Most veterans and service members who die by firearm suicide never disclose their intent

A recent study by Rutgers researchers has shed light on the patterns of firearm suicide among U.S. military service members and veterans. The study, published in The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, analyzed data from 28,600 individuals with a history of military service who died by firearm suicide between 2013 and 2021. Using the National Violent Death Reporting System, researchers aimed to understand the frequency of suicidal thoughts being disclosed by service members and veterans before their deaths, as well as the individuals they chose to confide in.

The findings revealed that the majority of veterans and service members who died by firearm suicide did not disclose their suicidal intentions in the month leading up to their death. This lack of disclosure highlights the need for more effective strategies to identify and support individuals at risk of suicide. The study also found that when service members and veterans did share their suicidal thoughts, they often chose to confide in family members or intimate partners, rather than professional mental health providers or other support services.

The study's findings underscore the importance of increasing awareness and support for mental health services among U.S. military service members and veterans. By understanding the patterns and warning signs of firearm suicide among this population, researchers and policymakers can work to develop more targeted interventions and resources to prevent these tragic deaths.