September is dedicated to National Suicide Prevention Awareness. September 10th is World Suicide Prevention Day, a day to raise awareness, focus efforts on directing treatment to those who are most in need, and remember those affected by suicide. Suicide prevention is one of the National Association of American Veterans, Inc. (NAAV) key concerns and a pillar we are committed to every day. An average of 22-24 veterans ages 18-64 commit suicide each day.
At the National Association of American Veterans, Inc., we believe life is precious. Our service men and women and Veterans have sacrificed mentally and physically across this nation and around the world, and we must continue to support innovation to ensure they get the support they need to heal.
The National Association of American Veterans, Inc. with the support of its volunteer’s statistics for 2023 concerning Veteran total population in the U.S., Veteran with disabilities in the U.S., total number of Veterans with mental health issues, and total number of Veterans with homes in the U.S.
Veterans Statistics Value
Veterans currently in the U.S. 16.5 million Veterans
Veterans with Mental Health issues 2.1 million Veterans
Veterans without homes about 40,402 thousand Homeless Veterans
Veterans Population in the U.S.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were around 16.5 million Veterans in the United States in 2021. A majority of these Veterans are of the Vietnam War era and are men over the age of 75.
Veterans with Mental Health Issues
In 2019, 15.3% of U.S. Veterans experiences a mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression or substance abuse. As of 2020, suicide is the second leading cause of death for the U.S. children ages 10 to 14, preceded only by unintentional injury. The impact of depression and anxiety has on the global economy can be measured in $1 trillion in lost productivity each year. In 2020, 51.2% of the U.S. females received mental health services, while only 37.4% of males received mental health services.
Young adults ages 18 to 25 in the U.S. have the highest rate of experiencing any mental health concerns (30.6%) compared to adults aged 16 to 49 years, and the highest rate of serious mental illness (9.7%).
Females are diagnosed with serious mental health conditions at higher rates than males, 7% to 4.2%, respectively.
The percentage of U.S. Adults receiving mental health treatment rose from 19.2% in 2018 to 21.6% in 2021.
Recognize the Signs of Suicide Risk
. Thinking about hurting or killing yourself . Hopelessness, feeling there is no way out
. Looking for ways to kill yourself . Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, mood swings
. Talking about death, dying or suicide . Feeling like there is no reason to live
. Self-destructive behavior such as drug . Rage or anger
Abuse, weapons, etc. . Engaging in risky activities without thinking
. Increasing alcohol or drug abuse . Withdrawing from family and friends
The presence of these signs requires immediate attention. Call the number below if you experience any of these warning signs.
For more information, call Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 PRESS 1 Confidential chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net or text to 838255.