(CLARKSVILLENOW) – A new survey of 3,000 post-9/11 veterans, the largest of its kind to date, shows that the number of veterans who have contemplated suicide is on the rise. These veterans feel their communities and government entities are not doing enough to combat the issue.
The survey was conducted by Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), an organization founded in 2004 to improve the lives of these veterans. The survey asked about issues including employment, education, GI Bill usage, health (including mental health), VA utilization, VA benefits, reintegration, and more.
While 63% of veterans believe the public supports veterans, only 22% believe the public understands the sacrifices veterans have made, according to the survey.
Part of this support relates to mental health. 80% of those polled do not think veterans are getting the mental health care they need. A majority of respondents agreed that the VA (59%) and DoD (65%) are not supporting these mental health issues. 75% agreed that local communities are not doing a good job of supporting veterans with mental injuries.
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Key Findings:
MENTAL HEALTH
58% have a service-connected mental health injury, and 82% of those are seeking care for the injury
78% Are getting care from a VA provider, and 63% are satisfied or extremely satisfied with that care
SUICIDE
40% Have thought about taking their own life since joining the military
45% Know an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran they served with who died by suicide
54% Know an Iraq or Afghanistan veteran they served with who attempted suicide
WOMEN IN THE MILITARY
15% feel that the general public understands the contributions of women in the military
79% feel that it’s important/very important for IAVA to address the issues women veterans face
73% Believe that physical fitness standards should be uniform for men and women
Respondents also ranked the top three issues facing veterans today:
1. Suicide/Mental Health
2. VA disability benefits
3. Employment/Jobs