Excerpt by Melissa Farmer-Hill The invisible wounds of trauma, isolation, and the struggle to reintegrate into civilian life can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair. It’s crucial that we, as a community, step up to support all who served. We can start by fostering open conversations about mental health and breaking down the stigma associated with seeking help. Veterans should be encouraged to utilize available resources, such as counseling services and support groups specifically tailored to their experiences. Reaching out to a fellow veteran, offering a listening ear, and being vigilant about recognizing signs of distress can make a significant difference. By creating a strong network of support, we can show veterans that they are not alone and that their lives are valued. Together, we can help reduce the tragic loss of life to suicide and ensure that every veteran feels seen, heard, and supported. I invite you to continue reading for Ambassador Jamytta Bell's insightful article, which shines a light on the unique experiences of women veterans.
Female veterans face unique challenges that significantly increase their risk of suicide compared to their non-veteran counterparts. According to recent data, the suicide rate among female veterans is alarmingly high, with rates more than twice as high as those for civilian women. In 2021, there were 350 suicide deaths among female veterans, and the age-adjusted suicide rate for this group was 166.1% higher than that of non-veteran women in the U.S. This stark difference is largely attributed to the unique stressors associated with military service, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), and difficulties in readjusting to civilian life.
Moreover, the use of firearms in suicides among female veterans has increased, contributing to a higher fatality rate in their suicide attempts. Research also highlights that women veterans experience less social support than their male counterparts, exacerbating feelings of isolation and distress.
For active-duty female service members, the suicide rate has shown a worrying increase over the years. Although the overall suicide rate among service members has seen fluctuations, the trend has not shown significant long-term improvements. The Department of Defense continues to focus on addressing this crisis, implementing over 100 actions to strengthen suicide prevention strategies.
Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved mental health care tailored specifically for women, enhanced social support systems, and better access to resources that address both the psychological and physical aftermath of military service.
These findings underscore the importance of targeted interventions and the need for continued efforts to support female veterans and service members in addressing mental health challenges and preventing suicide.
Resources
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - dial 988
Emergency number - dial 911
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