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2026 Mental Health INdex

Understanding the Mental Wellbeing of Indiana’s Frontline

Indiana is home to more than 418,000 military service members, veterans, and first responders. These individuals serve a critical role in protecting Hoosiers but face disproportionately high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, substance use disorders, and suicide due to repeated exposure to trauma and high-stress work environments.

 

The 2026 Mental Health INdex examines the behavioral health challenges affecting these populations, highlights the current policy landscape, and identifies opportunities to strengthen prevention, treatment, and recovery services across Indiana.

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Key Takeaways

  • Behavioral health risks are disproportionately high among Indiana’s military members, veterans, and first responders. Indiana’s veteran suicide rate is 39.9 per 100,000 individuals, compared to the state’s overall suicide rate of 21.7. An estimated 18% to 33% of first responders experience PTSD.
  • Research consistently shows that peer support programs are an effective tool for behavioral health prevention and recovery. Indiana has a strong network of these programs, and continued investment and collaboration between the public and private sectors can strengthen these programs and expand their impact.
  • State-level policy has a critical role to play in improving behavioral health outcomes for military members, veterans, and first responders. In particular, prevention efforts and comprehensive treatment programs that draw on best practices across all three populations can help address their shared and unique behavioral health needs.

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