Clinical Report: Rethinking Suicide Prevention for Veterans

Background

Suicide is a significant public health issue, particularly among military veterans who exhibit higher suicide rates than the general population. Understanding the patterns of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in veterans is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies. The complexity of STBs necessitates a focus on risk factors that may differ between veterans and civilians.

Data Highlights

Key Findings

• 13.4% of veterans report current suicidal ideation.
• 14.0% report suicidal ideation in the past year.
• 8.0% of veterans have made lifetime suicide plans.
• 4.9% of veterans have attempted suicide in their lifetime.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider the unique risk profiles of veterans when assessing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Conclusion

The findings present prevalence rates of STBs among veterans.

Related Resources & Content

1. Fischer et al., National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study, 2023 -- Rethinking Suicide Prevention for Veterans
2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report -- Overview
3. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide, 2024
4. JAMA Network Open — Group-Based Suicide Safety Planning and Skills Training for Veterans With High Suicide Risk: A Randomized
5. BMJ Mental Health — Predictive analytics to direct clinical attention to complex patients with elevated suicide risk: enhancement of the Veterans Health Administration REACH VET model
6. JAMA Network Open — Suicidal Thoughts, Behaviors, and Mental Health Treatment Use in US Military Veterans
7. JAMA Network Open — Positive Mental Health Screens in the Veterans Health Administration, 2021 to 2024
8. Group-Based Suicide Safety Planning and Skills Training for Veterans With High Suicide Risk
9. Predictive analytics to direct clinical attention to complex patients with elevated suicide risk
10. 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Part 1: Overview
11. Reframing Veteran Suicide Prevention—From Prevalence to Comparative Risk Trends | Suicide | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network
12. VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for Assessment and Management of Patients at Risk for Suicide
13. Predictive analytics to direct clinical attention to complex patients with elevated suicide risk: enhancement of the Veterans Health Administration REACH VET model - PMC