Suicides have increased by as much as 20% this year compared to the same period last year among the military, according to data from the Associated Press.

For active military, suicides are up 30%, according to Nassau County Executive Laura Curran.

“We are taking these statistics for active military vets as a warning sign, and also an opportunity to let our veteran and our general population know that services are available,” said Curran.

Army and Air Force officials pointed to the pandemic and civil unrest as added stresses that may have caused the uptick.

MORE: Nassau County Mental Health Services | Veterans Services Agency

Nassau county officials want to be clear there is help for veterans. Executive Curran says Nassau is home to one of the largest veteran populations in the country with 55,000 residents.

Veteran Jeff McQueen, who deals with PTSD, says these services can be lifesaving.

“The numbers are staggering. More veterans that are non-combat live with PTSD than those that were combat themselves,” he said.

McQueen says those feeling alone during the pandemic should tap into the county’s services.

“This is not a storm we should be weathering alone. There is support out here, and it just makes sense,” said McQeen.