Key statistics and facts--Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom

Mental Health Is the second largest area of illness after orthopedic problems,

Nearly one in five, [thirty thousand], soldiers who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan have posttraumatic stress disorder or depression with only about half of that number actually seeking treatment.

Approximately nineteen percent of returning service members report that they experienced a possible traumatic brain injury while deployed, and seven percent of service members report both a probable brain injury and current PTSD or major depression.

45 percent of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness, including many eho report high rates of PTSD.

Approximately 70 percent of homeless veterans suffer from substance abuse problems.

A suicide prevention hotline started by the VA and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration in July 2007 has served 22,000 and prevented 1,221 veterans from taking their lives in the first year of operation.

Source: National Council Magazine, Vol. 3 July 2008

Factsheet: Suicide

No suicide attempt should be dismissed or treated lightly

Warning Signs of Someone Considering Suicide: Several of these symptoms may signal a need for help: Verbal Suicide Threats, Expressions of Hoplessneness