Veterans May Need Assistance
During the 4th of July and throughout the year, it is important to recognize our veterans and the sacrifices they have made, even once they are back on US soil. According to the Veteran’s Association, the suicide rate among veterans is 1.5 times that of the general population, and it is estimated that more than twenty veterans die by suicide every day. New veterans have a 93% higher risk for suicide than the general public. In numerous studies conducted by the VA, a variety of factors that may increase the risk of suicide, especially where multiple factors exist, some of these include:
- Acute psychosocial stressors
- Insomnia
- Mental health conditions like anxiety disorder, manic depressive disorder, depression, and PTSD
- Substance Abuse
If you are a Veteran in a mental health crisis and you are thinking about hurting yourself-or know a Veteran who is in need- get help right away. To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line day or night call 800-273-8255, then select 1. You can also text 838255. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-273-8255.