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Veterans and Suicide


Every day, 18 veterans commit suicide and hundreds of thousands of veterans are denied mental heath care and the compensation they need to survive. The VA is under equipped to handle the existing caseload and deal with the unprecedented wave of new veterans with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Over 1.7 million service members are deployed in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, many of them repeatedly. The conditions of these wars (repeated deployments, continuous exposure to extreme combat trauma) are a recipe for PTSD. Approximately one-third of troops returning from combat will develop PTSD, co-occurring disorders, or some other mental health issue.

The number of veteran suicides is overwhelming with over 120 veterans taking their own lives every week, and 1000 suicide attempts a month among veterans under the VA’s care. The suicide rate of veterans is at least three times the national suicide rate and in 2005, the suicide rate for veterans 18-24 years old was three to four times higher than non-veterans. Bob Filner, Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, said, “The VA health care system is being pushed to the edge in dealing with mental health care needs of our veterans…The data reflects a symptom of a major problem with out veterans. Suicide is the ultimate, tragic symptom of the problem, but PTSD, depression, homelessness, marital difficulties, domestic violence are also symptoms." 1

Many disabled veterans wait at least six months for an initial determination of their disability claims and appeals can take years. During this time, they are without resources. Unable to work, they fall into poverty and, often, homelessness while battling for their earned disability compensation.

Suicide Prevention Line 1-800-273-TALK

Acknowledging Signs of Suicide



Veteran specific factors that may increase risk:

  • Frequent deployments
  • Deployments to hostile environments
  • Exposure to extreme stress
  • Physical/sexual assault while in the service (not limited to women)
  • Length of deployments
  • Service related injuries

What are the warning signs for suicide?

Seek help as soon as possible by contacting a mental health professional or by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK if you or someone you know exhibits any of the following signs:

  • Threatening to hurt or kill oneself
  • Looking for ways to kill oneself by seeking access to firearms, available pills, or other means
  • Talking or writing about death, dying, or suicide when these actions are out of the ordinary for the person
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Feeling rage or uncontrolled anger or seeking revenge
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities - seemingly without thinking
  • Feeling trapped–like there's no way out
  • Increasing alcohol or drug use
  • Withdrawing from friends, family, and society
  • Feeling anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep, or sleeping all the time
  • Experiencing dramatic mood changes
  • Seeing no reason for living or having no sense of purpose in life



1 Published May 7, 2008 by Agence France Presse.