According to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, in 2021, the veteran suicide rate was between 6.7 and 46.3 per 100,000 across all races (Black, Asian, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, white and American Indian or Alaska native).
Veterans make up a unique cohort of New Jersey’s population, comprising approximately 300,000 men and women who have fought in conflicts that include Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan — defending our country and ensuring our freedoms.
As these men and women return home and assimilate into civilian life, their mental health is often treated as separate and apart from their physical well-being, rather than as a key interconnected component.
The toll that mental health issues take on our nation’s veterans is evidenced by the 6,392 who took their own lives in 2021 — including 53 from New Jersey.
Confronted with such daunting statistics, I am thankful to see health care systems in New Jersey, such as RWJBarnabas Health (with which I work closely), honor and serve our veteran community by providing them with employment opportunities, support for those struggling with their mental health and grocery store gift cards for veteran patients experiencing food insecurity.
Initiatives such as this put veterans’ physical well-being and mental health at the same level of priority and can provide them with a sense of purpose and belonging.
Veterans are no strangers to post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, loneliness and anxiety stemming from what they have experienced in combat and the rigors of military service. While PTSD receives the most attention, isolation and loneliness are just as pervasive — they’re just not talked about as often.
The transition from the structured environment of the military to the often-unpredictable, less-regulated civilian world isn’t easy, as core elements of military life are difficult to replicate.
Veterans often miss the camaraderie and sense of purpose they had while serving in uniform. Veterans may find themselves struggling to connect with those who haven’t shared their experiences and are even more reluctant to talk about their mental health struggles for fear of them being viewed as signs of weakness.
In the military, strength is not measured solely by physical ability; it also lies in the courage to confront one’s challenges and seek support. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Our veterans, especially those reading this, need to know they’re not alone; resources are available where they can get the help they need to feel connected and understood.
Vets4Warriors, a nationwide nonprofit founded in December 2011 to provide active-duty military, National Guard, Reservists, veterans and their families with 24/7 confidential peer support via the Rutgers Behavioral Health Care National Call Center, is a great place to start.
The Rutgers Health Behavioral Health Care National Call Center is the only New Jersey regional/national facility with professionals trained to deescalate crises and connect callers with around-the-clock mental health services available through the National Suicide Prevention Lifelineand the Veterans Crisis Line.
Throughout 2023, Vets4Warriors supported over 9,800 individuals and 7,550 connections established for new veterans, service members, family members and caregivers seeking our support for the first time.
I served in the Army for almost 35 years, in countless leadership and key positions, and I have made it my mission since retirement to help veterans and families with their mental health and well-being.
Mental health disorders threaten to tear our veterans apart: That’s why we need to talk about it more and give our veterans our unwavering, judgment-free support. We must create a culture where seeking help is accepted and encouraged.
This means expanding access to mental health services, increasing awareness of the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions, and fostering a sense of community among veterans.
By working together, we can ensure our country’s brave men and women receive the care and compassion they deserve.
To contact Vets4Warriors, please call 855-838-8255 to speak with a veteran 24/7.
Maj. Gen. Mark Graham is the executive director of Vets4Warriors.
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