Suicide Prevention and Crisis Support for Veterans

Suicide rates among veterans — particularly younger male veterans — are higher than in the general population. This page exists to provide honest information, explain the warning signs, and connect people with the right support as quickly as possible.

If you are worried about yourself or someone else, start with the numbers above.

The scale of the issue

Research consistently shows that veterans face elevated suicide risk compared to the civilian population. Studies published by the Forces in Mind Trust and academic institutions including King's College London have found that younger male veterans — particularly those who served in the Army and left at lower ranks — are at significantly higher risk than their civilian peers.

The risk factors specific to veterans are well-documented:

Transition from service — loss of structure, identity, purpose and belonging happening simultaneously

Isolation — reduced contact with the peer group that understood service life, difficulty building equivalent civilian networks

Untreated trauma — PTSD and related conditions that were suppressed during service and emerge afterwards

Chronic pain and physical injury — long-term pain is a known risk factor for depression and suicidal ideation

Relationship breakdown — the strain of service life and the difficulties of transition frequently affect relationships

Unemployment and financial pressure — particularly in the period immediately following discharge

Alcohol use — higher rates of alcohol dependency in the veteran community can both mask and worsen mental health difficulties

Understanding these factors matters — not to assign blame, but because recognising the pattern is the first step in intervening early.

Warning signs

Suicidal crisis in veterans often does not look the way people expect. Military culture trains people to mask struggle, maintain composure, and project resilience. Someone may be in serious difficulty without showing obvious signs of distress.

Things to look out for in yourself or someone you know:

• Withdrawal from friends, family or the activities they used to value
• Increased alcohol use, or other changes in behaviour that seem out of character
• Talking about being a burden to others, or that others would be better off without them
• Giving away possessions, or putting affairs in order without an obvious reason
• A sudden calm after a period of visible distress — this can indicate a decision has been made
• Expressions of hopelessness, that things will not get better, or that there is no way forward
• Becoming more reckless or taking unnecessary risks

Longer-term support

If you are not in immediate crisis but are struggling and want to talk to someone or start treatment:

Op COURAGE: The NHS specialist mental health service for veterans and their families. Self-referral — no GP needed. Staffed by people with an understanding of service life. Offers assessment, therapy and ongoing support.

Combat Stress: Community and residential treatment for veterans with more complex or long-standing mental health difficulties. Referral required but they can advise on the process.

PTSD Resolution: Free therapy for veterans and families, with no waiting list in many areas. A fast route to actual treatment for people not yet engaged with specialist services.

Support for friends and families

If you are worried about a veteran you love, you are dealing with something genuinely difficult. The combination of military stoicism, stigma around mental health, and the specific pressures veterans face can make it hard to know what to do.

You can call the support lines too. Combat Stress (0800 138 1619) and Veterans' Gateway (0808 802 1212) both support families and carers, not just veterans themselves.

Related reading

• PTSD in veterans: symptoms, treatment and where to get help
• Op COURAGE: what it is and how to access it
• Standing Together: Suicide Prevention and Support for Veterans

The information on this page is for guidance only and does not constitute medical or clinical advice. If you are concerned about your own mental health or that of someone you know, please speak to a GP or qualified healthcare professional. In an emergency, always call 999.