Veterans Face Silent Battle: Suicide Rates Soar

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) is drawing attention to the elevated risk of suicide among veterans during National Suicide Prevention Month. This organization supports wounded, injured, and ill veterans, service members, and their families, collaborating with the Department of Veterans Affairs and Emory University to offer mental health services.

A recent survey by WWP revealed that over 25% of registered veterans experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year. Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs indicated that an average of 17.5 veterans died by suicide each day in 2023. Suicide is notably the second-leading cause of death for veterans under 45.

Air Force veteran Sam Hargrove shared her personal journey, recounting her own suicidal thoughts during her transition to civilian life. She emphasized the importance of seeking help, stating that reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Hargrove successfully completed inpatient treatment at Emory through WWP and now serves as a peer counselor. Her role allows her to support fellow veterans navigating similar challenges, transforming her experience into a source of strength for others.

Veterans and their families seeking support can contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1, or by texting 838255. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is also available for assistance.