Silent Challenges Faced by Post-9/11 Veterans Contributing to Rising Suicide Rates

Post-9/11 veterans often confront visible hurdles such as securing employment and recovering from physical injuries. However, many of their struggles are less apparent but equally impactful. Feelings of isolation, loneliness, and the conviction that they are a burden to loved ones are common emotional burdens among veterans. Persistent thoughts of being a burden and social disconnection can elevate the risk of suicide, according to a recent study by researchers at the Clearinghouse for Military Family Readiness at Penn State.

Published online and scheduled for the August edition of the Journal of Affective Disorders, the research explores how emotional struggles like 'thwarted belongingness' and 'perceived burdensomeness' play roles in the increased suicidal risk among this population. Keith Aronson, director of the Clearinghouse, emphasized that compared to civilians, military veterans face a markedly higher risk of suicide, and the study investigates how perceptions of social and emotional difficulties contribute to this heightened danger.

Analysis of national Veteran Affairs data from 2001 to 2020 reveals alarming trends: a 95% increase in suicide rates among young adult veterans, a 58% rise in those nearing retirement, and a 21% increase in veterans aged 75 and older. Veterans are significantly more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, plan suicides, and attempt suicide than their civilian counterparts.

The study is grounded in the interpersonal theory of suicide, which states that the risk increases when individuals experience two main emotional states: thwarted belongingness—the feeling of social isolation—and perceived burdensomeness—the belief that one is a burden to others. These feelings, especially when stable over time or fluctuating with life events, significantly heighten the suicide risk.

Researchers tracked thousands of post-9/11 veterans over more than six years, analyzing traits that are consistent (trait-like) and those that fluctuate (state-like). Findings indicate that consistent suicidal thoughts, such as recurring ideas of being better off dead, are strong predictors of suicidal behavior. Notably, perceived burdensomeness correlates with the intent to act on suicidal thoughts, whereas thwarted belongingness was less predictive of long-term suicidal plans.

The complex relationship between internal emotional states and external life circumstances, like social exclusion, unemployment, or illness, underscores the importance of comprehensive assessment strategies beyond standard questionnaires. The longitudinal nature of this study offers insights into how enduring traits and shifting circumstances interact to influence suicide risk.

The authors stress the importance of early and ongoing screening using tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale and the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire to identify veterans at risk and facilitate timely intervention. Supporting veterans includes recognizing that feelings of loneliness and burdensomeness, whether based on real struggles or perceptions, warrant serious attention.

If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, help is available. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 then pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting VeteransCrisisLine.net for confidential, 24/7 support.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-silent-struggles-veterans-linked-suicides.html