Журнал травм и лечения

Understanding Suicidal Risk of LGBTQ Veterans: A Call for Action

Abstract

Maltseva T, Olenick M, Flowers M and Sampedro AD

Veterans are identified as a vulnerable population with an increased risk for suicidal ideations and attempts. They face multiple challenges after separation from military service, including finding employment and housing, reintegration into family and civilian life. Veterans have a high rate of homelessness, which may predispose them to greater risk for depression and suicide. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) veterans have a potentially higher risk for the suicide compared to the heterosexual/cis-gendered veterans. The lack of research on the LGBTQ community within the U.S. military is sparse due to the military’s historical policies with respect to homosexuals serving in the military. This article focuses on identifying future research aimed toward understanding the suicidal risk of veterans. A vignette is presented as an illustration of the severity of this problem