HIGHER RISK POPULATIONS

Suicide Among Veterans 

When service members return home, their worst injuries may not be easy to see. Veteran suicide deaths have slowed in recent years, but still occur at a much higher rate than in the general population — according to the American Psychological Association, veterans are 1.5x as likely to die by suicide than nonveterans.

Identified factors related to higher rates of suicide for military personnel and their families include:

  • Sustained exposure to combat
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress injury
  • Traumatic loss
  • Sexual assault or abuse
  • Chronic pain
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Financial issues
  • Divorce or relationship issues

Resources for Veterans

Each branch of the military has suicide prevention efforts in place and maintains a website that contains mental health and suicide prevention information and resources.

Veterans can also call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, chat online at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or send a text message to 838255 to receive free, confidential support, even if they are not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care.

Buddy Check

The goal of Buddy Check is to connect veterans with each other and with the assistance they need. Check-ins can be simple — a personal visit, a phone call or a text. The important part is to reach out to fellow veterans in your community to let them know you care and can help them find assistance with any issues they might be facing.

If you’re not sure how to start the conversation, learn how to organize a Buddy Check and check out some sample scripts. You can also see Secretary David Flute from the Department of Tribal Relations and Secretary Greg Whitlock from the Department of Veterans Affairs performing a Buddy Check in the video below.

Other High-Risk Populations

Older Adults

Older Adults

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Farmers and Ranchers

Farmers and Ranchers

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Youth and Parents

Youth and Parents

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