Most Veterans Who Die by Firearm Suicide Never Disclose Intent Beforehand

A Rutgers University study of 28,600 military veterans and service members who died by firearm suicide between 2013 and 2021 found that most did not disclose suicidal thoughts in the month before their death. Published in The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, the research analyzed data from the National Violent Death Reporting System to identify communication patterns about suicidal intent. When veterans did communicate their thoughts, the study examined whom they disclosed to. These findings highlight the critical need for improved mental health screening, intervention strategies, and support systems for at-risk military populations to prevent suicide deaths.