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February 25, 2022

Wounded Warrior Project Veterans Survey Highlights Need for Increased Mental Health Support

This week, the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) released its annual survey findings for 2021. These results represent about 152,000 post-9/11 veterans who were injured during their service.  Ninety-three percent of veterans surveyed receive disability compensation from the VA.; However, one in five reported that they had problems receiving mental health care. In fact, 59% of that group expressed uncertainty about the professional mental health care options available to them, with 66% stating they would be “embarrassed or ashamed” to utilize such services. A key finding from this survey was that 1 in 4 veterans reported having had suicidal thoughts in the previous month. This is relevant because about 17 veterans die by suicide each day.  Although mental health and suicide prevention have recently been a major focus for theVA, the survey response suggests more needs to be done to combat the problem.  Of those surveyed, 75% reported experiencing PTSD, 74% anxiety, and 72% depression. These survey results may not be surprising; however, they are further evidence that veterans need more information about and access to mental health services.