• According to a 2019 Congressional Research Service report titled “Recent Trends in Active-Duty Military Deaths,” between 2006 and 2018, 3,863 active duty service members ended their own lives. This is more than service members who were killed in action, (2,710), and service members who died by wounds (886), combined.
• According to a 2016 report from the Office of Suicide Prevention, while veterans account for only 8.5% of the U.S. population, 18% of all adult suicides in the U.S. are veterans, or about 20 veteran suicides per day.
• These numbers paint a sobering picture: Suicide is the second leading cause of death among service members, and one of the leading causes of death among veterans.
Warning Signs of Suicide and Suicidal Behavior:
– Feelings of hopelessness
– Feeling like there’s no way out of a problem or circumstance
– Anxiety and agitation
– Sleeplessness
– Mood swings
– Feeling like there is no reason to live
– Rage / anger
– Risky behavior
– Increasing alcohol or drug use / abuse
– Withdrawing from family and friends
Resources: if you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal feelings please contact any of the resources below
Military OneSource @ 800-342-9647 https://ww.militaryonesource.mil
Military Crisis Line @ 800-273-8255 operated 24/7
Veterans Crisis Line @ 1-800-273-8255. Operated 24/7
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services 1-800-622-4357
WACH Behavioral Health Clinic 3rd Floor – 760-383-5440
Embedded Behavioral Health Clinic BLDG 190 B AVE – 760-380-7190
Military Family Life Counselors 760-818-2646/2705