can threaten their lives. Physical activity is an essential protective factor against suicide risk. Photo credit Wounded Warrior Project
The statistics are heartbreaking: Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. We’re losing as many as 17 veterans each day to suicide.
Post-9/11 veterans who experienced service-connected traumas face higher risk factors for suicidal ideation. According to Wounded Warrior Project’s 2022 Annual Warrior Survey, nearly 1 in 4 warriors registered with the organization had suicidal thoughts in the last 12 months.
The reasons that lead someone to attempt suicide are complex. But the CDC says many factors can help protect against the risk of suicide. For example, high-quality health care, developing effective coping skills, and fostering connections with others can help build protection.
In addition, physical activity plays an important role in managing stress and improving health.
The Battle at Home
In service, veterans feel a sense of purpose around a unified mission. When service members separate from the military structure that once guided their lives, they may feel a loss of identity, purpose, and connection with others. Individuals who experience injuries and illnesses during service may believe their injuries prevent them from being the person they were before or enjoying the things they once loved. The frustrations and feelings of loss and physical limitations can contribute to suicidal ideation.
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Army National Guard veteran Germán Rivera-Caballero is one such warrior. After experiencing a mortar attack in Iraq in 2007, he returned home with lasting wounds, including severe joint damage to his lower body and PTSD. Like other wounded warriors, Germán felt alone as he faced the effects of his injuries. He began withdrawing from others. He gained weight, hitting 310 pounds – the heaviest he’d ever been. He knew something had to change.
Physical health and wellness play a vital role in the recovery and resilience of wounded warriors. That’s why Wounded Warrior Project offers programs to help wounded warriors. That’s why Wounded Warrior Project offers programs to help wounded veterans reengage in physical activity and build their self-confidence through sports. Most activities can be adapted to accommodate injuries. When wounded veterans begin to see they are still capable of tremendous achievements through physical activities, they redefine their limitations.
Germán joined WWP veteran cycling communities and physical wellness coaching, which helped him become active again. Notably, he was active alongside other veterans in a supportive environment. The combination of physical activity and connection with others is key.
Germán’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle strengthened his confidence and self-worth and decreased risk factors linked to suicidal ideation.
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Join The Movement
Warriors like Germán are increasingly finding success in using physical activity to improve their mental well-being. WWP’s survey found that more than half of warriors surveyed reported that physical activity helps them cope with stress and other mental health concerns.
The Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly. Movement activates the body’s natural substances that enhance mood and body function. Regular physical activity reduces anxiety and the risk of depression. It also helps improve sleep.
Mental Health Awareness Month calls attention to veterans coping with invisible wounds that can threaten their lives. Physical activity is an essential protective factor against suicide risk.
Connecting veterans to physical activities or sports – in a community that can accommodate their unique injuries -- is paramount to their psychological well-being and resilience.
Organizations like WWP and other veterans service organizations can help.
James Herrera is the vice president of Physical Health and Wellness for Wounded Warrior Project. He is an exercise physiologist, professional coach, and former Olympic coach who helps lead the organization’s Soldier Ride, adaptive sports, and health and wellness programs.