We lean on that statistic over and over again because there is no better indicator of the fight we’re in right now.
50% higher risk. 1.5x the national average. It’s all right there.
Does it tell the whole story, though? No. The military suicide crisis is complex, complicated and often deeply personal.
To get a better picture of the battle we’re fighting, consider the following:
By 2030, the total of veteran suicides will be 23x higher than the number of post-9/11 combat deaths.
By 2030, veteran suicide will account for more than $221 billion in public costs.
Since 2001, more than 114,000 veterans have died by suicide.
Since 2006, there has been an 86% increase in suicide rate among 18-to-34 year old male veterans.
Depending on branch, up to 31% of service members develop PTSD after returning from combat.
The rate of suicide for veterans in the LGBTQ+ community is up to 7x higher than for non-LGBTQ+ veterans.
More than 40% of female veterans report experiencing military sexual harassment or military sexual trauma.
More than 1-in-10 U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder.
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