Veteran suicide is an ongoing crisis in our country. Our American Heroes fight for our nation and then often come home to fight for their mental and physical health. Risk factors like financial concerns, lack of social support, and preexisting mental health disorders all play a role in Veteran suicide. PTSD has also been linked to higher rates of suicide in Veterans.
But some promising interventions can help reduce the risks, from free crisis support to professionally trained PTSD service dogs paired with the Veterans who need them.
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At Northwest Battle Buddies, we’re committed to helping Veterans overcome the symptoms of PTSD. To put PTSD service dogs in the hands of more American Heroes, show your support by making a donation. |
The hard facts of Veteran suicide
According to the US Department of Veteran Affairs, 6,392 Veterans died by suicide in 2021, making it the 13th leading cause of death among Veterans. In that same year, the rate of suicide in Veterans was 71.8% greater than that of the general population, when adjusted for age and sex.
Even one death is too many. That’s why interventions to help prevent Veteran suicide are so important.
The crisis care Veterans need
A White House briefing on a new, evidence-based strategy for reducing military and Veteran suicide points to crisis care as one of the essential ways to help reduce the risks.
Veterans who are in crisis or who are having thoughts of suicide can reach the dedicated Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1 for 24/7 confidential crisis support. Many counselors are Veterans themselves who understand what service members might be going through. The line is available to all service members and Veterans, even if they’re not currently enrolled in VA benefits, and it’s completely free.
In a study of the Veterans Crisis Line, 82.6% of callers reported that using the crisis line played a role in stopping them from acting on suicidal thoughts. Spreading awareness about this resource can help more Veterans get access to help when they need it.
Access to effective medical care
Financial strain is a key risk factor in Veteran suicide. Affordable and effective medical and mental health care is essential to reduce the risk of suicide. But long wait times for an appointment can get in the way of Veterans getting the care they need.
The VA website offers a search feature that connects Veterans with same-day services at VA Medical Centers, so they can access care – including mental health services – without having to wait. Telehealth services are also available, providing medical care to more Veterans no matter where they are in the world.
Support from service animals
For Veterans with PTSD, a professionally-trained service dog can be an essential component of their medical care. There are plenty of stories of PTSD service dogs helping Veterans manage their symptoms, like Phil and his PTSD service dog Rimfire.
But until recently, there wasn’t much empirical research on the topic. Now, a study from the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine puts the data behind the benefits that many Veterans have already experienced. The study found that, “the addition of a service dog to usual care was associated with lower PTSD symptom severity, lower anxiety, and lower depression after 3 months of intervention.”
PTSD service dogs can provide a variety of tasks for their handlers, depending on the Veteran’s needs. These might include:
- Wake their Veteran from nightmares
- Signal and interrupt anxiety attacks
- Redirect flashbacks
- Alert on adrenaline
- Act as a social barrier in public
- Provide a contact feeling of safety
- Perform pressure therapy
The PTSD service dogs professionally trained by Northwest Battle Buddies are available at no cost to Veterans thanks to generous donations. Contribute to Pledge-a-Pup to support a PTSD service dog in training and help connect more Veterans with service dogs.
Finding community connection
When a Veteran is battling the effects of PTSD, it can feel incredibly isolating. Veterabs benefit from community programs for suicide prevention like the Governor’s Challenge or finding support by engaging with community groups. There are many local and national organizations for Veterans to foster community and provide support.
- The Wounded Warriors Project offers support for Veterans around the country, including wellness challenges, peer connections, and access to mental health services.
- The American Legion brings Veterans together through community service and provides support for Veterans, including help processing VA disability claims.
- Mission 22 provides support for Veterans, promoting long-term wellness through their programs and events.
- Stop Soldier Suicide offers resources for Veterans, including their ROGER program that provides virtual mental health services and crisis intervention.
A PTSD service dog can make it easier for Veterans to get out and engage in the community, allowing them to find the connection that is essential to reducing rates of Veteran suicide. A PTSD service dog can make it easier for Veterans to go places they would normally avoid going alone, helping alleviate feelings of isolation.
Northwest Battle Buddies pairs PTSD service dogs with Veterans who are battling PTSD. Your contribution helps make that possible. Make a donation to NWBB and support our American Heroes.