Suicide Exposure in Veterans and the Impact on Mental Health

Background: Veterans die by suicide at higher rates than their civilian counterparts. Given this, it is likely veterans also experience high rates of suicide exposure. Aims: The purpose of this study was to explore suicide exposure in veterans and its impact on mental health. Method: Survey data were collected from 3,188 veterans. Data were collected online using a multipronged sampling strategy. Suicide exposure, PTSD, depression, and suicide risk were measured in the survey. Odds ratios were produced through a series of bivariate logistic regressions. Results: Just under 60% (59.2%) of veterans reported experiencing exposure to suicide, with the majority of participants indicating multiple exposures. Veterans exposed to suicide were twice as likely to meet criteria for PTSD, depression, and suicide risk. Limitations: The use of convenience samples and the geographically distinct sampling area may limit the generalizability of the findings. The fact that the survey used self-reported measures, the inability to infer causality, and the severity of exposure were also limitations. Conclusions: Findings demonstrate veterans may be exposed to suicide at high rates and that exposure may create increased risk for negative mental health outcomes. Results have implications for risk assessment, intervention after suicide exposure as well as suicide prevention efforts.