Day 2,626: The symbolism behind this video is about more than just pushups - the 22 Pushup Challenge started as a way to spread awareness that an average of 22 combat veterans take their own lives each day*.
*The stat is broken down as a daily average to visualize what the annual rate looks like (not to be taken literally as a daily number), 22 was originally cited from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) 2013 report covering suicides from 1999 to 2010.
Per the VA’s National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report (published Sep 2022): in 2020, there were an average of 16.8/ day (6,146 veteran suicides total). In this report, veterans are defined as people activated for Federal military service and not currently serving at the time of death.
Beyond veterans - Active Component Service members - the Department of Defense (DoD)’s Annual Report on Suicide in the Military has the current rate at 24 a day as of 2021.
Active Component rates over the years (via DoD): 21.5 (2016), 22.2 (2017), 24.9 (2018), 26.3 (2019), 28.7 (2020), 24.3 (2021).
While the original VA report is specific to combat veterans and the DoD report reflects the active component - PTSD and depression can impact anyone, veteran or civilian.
Unfortunately, there’s no way to know the exact number of suicides, but it’s important to get prevention resources out.
Text/call 988 (Suicide + Crisis Lifeline) or text HELLO to 741-741 (Crisis Text Line).
Ask for help, whether you’re struggling or you know someone who is (it could save a life)!
Participate in the 22 Pushup Challenge by posting your video of 22 online - they don’t have to be perfect, it’s more about spreading awareness.