also the second-leading cause of death for post - 9/11 veterans, accounting for 22.3% of all deaths.
Since the announcement of the worldwide COVID - 19 pandemic, there have been prominent concerns that the pandemic could increase suicide rates. Experts described mechanisms by which pandemic effects have increase risks and created a perfect storm of increased military veteran suicide rates. In 2021, 6,392 veterans died by suicide, an increase of 114 suicides from 2020.
There are many factors behind the veteran suicide epidemic. One factor has been the traumas of war, which have left devastating side effects. Among veterans who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the rate for those who were undeployed is 48% higher than for veterans who experienced deployment.
The invisible and physical wounds from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) are debilitating. When combined with a litany of side effects from service to country, such as severe depression, suicidal ideation, sleep apnea, night terrors, rela-tionship issues, self-medication, seclusion, legal and/or financial issues, and hopelessness, it should serve as no surprise that the statistical data for the number of suicides in the military and first responder community remains at an all-time high.
Other factors include the military culture. Military culture is rigid, hierarchical, and demanding. It discourages reflection, abhors weakness, stigmatizes mental illness, and fetishizes toughness and aggression. Fearing that mental health difficulties will go on their record or undermine their peer reputation, many soldiers avoid or forego treatment. Untreated trauma and mental health problems tend to get worse.
Reintegration into civilian society is akin to immigrating to a new land. Your previous identity, language, habits, and history become largely irrelevant. Veterans must start over, learn a new culture, and establish a new identity. This can be highly stressful and disorienting. Not only must new veterans wrestle with the aftereffects of their military experience, but they also must manage the culture shock of reintegrating to the slower pace of civilian life and their new role in it.
A great deal of culture shock comes from this swift transition from high operational tempo and little sleep to a significant amount of unfilled time. Reasons for these sobering numbers may include high exposure to trauma, stress and burnout, isolation and loneliness, easy access to and familiarity with guns, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life.
Hope is essential to life and hope serves an important role within suicide prevention efforts. For the past 19 years, the American Military Family (AMF) has been answering the call to suicide prevention. Their goal is to stop the epidemic of veteran and first responder suicide. The statistics vary, but anywhere from 16 - 22 veterans die each day from suicide. On the low end, that is 5,840 a year. Way too many.
On Wednesday, February 28th, the AMF will sponsor a Suicide Prevention Program to be held in Brownwood at the Lyric Theatre, located on 318 Center Avenue. The program is free to all military, first responder, law enforcement, and civilian contractors. RSVP by contacting the Brownwood American Legion Post No. 196 at 325-642-0074, 682-701-2122, or 303-916-4664. The program will be from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Anyone can show up at any time, however there is a set program with speakers throughout the day and a team from AMF to answer questions. The AMF goal is to stop veteran suicide, strengthen and empower veterans and families, and build bridges between veterans. The AMF has a website at Americanmilitaryfamily. org where veterans can learn more information about suicide prevention, sign up to volunteer, watch testimonial videos and/or sign up for #AMFGY6.
#AMFGY6 is a team of trained suicide-certified veterans and first responders specialized in serving struggling Heroes by putting boots on the ground to assist those in need with urgent assistance. Click on the #AMFGY6 where it gives their pledge.
For Help Dealing with Suicide: Emergency Calls ONLY (484) 544-3211.