Veterans, guilt, and suicide risk: An opportunity to collaborate with chaplains?

Suicidal behavior is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States, and active-duty and reserve military personnel and veterans account for nearly 18% of suicide deaths. By one estimate, as many as 22 veterans die by suicide each day. These rates are thought to be due to a higher incidence of mental illness in certain veteran populations relative to the general population. Consequently, a number of mental health services are available to veterans in a variety of clinical and community settings.