Editors Note:

Suicide is something that can affect everyone, but certain populations often find themselves at a higher risk. Active members of the military and veterans alike can struggle with increased stress, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress. Their struggles deserve to be recognized, and family and friends need to know the signs, and ways to help.

Suicide is complex. No two people end their lives for exactly the same reason. However there are common warning signs and risk factors that many people who die by suicide exhibited before their death.

We know that suicide can affect anyone, but we look at demographic data because some people may be at higher risk for attempting suicide or dying by suicide.

2023 preliminary data from the Utah Medical Examiner Database (Data Citation: Utah Medical Examiner Database, Office of the Medical Examiner, Utah Department of Health and Human Services. 2024. (Population estimates are provided by the Kem C. Gardner Institute.)

• Nearly 700 Utahns died by suicide in 2023. This is the 2nd highest number after 2022. 

• Among adults, veterans and service members in Utah die by suicide almost three times as often as non-veterans and non-service members. 

• Among veterans who died by suicide with a current mental health problem, 25% had a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) compared to 2.4% of non-veterans. 

Davis County (2023 suicide data for Davis County has not been released yet). 

• In Davis County, 15,635 residents are veterans, who account for 6% of the county’s total population (U.S. Census).

Warning signs and prevention

Suicide is preventable when we know the warning signs and have the appropriate resources to reduce risk. Some warning signs include: 

• Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no reason to live

• Looking for information about methods of suicide

• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

• Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly; feeling isolated; withdrawing; giving away possessions

• Sudden changes in behavior or extreme mood swings

• Sudden loss, move or rejection

How can you help 

If you feel that someone you know is in danger to themself or others, talk to them about safe storage of firearms and medications. The conversation can include locking up guns and ammunition separately or offering to store their guns or medications for them. 

Resources

While the rate of suicide in Utah remains unacceptably high, the resources available to prevent suicide have increased and become more accessible. 

• If you are a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, the Veterans Crisis Line has caring, qualified responders available for free, confidential help 24/7. Call 988 and select 1. 

• To learn whether stress and depression might be affecting you, the Veterans Self-Check Quiz is a voluntary and confidential service you can use online at vetselfcheck.org/Welcome.cfm 

• Continue Mission is a program that provides recreational and educational events that offer healing and camaraderie which results in improved mental health. Check out continuemission.org/ 

• The Live On Military Playbook is designed specifically for service members and friends to learn the tools needed to help someone with thoughts of suicide. liveonutah.org/