State officials and support groups work to aid veterans amid high suicide rates

Editor's note: If you or someone you know may be considering suicide or is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

A new report from the state shows just how much our veterans are struggling with life during and after military service.

About one in nine lives lost to suicide in Massachusetts are veterans. Many of them have mental health conditions or resort to substance abuse to deal with deep trauma.

Radio Boston spoke with two veterans about how to address the issue, including what Beacon Hill could do to help.