On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs released the National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report which analyzed data from 2001 through 2022.
The report showed that 6,407 veterans died by suicide in 2022, which is more than in 2021. Statewide there were 194 in 2022.
Most years before that had lower numbers, specifically 12 out of the last 14 years. However, the number of veteran suicides in 2022 was higher than the number of suicides among non-veterans in 2021.
There was a reduction in the following groups:
- Women veterans saw a decrease of 24.1% compared to non-veteran women which increased by 5.2%
- Homeless veteran with a history of homelessness in their medical records saw a 19.1% decrease from 2021 to 2022.
- Transitioning service members who separated in 2021 had a suicide rate of 42.6 per 100,000 for 12 months was lower than in 2020 and down from a 2019 high of 51.0 per 100,000.
- Suicide among veterans aged 18 through 34 years decreased by 3.8% from 2021 to 2022.
- From 2001 to 2022, veterans with mental health conditions saw decreases in diagnosis rates. Those diagnosed with anxiety decreased by 36.1%, depression by 34.5%, PTSD by 31.6%, and alcohol use disorder by 13.7%.
“Every Veteran suicide is a tragedy,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Denis McDonough. “There is nothing more important to VA than ending Veteran suicide — and that means providing Veterans with the care they need, wherever they need it, whenever they need it. We will learn from this report to better serve Veterans and save lives.”
Included in the report were the actions taken by the VA to prevent suicide.
To read the full report click here.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7, confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. For more information about the Veterans Crisis Line, visit VeteransCrisisLine.net.
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