PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s Veteran’s Day, and while the Valley is gearing up for a day of recognition, it’s also a time to acknowledge the mental health struggles local veterans face from their time in the military.
Veterans are 57% more at risk for suicide than non-military adults, and around 6,000 veterans die by suicide each year, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. There are nearly 1.6 million veterans in California alone, making the availability of mental health services in the Valley important.
Veterans commonly deal with mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders (SUD).
But research shows seeking treatment is effective in reducing suicide rates heavily. From 2001 to 2022, the Veterans Health Administration saw long term decreasing trends for suicide rates across conditions including a 36.1% decrease from anxiety, 34.5% from depression and 31.6% from PTSD.
To reach out to American Legion Palm Springs Post 519 visit americanlegionpalmsprings.com
For more on veteran benefits and services in California visit calvet.ca.gov
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local veterans on mental health and resources available to them.