Veteran suicide prevention

 

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs determined in 2019 that the veteran suicide rate in Indiana is close to the national veteran suicide rate.

Veteran suicide rates in Indiana reached 29.8 percent, while the national rate was 31.6 percent.

This rate far exceeds the suicide rates for the general public, which stood at 18 percent. 

Veteran suicide rates are even higher in the 55-74 age group.

September is suicide awareness month and often sees a push for suicide prevention.

This conversation often turns to veterans and the many challenges they face when returning home from combat that can contribute to suicidal thoughts and what resources are available for them at home.

The high-skill jobs veterans hold in the military often don't translate to civilian jobs when they return home.

A lack of social connection can also lead to a higher suicide risk in veterans who return home to little or no family or friends.

Most veterans who take their own lives do so with guns, mainly due to the accessibility and familiarity veterans have with guns.

Organizations like Stop 22 and United Health Services offer services for veterans and are working to lower these statistics.

"An organization started called Stop 22 Michiana. Their motive is to provide education as far as preventing veteran suicide. Making sure people know they can call 988," said Kent Laudeman, Army Veteran and Director of Stop 22 Michiana.

There are multiple suicide hotlines veterans can access if needed.

Vets4Warriors, a peer support network founded in 2011, is staffed by veterans and their hotline can be called 24/7 at 1-855-838-8255.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 988, can be dialed by anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts 24/7.

The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by pressing 1 after dialing 988 for callers to recieve veteran-specific assistance.

Emotional support animals have also been found to be effective in reducing suicide rates.

"Stop 22 is partnered with the Saint Joseph County Humane Society. If a veteran goes out there and chooses a dog, they will pay half of the fee. We know a pet can be one of those things that can help a veteran," said Laudeman.