Suicide Among Veterans

By Tanmoy Seth

When Saviors Become the Victims!

Suicide, the word itself is so traumatizing that it sends shivers down the spine. Thinking of those who unknowingly lose a near and dear one to the act is quite shocking. Yes, “unknowingly”! Victims of suicide rarely announce what they plan to do; they suffer in silence, and those left behind become depressed and traumatized as well with grief. Suicide leaves a scar at both ends, the victim and the victim’s loved ones.

What’s driving the surge?

In most cases, it is hard to understand the reason leading to suicide. However, such people often succumb to depression, traumatic stress, or mental illness. According to militarytimes.com, an average of up to 16.8 suicides happen per day with American Veterans. Some sources report up to 22 suicides completed each day. It is even more shocking to know that these veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die of suicide than Americans who never served in the military. But what drives them to such an act? Are they responsible, or do external factors force them to do so?

While it is difficult to determine the exact reason, both external and internal factors lead to suicidal tendencies. Veteran users of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) services emphasize on economic disparities, homelessness, unemployment, level of military service-connected disability status, community connection, and personal health and well-being as the most common reasons among the veteran suicides in the recent past. According to ScienceDaily.com, access to guns makes the suicidal attempt more accessible, where almost 70% of male veteran suicides in 2017 were performed using a firearm. The age factor takes the story to the next level. In an era where we consider the young and teens to be our future, it is alarming to see that veterans between the 18–34 years bracket had the highest suicide rate in 2017. This rate has increased by over 75% in the past ten years. Necessary steps are needed to mend things and support our veterans through dark times.

How do we help?

Taking corrective measures to reduce such instances is easier said than done. Although we have come a long way in finding ways to diagnose these tendencies, getting these veterans back on track may take some time. The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has been actively coordinating across VHA Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs), the Veterans Benefits Administration, and the National Cemetery Administration to address Veteran suicide. However, the major challenge lies in getting the veterans to use these services. Though approaches like President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End the National Tragedy of Suicide (PREVENTS) may hit success soon, we need to be more cautious and sensitive towards veterans in the early stages of diagnosis. Psychologists acting through various community support services have also proven helpful outside of militarybased clinics.

Suicide prevention is the focus.

There is a proverb that states, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Or, as the Cambridge dictionary meaning explains, “It is better to stop something bad from happening than it is to deal with it after it has happened.”

We must support and encourage our veterans through good times and bad so that they can get the help they need to live life with their loved ones.