Share of suicides among U.S. veterans in 2021, by method and gender

The most common method of suicide among veterans in the United States is by firearm. Although this is true for both men and women who served in the military, suicide by firearm is more common among men, accounting for 73 percent of all suicide deaths. Given the strenuous and stressful nature of military work, and the trauma that can result from combat and serving in the military, mental health is a continuous problem among veterans.

Suicide among veterans

It is estimated that around 2.6 percent of veterans in the United States have had serious thoughts of suicide, while .6 percent have made suicide plans, and .05 percent have attempted suicide. However, these figures increase significantly among veterans with a substance use disorder and among younger veterans. For example, in 2021, almost 10 percent of veterans aged 18 to 49 years reported serious thoughts of suicide, three percent had made suicide plans, and two percent had attempted suicide. Recent surveys have shown that veterans are much more likely to report considering taking their own life after joining the military compared to prior to joining. In 2021, around 44 percent of surveyed veterans stated they considered taking their own life since joining the military with only nine percent saying they considered doing so prior to joining.

Common mental health problems among veterans

Some of the most common health problems reported during military service by veterans and active service military members include sleep problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. A survey from 2022 found that around three quarters of veteran and active service respondents who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001 reported experiencing PTSD. Health care for veterans in the United States is provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which also provides mental health care. VA mental health professionals are the leading resource used for veterans with a service-connected mental health injury, followed by civilian (non-VA) mental health professionals and vet center counselors.