A Step in the Right Direction: Study Shows Lower Veteran Suicide Rate

A study was conducted by the VA to monitor the suicide rate in veterans from the years of 2001 to 2014. In this study they reviewed patients that have been diagnosed for mental health or substance abuse. The results showed a shocking 40% of patients have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder or substance abuse compared to the 27% in 2001. This study was incorporated because, in the past, individuals diagnosed with these disorders have had a higher risk of suicide, surprisingly that number decreased from 77.6 to 57 per 100,000. Meaning, the steps taken to assist individuals with mental health or substance abuse is positively impacting their life. The most helpful actions the VA is implementing are steps to increase the Veterans Crisis Line, “predictive modeling” to determine which veterans are most at risk,  and ensuring same-day access to over 1,00 points of care to veterans with urgent mental health needs. These actions have contributed to the lower veteran suicide rate. Officials with the Veterans of Foreign Wars commend the VA for taking the initiative to run this study and make the improvements needed for our veterans. For more details about the study, read the full article on Military.com.

Organizations such as #22Kill create support groups and educational awareness to veterans. Recently they started a campaign to raise awareness for veteran suicide. Their goal is to have 22 million push-ups raised by men and women all around the world. Veterans Help Group took part in this, check out our video on our Facebook page.

More Information: Veterans and Mental Health

• Veterans Disability Benefits for TBI
• Veterans Disability Benefits for PTSD
• Veterans Disability Benefits for Mental Disorders