According to Veterans Affairs’ 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, nearly 20 veterans die by suicide daily, but more than 300 will attempt.
A staggering Brown University study revealed that 30,177 post-9/11 active-duty personnel and veterans have died by suicide, more than four times the number of U.S. service members killed in combat during that period (7,057). It’s a heartbreaking and unacceptable reality.
Our warfighters should not face greater risk at home than they did on the battlefield. Yet, too often, that is the case. The typical American doesn’t realize the depth of pain our veterans carry. The months spent in a state of hyper-vigilance, the life and death decisions that must be made in a matter of moments, or the moral injuries sustained from following orders, even when those orders don’t align with actions one might take in a civilian setting. These things add up and are a heavy weight to carry home.
These unseen war wounds can make life after service like an even tougher battle. The enemy is invisible, there aren’t enough resources for support, and it is often fought alone and in silence.
The mental health stigma plays an enormous role in this tragic loss of life and is unfortunately amplified by many of the noble values we admire in our service members. As they became soldiers, Marines, airmen, sailors and guardians, they are shaped by a culture that prizes toughness, resilience and self-reliance. While these values serve them well in combat, they can prevent many from reaching out and speaking up when times get tough.
We must reach out to them, and those at the highest levels of leadership should lead by example to create lasting change.
We need elected officials to come together, across party lines, to prioritize veteran mental health, pass legislation that strengthens healthcare access, and build proactive support systems for our heroes and their families. This is not a red issue or a blue issue. It is a red, white and blue issue, and it should be a priority of anyone who has taken the solemn oath of office.
Everyone should get involved. Call your representatives, and ask them where they stand on veteran suicide prevention. Demand action. Veterans answered the call to serve; now, it’s our turn to serve them.
Even if you cannot change the policy, you can still make a difference. Volunteer with local veterans’ organizations. Donate to causes that provide housing, healthcare and mental health services. Above all, listen, because being heard can be the first step toward healing.
Acknowledging the need for support and reaching out takes immense strength. It’s not a sign of failure; it’s a courageous act of self-preservation and hope. As a society, we must do more to make it easier for everyone to take that step, especially our service members and veterans. We must start by meeting them halfway.
The scale of loss is overwhelming, but there is hope. Nationwide, individuals and organizations work tirelessly to support veterans through mental health programs, compassionate outreach, and advocacy. Sometimes, the smallest act — a kind word, a check-in, a shared meal — can make the most significant difference. These gestures can be the difference between life and death.
Organizations like Fisher House Foundation are committed to standing with veterans and their families. It is a mission requiring the support of everyone who can lend a hand.
Finally, if you or someone you know is struggling, veteran or civilian, please seek help. Reach out. Make the call. Check in. Sometimes, the simplest gesture can save a life.
