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Military suicide prevention and veteran suicide prevention are a top priority of leaders at the Defense Department and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
The veterans crisis hotline is a tool for both current and former military members who need immediate mental health help. If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
Mental health help is also available by text message at 988 or through an online chat. All suicide prevention help is available 24/7.
In 2022, 492 service members died by suicide. In 2021, the last date for which data is available, 6,392 veterans died by suicide. The unadjusted rate of suicide in 2021 among U.S. veterans was 33.9 per 100,000, or about 17 per day.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the warning signs of suicide can include:
Learn more about suicide warning signs on Military.com.
If you're worried a friend or family member might be suicidal, start a conversation to let them know you're concerned. Try to keep these VA-suggested best practices in mind during your conversation:
Learn more about how to support a veteran going through a tough time.