Record High Suicides

(This article appeared in the July/August 2013 edition of The American Postal Worker.)

Sue Carney, Director Human Relations Dept.

The departure of U.S. forces from Iraq and Afghanistan is not translating to less stress for our troops.

Last year the military suffered the highest number of suicides ever recorded — nearly one per day. In fact since the war in Afghanistan began, more U.S. service members have died from suicide than have died in combat. Some experts think the trend will grow worse this year as more troops are withdrawn — because the fear of returning to civilian life is a known stressor for individuals whose identity and self-esteem are closely tied to their role in the military.

The reasons for the increase in suicides are not fully understood. Army data suggests soldiers with multiple combat tours are at greater risk of committing suicide, although a substantial proportion of Army suicides are committed by soldiers who never deployed. The military is also struggling with increased sexual assaults, alcohol abuse, domestic violence and other misbehavior, which could be contributing factors, according to some reports.

And if suicide in the military isn’t upsetting enough, the suicide rate among veterans is astronomical. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Mental Health Services, Suicide Prevention Program, 2012 Data Report,on average a staggering 22 veterans commit suicide per day — one every 65 minutes.

Veterans comprise 22 percent of all reported suicides. Male veterans over 50 are at highest risk. Female veterans ages 18-34 are three times more likely to commit suicide than civilian women. Iraq and Afghanistan combat veteran are also among those identified as committing suicide at an accelerated pace.

The military and the Department of Veterans Affairs have increased their suicide-prevention programs over the last decade as suicides among veterans and active military members reached epidemic levels. Despite their efforts, a report issued by the Department of Defense revealed that the numbers are increasing.

The VA and other groups have attempted to improve counseling services and launched other programs to raise awareness and provide assistance. Over the past few years, tens of thousands of people have participated in online chats or sent text messages to share information or seek help. Thanks to a presidential executive order, one such program, the Veterans/Military Crisis Line, recently increased its hotline staffing by 50 percent. Since it was established in 2007, it has handled more than 740,000 calls. Web visitors can access a confidential veterans chat; take a self-check quiz; find suicide and crisis resources; learn how to identify the warning signs; find out how to help, and learn more about the Crisis Line.

The Veterans Crisis Line recently launched Stand By Them, a program to educate families and friends on how to seek help. Family members, caregivers, and loved ones are often the first to realize a veteran or military member may be in crisis. Anyone concerned about the safety and well-being of a veteran / military member can call 800-273-8255, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive free, confidential support from an experienced, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responder. Responders at the Crisis Line can provide support 24 /7 and are specially trained to help families and friends make sure their loved ones get connected to care.

If you know a military member or veteran in crisis, stand by them and make the call.