The New Battlefront: How AI Is Saving Veterans from Suicide in Real Time

Veteran suicide is one of the most urgent and devastating public health challenges in the United States today. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (2022), more than 6,000 Veterans die by suicide each year—averaging over 17 lives lost every single day. These deaths don’t just represent statistics; they represent stories, families and futures cut short. Despite growing awareness and resources, many Veterans still slip through the cracks. Now, a quiet but powerful force has entered the fight—artificial intelligence (AI). This technology is being used in groundbreaking ways to detect suicidal thoughts and behaviors before they become fatal.

Unlike traditional screenings that rely on in-person visits or self-reporting, AI can continuously analyze behavior through speech, text, wearables and health records. One tool, Cogito, monitors voice patterns—tone, cadence, pauses—to flag signs of distress. Initially developed for call centers, it’s now being used to support Veterans through the VA. Another example is Koko, an AI-powered mental health tool that tracks red flags in online messaging and guides users toward help. At a larger scale, the VA’s own Reach Vet program uses predictive analytics to scan health records, medication changes, and service history to identify those silently at risk. These aren’t hypothetical tools—they’re saving real lives, in real time.

AI is also showing promise through wearable technology. Devices like the Apple Watch, Garmin and Oura Ring collect data on heart rate variability, sleep disruptions and activity levels. AI systems interpret this information to detect subtle warning signs—such as a sudden lack of movement, poor sleep, or increased stress—and can trigger alerts to caregivers or support staff. In these moments, technology becomes a safety net, quietly recognizing pain even when a person doesn’t say a word.

The results are promising. A 2020 evaluation of the Reach Vet program showed that Veterans flagged by the AI system were more likely to receive timely follow-up care and had fewer suicide-related events than those not identified (McCarthy et al., 2020). Outside of the VA, organizations like Crisis Text Line use AI to scan conversations and prioritize the most high-risk users. The system detects over 85% of messages mentioning suicidal ideation—often before the user even says the word “suicide.”

Yet, the rise of AI in mental health brings important ethical questions. Who controls the data? Can someone be monitored without their consent? What happens if an algorithm misses a crisis—or worse, falsely labels someone as suicidal? Critics warn about potential misuse, especially if sensitive data is shared with insurers or law enforcement. Still, many experts argue that when used ethically and transparently, AI can help bridge a life-saving gap—especially for Veterans who may be reluctant to speak up due to stigma, pride, or fear of judgment.

The fight against suicide is complex and deeply personal. For many Veterans, it’s a war that continues long after the battlefield. But now, thanks to advancements in AI, support can be closer than ever—often sitting silently in a phone, a watch, or a cloud-based server. This isn’t about replacing human care; it’s about enhancing it. AI offers a layer of protection, a second set of eyes, and a voice that can speak up when someone feels they can’t.

If you or someone you know is a Veteran in crisis, help is available. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, or text 838255 to connect with a trained responder—24/7, confidential, and free.

References

McCarthy, J. F., Bossarte, R. M., Katz, I. R., Thompson, C., Kemp, J., Hannemann, C. M., ... & Schoenbaum, M. (2020). Predictive modeling and concentration of the risk of suicide: Implications for preventive interventions in the US Department of Veterans Affairs. American Journal of Public Health, 110(2), 198–206. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2019.305362

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2022). 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/2022/2022-National-Veteran-Suicide-Prevention-Annual-Report-FINAL.pdf

Crisis Text Line. (n.d.). AI and Crisis Response. https://www.crisistextline.org/tech

VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention. (2021). Reach Vet Program Overview. https://www.va.gov/REACH_Vet/