Veteran suicides have risen 86% since 2008

 

South Bend, Ind. -- This Memorial Day weekend we take time to honor those who have served our country and made a great sacrifice for our freedom.

There has been a rise in veteran suicides since 2008, having increased 86% among eighteen to thirty-four-year-old male veterans.

Mental health has been an ongoing issue in this country, but veterans hold a burden that most would never be able to imagine.

Thirty-one percent of veterans have reported they developed PTSD after returning from combat, forty percent of veterans report they have trouble transitioning back into civilian life which can increase the likelihood of suicide or suicidal thoughts, and one in every ten vets have reported substance abuse.

By 2030 it is projected the total number of suicides by veterans will exceed the number of post 9-11 combat deaths.

Mental health is a complicated issue, sometimes you don’t even see someone is struggling with it because they are so good at hiding it.

There is help for those experiencing suicidal thoughts – you can call the suicide hotline at 1-800-273-8255.