TO CLOSE

Watch for these warning signs if you suspect that a loved one might be suicidal.
Wochit

New VA data reveals a 6% increase in suicides from 2015 to 2016 among Tennessee veterans.(Photo: Illustration of the US Air Force / Senior Airman Aaron Montoya)

An average of three veterans died by suicide each week in Tennessee in 2016, according to the latest figures released by the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Data released on Wednesday show a 6% increase in suicides in 2015 and mark a worrying trend for local veterans, as the national rate has dropped slightly.

The VA figures, which are the most recent year available, also show a dramatic increase in the number of suicides among specific age groups.

Data show a 23% increase for the youngest Tennessee veterans, aged 18 to 34.

But Tennessee veterans saw the largest increase, with rates up 32% from 2015 for veterans aged 55 to 74.

This is the number of suicide deaths among Tennessee Veterans in 2016, broken down by age group:

  • 26 deaths for veterans aged 18 to 34
  • 38 deaths for veterans aged 35 to 54
  • 66 deaths for veterans aged 55 to 74
  • 26 deaths for veterans aged 75 and over

Male veterans accounted for 140 to 150 suicides, while female veterans made up less than 10. To protect confidentiality, the AV has suicide death rates when the number of deaths in one category is lower to 10.

The VA concluded that the suicide rate of veterans in Tennessee was considerably higher than the national suicide rate of non-veterans.

The suicide rate among Tennessee veterans (32.8 per 100,000) is also nearly double that of military members who did not serve in the military (17.4 per 100,000), according to the data.

"Suicide prevention remains VA's biggest clinical priority. A life lost to suicide is a life of too much, "said Robert Wilkie, VA Secretary, in a statement.

Nationally, the suicide rate among veterans was 1.5 times higher than among those who had never served in the military. Veterans accounted for 14% of all adult suicide deaths in the country, although only 8% of the population had served.

The national number of suicides among veterans in 2016 was 6,079, down from 6,281 deaths in 2015. However, the number of veterans 'suicides in 2016 remains higher than the 5,797 observed veterans' suicides. more than ten years ago. decreased by about 4 million people.

VA health services see more veterans mentally ill

The AV found that the suicide rate among veterans who used VA health services in one year was higher than among veterans who did not use it. However, between 2005 and 2016, there was a 26% increase in suicides among veterans who did not receive VA care, compared with 13.7% for those who received care.

"Veterans who use HAV have physical and mental health needs and are actively seeking care because these conditions are disruptive to their lives. Many of these issues, such as mental health issues, substance abuse issues, chronic health issues and chronic pain. are associated with an increased risk of suicide, "says the report.

Tennessee's Mental Health and Addiction Services Department operates an emergency helpline that provides 24/7 support at 1-855-CRISIS-1.

The Crisis Line for Veterans can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1 800 273-8255 and pressing 1, texting 838255 or online chat.

Other online resources from the US Department of Veterans Affairs are available at www.MakeTheConnection.net and SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

Yihyun Jeong covers veterans and military affairs for the USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee. Reach her at [email protected] or 615-881-7309. Follow her on Twitter @yihyun_jeong.

Read or share this story: https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2018/09/26/veterans-suicide-rate-tennessee/1435706002/