Honoring Veterans by Tackling the Silent Toll of Their Service — A Call During National Suicide Prevention Month

Every September, National Suicide Prevention Month calls the attention of the nation to a crisis that has claimed the lives of thousands of veterans and continues to devastate families across the country. In 2022, at least 6,407 former service members succumbed to suicide, making it the 12th-leading cause of death for this occupational group and—even worse—the second-top reason for the demise of those under age 45. Tragically, tackling this crisis has been exceptionally complex because of the several unique challenges inherent to military service. Notable among them are combat trauma, chronic pain from service-related injuries, and other dire long-term consequences stemming from prolonged exposure to hazardous substances. When all fused, these burdens not only undermine physical health—they also erode a sense of purpose, strain relationships, and intensify the feeling of isolation, which can cultivate despair and, ultimately, suicidality. How Suicide Takes a Toll on Veterans in Texas Over the past years, the suicide crisis has consistently wreaked havoc on veterans from all states. Regrettably, Texas—boasting more than 1.5 million former military personnel—is among the drastically impacted. Federal statistics reveal that just in 2022, nearly 600 veterans statewide chose to take their own lives, and such equates to a rate of 37.6 deaths per 100,000 individuals. And though these losses may not be evenly distributed across the regions, counties that host large veteran populations, such as Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties, are still expected to suffer from this tragedy. For many of these men and women, the path to distress is shaped not only by the traumatic memories of their previous battles but also by the silent and often overlooked aftermath of service—among them the lasting effects of toxic exposure. Accordingly, one in three service members has reported definite or probable contact with dangerous contaminants, such as asbestos, burn pits, Agent Orange, Lewisites, mustard gas, and radiation. Of these, asbestos has emerged as one of the most damaging and latent threats. Once prized for its unique strength as well as fire resistance, this fibrous silicate mineral was heavily used across military facilities and equipment, particularly in Navy ships built before the mid-70s. Moreover, barracks constructed throughout the 20th century, such as those at the Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base in Harris County, are also likely to have incorporated this dangerous material. However, what many of the military personnel did not know was that routine contact with asbestos can lead to fatal medical conditions, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. In Texas, the toll of this health concern has been devastating. Between 1999 and 2017, asbestos-related deaths surged to nearly 15,350, of which 10,752 cases were linked to lung cancer, 2,688 to mesothelioma, and 2,012 to asbestosis. Harris County was the hardest hit region—recording 2,124 fatalities—while Fort Bend and Waller County each registered 199 and 26 casualties. What’s even more alarming is that these statistics tell only part of the story, as ailing veterans not only confront deteriorating health but also severe emotional strains. The combination of chronic pain, often limited treatment options, and the knowledge that their diseases may already be terminal drives many of them into seclusion as well as grief, thereby triggering post-traumatic stress disorder and, eventually, suicidal ideation. Previous evidence shows that veterans diagnosed with cancer had a suicide rate of almost 40% higher than those who never had the disease—a grim reality that underscores how illnesses can contribute to this tragedy. Advocating for Suicide Prevention for Texas Veterans Preventing veteran suicide in Texas requires more than reactive measures—it strongly calls for a coordinated approach tackling the underlying factors contributing to this ongoing crisis, including both the mental and physical challenges of military service. The truth is that the federal government has already begun making progress in this fight through the enacted Honoring Our Pact Act of 2022. This bipartisan legislation focuses on delivering comprehensive healthcare services as well as compensation to help toxic-exposed personnel cope with their illnesses. The Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988 and press 1) was also established to provide day-and-night support to those dealing with mental health challenges. Meanwhile, being home to one of the nation’s largest veteran populations, Texas has likewise taken an important step by enacting a enacting a law that directs its Veterans Commission to carry out a suicide prevention campaign. This initiative ensures that retired service members are provided with clear information on suicide prevention resources, reinforcing the message that help is both available and attainable. Yet despite all these initiatives, the heartbreaking crisis continues, as numerous Texan veterans remain unaware of the benefits intended for them. And even when they are informed, many feel discouraged by the complexities of the application process. Bridging this gap entails outreach campaigns that go beyond enlightening veterans on what they can avail themselves of—they should also advance robust follow-up care, seamless connections to mental health providers, and family-based support networks. Harris, Fort Bend, and Waller Counties—regions that documented both large veteran populations and the lingering effects of asbestos exposure—stand as urgent reminders of where targeted interventions can save lives. Ultimately, the path forward for Texas lies in weaving suicide prevention into every aspect of veteran care. That means integrating toxic exposure treatment with counseling and streamlining access to VA and state benefits to really make sure that no veteran is left to navigate illness and isolation alone. By committing to this broader vision, the state can positively transform suicide prevention into a sustained promise of protection for those who once protected the nation. About the Author Cristina Johnson is a Navy veteran advocate for Asbestos Ships Organization, a nonprofit whose primary mission is to raise awareness and educate veterans about the dangers of asbestos exposure on Navy ships and assist them in navigating the VA claims process. For more information, please visit our page.