The Silent Crisis: Suicide Statistics Among Veterans and Public Service Members
The statistics are staggering, painting a grim picture of a silent crisis plaguing our nation's heroes. Every day, 17.5 veterans die by suicide. In 2021, the suicide rate for veterans was 31.7 per 100,000, nearly twice the rate for non-veteran adults (16.8 per 100,000).
Among law enforcement, officers have a 54% higher risk of dying by suicide compared to the general population.
Firefighters face an equally daunting struggle, with around 50% having experienced suicidal thoughts, and 16% having attempted suicide during their careers.
EMTs are 1.39 times more likely to die by suicide than the general public.
Medical professionals also face a heightened risk. Among physicians and health-care workers, suicide rates were found to be significantly higher than the general population.
Teachers, often the frontline witnesses to the struggles of our youth, are also impacted, with suicide rates among male teachers being significantly higher than the general male population.
For active duty military, the suicide rate in 2022 was 24.3 per 100,000, with 519 service members dying by suicide. The Marine Corps had the highest rate in 2022 at 34.9 per 100,000.
These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives lost, families shattered, and communities robbed of their protectors. But there is hope, and that hope lies in the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy. Research has shown that equine-assisted interventions can lead to significant improvements in PTSD symptoms, social functioning, vitality, and emotional regulation (Stanley et al., 2016). A study by Modern Psychological Studies found that students in animal-assisted therapy programs had a 0% dropout rate, compared to a staggering 40% for those without this therapy (Cerel et al., 2019). Furthermore, participants were 94% more likely to seek out mental health support when equine-assisted therapy was involved (Cerel et al., 2019).
At Forepsyt, we are committed to harnessing the healing power of horses to transform the lives of our nation's heroes. Through somatic equine therapy, we can help veterans and public service members find the strength to heal, the courage to persevere, and the hope to reclaim their lives. Join us in this mission. Together, we can create a sanctuary of healing for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and safety.
References
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