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VETERAN SUICIDE STATISTICS

Veterans face a 58% higher suicide risk. That's not acceptable.

Veterans are facing a crisis, and we’re here to stop it with targeted, life-saving support.

There's no better indicator of the fight we're in right now.

To get a better picture of the battle we're fighting, consider the following:

6,407

veteran suicides in 2022

22

consecutive years with 6,000+ veteran suicides

140K+

veterans have died by suicide since 2001

2nd

leading cause of death in veterans under age 45

Populations with significant increases in suicide rates since 2001

  • The rate of veteran firearm suicide has increased by 65%.
  • The suicide rate among veterans ages 18–34 has more than doubled.
  • Western states have experienced the greatest increase in veteran suicide rates, increasing by 55%.

Service experience and suicide risk

  • 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.
  • In 2022, 54.4% had no contact with the Veterans Health Administration in the 5 years prior to their death.

Personal and social trauma

Many veterans carry invisible wounds that extend far beyond the battlefield. From PTSD and sexual trauma to substance abuse and social isolation, these personal and societal challenges significantly increase the risk of suicide. Understanding these realities is the first step toward providing the targeted support they deserve.

31%

Depending on branch, up to 31% of service members develop PTSD after returning from combat.

7x

The rate of suicide for veterans in the LGBTQ+ community is up to 7x higher than for non-LGBTQ+ veterans.

1 in 3

Women veterans report experiencing military sexual harassment or military sexual trauma.

1 in 10

More than 1-in-10 U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder.

Their transition home shouldn't be a crisis

Join the mission to save lives. Whether you host an event, donate, or spread awareness, your support fuels critical, life-saving care for veterans and service members in crisis.

Donate and support

Elevated mental health risks

Veterans who struggle with the transition to civilian life are five times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. These mental health challenges are often rooted in a lack of support, direction, and understanding during this critical period.

Alarming post-service suicide rates

In the first year after leaving the military, the suicide rate among veterans reaches 46.2 per 100,000. This is one of the most vulnerable periods in a veteran's life—when immediate intervention can make all the difference.

Feeling misunderstood

Over 80% of post-9/11 veterans say the public doesn't understand what they go through after service. This disconnect contributes to isolation, stigma, and a lack of empathy for those navigating life beyond the uniform.

Financial hardships post-service

Roughly 35% of veterans report difficulty paying bills in the years immediately following their service. Without adequate financial planning or transition resources, everyday expenses can become overwhelming.

Lack of workplace support

More than 50% of civilian employers offer no veteran-specific onboarding, and over 80% have no dedicated recruiting efforts. This leaves many veterans feeling unprepared and unsupported in their new careers.

Challenges for combat veterans

Nearly half of veterans with combat experience say their transition was significantly more difficult than expected. Compared to non-combat veterans, they often face more intense psychological and emotional hurdles.

You play a critical role in our mission. You're the reason hope happens.

Your donation provides life-saving care to veterans and service members in crisis. Join us in the fight to end military suicide—because standing by isn't an option.

Ways to take action

When you give to Stop Soldier Suicide, your impact is tangible and life-changing. Your generosity empowers veterans and service members to see beyond their darkest moments, helping them realize their lives have immense value.