Statistics on Veteran Mental Health and Suicide
Approximately 22 U.S. military veterans per day commit suicide.
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among post-9/11 veterans.
Veterans have a 50% higher risk for suicide than their peers who have not served.
More than 108,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001.
33% of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of mental health or cognitive problems.
Less than 50% of veterans in need receive any mental health treatment.
Female soldiers are at a 250% higher risk for suicide than civilian women.
35% of veterans say they have trouble paying their bills in the first few years after leaving the military.
More than 80% of civilian organizations have no veteran-specific recruiting programs.
MORE FALL-OUT FROM THE CRISIS
Among veterans who served during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the suicide rate for those who were undeployed is 48% higher than for veterans who experienced deployment.
Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for post-9/11 veterans, accounting for 22.3% of all deaths.
In 2015 (most recent year data is available), more than 70% of veteran suicides occurred outside Veterans Health Administration care.
Veterans account for more than 9% of all adults experiencing homelessness in the U.S., translating to more than 39,000 homeless veterans on any given day.
Among veterans experiencing homelessness, 59% are age 51 or older.
Between 2009 and 2016, there was a 54% increase in the number of veterans age 62 or older experiencing homelessness.
Individuals of color comprise 18% of the general veteran population, but account for 43% of all veterans experiencing homelessness.
Our Veterans are killing themselves in record numbers mostly due to PTSD. An overmatched VA can’t take care of them or their families. We will.
Soldier suicide leaves Veteran families with thousands of dollars of bills unpaid, mostly bank loans.
We are the only nonprofit standing with the families after a veteran suicide. Stand with us.
Our Mission: Become the preferred channel for donors, advocates and volunteers who care about veteran families left behind after a soldier suicide.
