While suicide in the veteran community has no single cause, just as in the civilian community, there are risk factors for suicide that are unique to the veteran community. While many of the risk factors for veterans are the same for veterans of all ages and service eras, some are more relevant to young adult veterans. We will examine the risk factors associated with military service, including those most relevant to the young adult veteran community. We will also look at some of the resources and tools available to veterans and their family members, friends, and service providers, to help mitigate and reduce risk and increase safety for those who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.
Objectives:
- Understand the numbers as related to veteran suicide.
- Identify the unique risk factors for suicide among young adult veterans.
- Understand the Economic Risk Factor, Military Sexual Trauma Risk Factor, and the SUD Risk Factor.
- Identify ways the transition to civilian life is a risk factor.
- Understand firearm ownership as a Risk Factor and the importance of Safe Storage to reduce risk.
- Identify resources and tools for suicide prevention and intervention.