Flags went up, veterans were thanked for their service and Veterans Day went off well Wednesday with multiple events in the Big Horn Basin. 

As Thanksgiving approaches, it only seems appropriate that we take time to thank our veterans for the sacrifices they made — some of which are clearly seen in the wounds they sustained.

But not all wounds can be seen, and those can prove to be quite fatal. Veterans are among the most likely to commit suicide.

Compared to the U.S. population, both deployed and non-deployed veterans have a higher risk of suicide, but a lower risk of death from other causes combined, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs. Deployed veterans also have a lower risk of suicide compared to non-deployed veterans.

There are many possible reasons; sometimes it is caused by post traumatic stress disorder, or just needing some help but feeling that seeking help is a sign of weakness. Whatever the reason, this is a trend that will require everyone’s efforts to reverse. 

Among veterans who served during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars from 2001-07, the rate of suicide was greatest for the first three years after leaving service, according to the VA. This is why it is extremely important that recently returned veterans receive as much help as possible in transitioning back to civilian life. 

The vital status of 1.3 million veterans from their time of discharge through the end of 2009 was analyzed in a study conducted by the Institute of Clinical Research, the Office of Public Health, the VA, the National Center for Telehealth and Technology and the U.S. Department of the Army. 

According to that research, among veterans who served during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars between 2001–07:

• Deployed veterans had a 41 percent higher suicide risk compared to the general U.S. population.

• Non-deployed veterans had a 61 percent higher suicide risk compared to the general U.S. population.

• Suicide accounted for 21.3 percent of deployed veteran deaths, and 19.7 percent of non-deployed veterans. 

• Female veteran suicide rates were about a third of the suicide rate of male veterans, according to the VA. For female veterans, the rate was 11.2 out of 100,000; for male veterans, it was 33.4 out of 100,000 veterans. 

• Suicide risks are higher among younger, male, white, unmarried, enlisted, and Army/Marine veterans, and predictors of suicide were similar between male and female veterans.

• The rate of suicide among veterans decreases a little bit over the years, declining from 33.1 to 25.6 out of 100,000 between a three-year and nine-year period for non-deployed veterans. And for deployed veterans, the rate went from 29.7 to 26.1. 

But even one is too many. 

We encourage friends and relatives of veterans to keep a close eye on the emotional state of the veterans they know. Just like any illness, mental illnesses are treatable conditions and certainly are not a sign of weakness. With the right kind of help and enough support, we can fix this problem and help our veterans transition into leading happy and fulfilling lives back at home. 

Fortunately, help is available beyond just medication. Veterans have access to support groups, specialists, rehabilitation programs and more. But the biggest help any veteran can get is to have the people in their lives back them up.  

Sometimes a veteran needs help in getting assistance, so veterans or their family and friends may call the Veterans Crisis Line for confidential help that’s available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1-800-273-8255, or send a text message to 838255 or chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net.

Every November, we honor and thank veterans for their service, but it’s important to offer our support and help throughout the year.