According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, veterans have a 57% higher risk of suicide than the general population. But little is known about how that risk differs between men and women. In the first study of its kind, researchers at Oregon Health & Science University followed a group of veterans for roughly a year after a nonfatal suicide attempt. They found that the women who were surveyed reported more social rejection and lower levels of self-compassion than men, suggesting a higher risk of another attempt. 

Lauren Denneson is a professor of psychiatry at OHSU and associate director of the Center to Improve Veteran Involvement in Care at the VA Portland Health Care System. She is the lead author of the study and joins us with more details.

Note: If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. To reach responders, dial 988 then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.