11/11/2025
This Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices of our service-members and acknowledge what many carry home: unseen wounds, silent struggles, and the urgent need for mental health support. According to the latest data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there were 6,407 veteran su***des in 2022, which averages to roughly 17.6 veterans per day. The unadjusted su***de rate for veterans in 2022 was 34.7 per 100,000, more than twice the rate of non-veteran U.S. adults (17.1 per 100,000). Around 7 % of U.S. veterans will experience PTSD in their lifetime—higher for those who served in recent conflicts (for example, nearly 29 % among OIF/OEF veterans). And nearly half of veterans with mental-health needs report barriers to care such as stigma, financial or instrumental obstacles, or negative beliefs about treatment.
If you or a veteran you know are in crisis, call or text 988, then press 1 to connect with the Veteran Crisis Line. To all veterans: you’re not alone and your wellness matters. To all of us: we can strengthen support systems, encourage open conversations, advocate for access, and honor our veterans by helping them heal holistically. Resources at tinyurl.com/vetsmhsupport, and please feel free to join our community conversation on December 11th on Mental Health Amidst Federal Cuts - learn more at tinyurl.com/mhfcuts !
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