September is Suicide Prevention Month. Here in Syracuse, preventing suicide among military veterans is a top priority for the National Veterans Resource Center at Syracuse University and the VA Medical Center just down the street.
Data from the Department of Veterans Affairs shows more than 6,000 veterans committed suicide in 2020 (latest available data). That’s the lowest total since 2006, but still 57% higher than the national average for civilians. VA clinical social worker and Army veteran Bryan Asher says there is still a stigma in the military around mental health, and that asking for help doesn’t make someone weak.
“That is a sign of strength, that you’re able to recognize that you can’t do this alone and you need the help," Asher said. "And then supporting the families and friends around those veterans, that they’re aware of the resources that they have access to and then are able to ask the questions on their own as well.”
Asher says the VA approaches suicide as a public health problem. Veterans are asked about their mental health at VA hospitals regardless of the reason for their visit. The VA also hosts events with partners like the Resource Center to provide education and strengthen the veteran community.
Asher says the approach is working. More veterans are receiving mental health care after being screened by another service provider. While the impact both locally and nationally will take years to calculate, Asher says the success rate is obvious. It’s right in front of us.
“The unknown data that we’ll never know is how many people would have completed suicide that didn’t because of these interventions," Asher said. "I’m fine not knowing that because I know it happens. And I know we’re making these connections and that’s really what’s important.”
Asher participated in a suicide prevention education event at the Resource Center on Wednesday afternoon, where he and dozens of other veterans of all ages reminisced about their time in the military and spoke about the importance of community.