Suicidal Thoughts, Behaviors, and Mental Health Treatment Use in US Military Veterans

Have suicidal thoughts and behaviors increased among US military veterans over the past 5 years?In this cross-sectional study of 2636 US veterans using 2025 to 2026 data, the prevalence of past 2-week suicidal ideation increased by nearly 50%, which was statistically significant, compared with estimates from 2019 to 2020. In contrast, the prevalence of lifetime suicide planning and suicide attempts remained stable.These findings suggest that suicidal ideation has increased among US veterans over the past 5 years, whereas suicidal planning and attempts have not, underscoring the need to strengthen early intervention, treatment engagement, and targeted prevention efforts.

Corresponding Author: Ian C. Fischer, PhD, US Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, 950 Campbell Ave, West Haven, CT 06516 (ian.fischer@yale.edu).

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