What do you know about PTSD and veterans?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, used to be called “shell shock” and “battle fatigue.” Today, its well-recognized that veteran’s face this condition as a direct result of experiencing traumatic events during their service.
Key Facts
- Upwards of 20% of veterans serving in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have a PTSD diagnosis, as do an estimated 15% of Vietnam veterans.[1]
- PTSD is directly connected to depression and suicide.[2]
- The suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times the rate for non-veteran adults, adjusting for population differences in age and sex.[3]
If you are or someone you know is a veteran dealing with suidicidal thoughts, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line or the Suicide Prevention Lifeline
[1] National Center for PTSD
[2] Sareen, J., Houlahan, T., Cox, B., & Asmundson, G. J. G. (2005). Anxiety disorders associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempts in the National Comorbidity Survey. Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease. 193, 450-454.
[3] 2019 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report