More U.S Veterans Have Committed Suicide In Past 10 Years Than The Entire Vietnam War : The Premier Daily

The mental health crisis among U.S. veterans has reached alarming proportions. Between 2008 and 2017, over 60,000 U.S. veteran suicides took place, surpassing the approximately 58,000 American soldiers who died during the entire Vietnam War.¹ This tragic statistic underscores the dire need for comprehensive mental health support and intervention for veterans returning from service.

The Sobering Statistics

Veterans pay their respects at a Veterans Day ceremony in Japan in 2017. 6,139 veterans killed themselves that year. — Credit: US Department of Defense

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) revealed in a 2019 report that more than 6,000 veterans committed suicide annually between 2008 and 2017, despite a significant decline in the overall veteran population by 18% during that period. This trend highlights the growing mental health challenges faced by veterans, challenges that have proven to be deadly for many.

The Role of Firearms

firing a pistol in the field — Credit: Pixabay

The VA’s report also pointed out a troubling correlation between veteran suicides and firearm use. More than half of the veterans who took their lives during this period used a firearm, with 70.7% of male and 43.2% of female veterans opting for this method. The prevalence of firearms among veterans has been identified as a significant factor contributing to the high suicide rates within this community.

Unmet Mental Health Needs

Self care isn't selfish — Credit: Pexels

One of the most distressing findings from the VA report is that nearly 70% of veterans who committed suicide were not receiving healthcare services from the VA at the time of their deaths. This statistic suggests a significant gap in the support systems available to veterans, as many are not accessing the mental health care they desperately need. The reasons behind this are complex and multifaceted, often rooted in the culture of self-reliance and reluctance to seek help that is prevalent in military communities.²

Suicide Among Non-Activated Guard and Reserve Members

More than 5,000 American flags were planted on a grassy area of the National Mall, each representing a veteran or a service member who died by suicide through early October 2018, an average of 20 suicides per day. Ryan Conklin straightens some flags at the site. Conklin is an Iraq and Afghanistan (U.S. Army) veteran who lost several comrades and a close friend to suicide. — Credit: Getty Images

The crisis extends beyond active-duty veterans. In 2017, 919 suicides were reported among former National Guard and Reserve members who had never been “activated” for full military service, meaning they did not have access to VA services. This group represented 12.4% of all military suicides in that year, shedding light on the broader reach of the suicide epidemic within the military community.

The Government’s Response

Where decisions are allegedly made in America — Credit: Pixabay

In response to the escalating crisis, the U.S. government has taken steps to address veteran suicides. In March 2019, President Trump signed Executive Order 13861, known as the “President’s Roadmap to Empower Veterans and End a National Tragedy of Suicide” (PREVENTS). This initiative aims to consolidate federal efforts and resources to more effectively tackle veteran suicide. VA Secretary Robert Wilkie emphasized that “Veteran suicide requires an all-hands-on-deck approach,” calling for collaboration across various sectors, including faith communities, employers, and healthcare organizations.

The Need for Comprehensive Support

How many veterans need to live this way before something is done? — Credit: Pexels

Experts agree that preventing veteran suicide requires more than just mental health services. Legal and social support is also crucial, as many veterans face challenges such as legal issues, economic hardship, and relationship breakdowns, which can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and despair. Partnerships between medical providers, legal aid organizations, and social services are essential to providing veterans with the comprehensive support they need to address the underlying issues contributing to their mental health struggles.

Conclusion

May we always honour those that laid down their lives — Credit: Pixabay

The suicide rate among U.S. veterans is a national tragedy that surpasses the death toll of one of the most devastating wars in American history. The statistics are a sobering reminder that the battle for many soldiers does not end when they return home. Addressing this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that includes mental health care, social support, legal assistance, and a cultural shift towards encouraging veterans to seek help. As VA officials and experts have stressed, this is a challenge that cannot be faced alone—it’s a call to action for the entire nation to support those who have served.

Sources

“More U.S. Veterans Have Committed Suicide In The Last Decade Than Died In The Vietnam War.” All That’s Interesting. Marco Margaritoff. November 11, 2019.
“More Veterans Die By Suicide Than In Combat. But It’s Preventable.” WBUR. Anna Richardson and Sarah Roxburgh. September 28, 2021