For the past 19 years, Give an Hour has been dedicated to supporting our military community by providing confidential, no-cost mental health services. Founded in the aftermath of 9/11, we recognized the urgent need for life-saving mental health support for those who had sacrificed so much. Our work has saved lives, offering hope when and where it’s needed most. Today, that need remains critical, as suicide rates continue to rise. Suicide is a deeply painful and complicated topic, yet it’s one that almost all of us can agree must be addressed openly and urgently. At the heart of this conversation is a critical truth: hope can be a lifeline. The presence of hope—or its absence—plays a profound role in someone’s mental health. When hope fades, despair and hopelessness can take its place, leading to dangerous consequences, including suicidal thoughts.
The Alarming Reality of Suicide
Suicide is a growing crisis, including in the military community. According to the Department of Defense, 2022 saw the highest number of active-duty suicides in recent history, with rates increasing by over 40% in the past five years. For every 100,000 active-duty service members, 24.6 took their own lives—a statistic that underscores the gravity of this issue. In the general population, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with over 48,000 Americans dying by suicide each year. These numbers are more than just statistics; they represent lives cut short and families left in grief.
The Role of Hopelessness and Hope
Hopelessness is a significant risk factor for suicide. Research shows that individuals experiencing intense feelings of hopelessness are at least twice as likely to attempt suicide compared to those with higher levels of hope. A study published in the journal Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior found that hopelessness was a more accurate predictor of suicide than depression itself. This underscores the critical need to instill hope as a protective factor.
Hope, on the other hand, is powerfully connected to mental health and resilience. Studies have shown that individuals with higher levels of hope tend to have better mental health outcomes, including lower levels of anxiety and depression. Hope feeds the sense of possibility and a belief that the future can be better than the present. This belief is essential in combating the feelings of despair that often lead to suicidal thoughts.
How Give an Hour is Making a Difference
At Give an Hour, we’ve made it our mission to stand in the gap for those who feel hopeless, offering support, connection, and care when it’s needed most. Our latest initiative, the Military Mile Project, is a powerful example of how we’re working to protect our active-duty soldiers from suicide.
In every service member, there is a deep sense of dedication and strength—skills honed to serve and lead. But who supports them through the challenges they face each day? The rise in active-duty suicides has exposed a critical vulnerability—one that cannot be ignored. High-stress environments, traumatic experiences, and daily challenges contribute to an alarming mental health crisis.
Give an Hour, with over 19 years of experience, has been at the forefront of providing responsive, evidence-informed mental health care to our service members, veterans, and their families. Now, we’re taking it a step further.
Introducing the Military Mile Project
The Military Mile Project is an initiative aimed at training 2,000 service members across 10 military bases. This project empowers our warriors to support 6,000 of their peers, breaking stigma and building resilience. Through three 90-minute trauma-informed training sessions, we prepare these leaders to handle stressors, fight stigma, navigate difficult conversations, and support their peers. Every soldier trained becomes a fighter against the silent enemy within and a perpetuator of the hope that we all need.
Every dollar you give not only enhances resilience and diminishes stigma but also significantly increases the potential to save lives. Imagine the impact of preventing just one loss—your investment pays for itself in immeasurable ways.
Your Role in Shaping the Future
We invite you to join us in rolling out this vital program to military bases nationwide. Your commitment today can shape the future of military resilience tomorrow. Donate now.
Hope is not just a word; it’s a powerful force that can save lives. By supporting initiatives like the Military Mile Project, you’re helping to restore hope to those who need it most. Let’s stand together against the tide of hopelessness and build a future where every service member knows that there is always hope, even in the darkest times.
