Suicide is a growing concern in the military for active and reserve duty personnel. In July 2011 alone, 33 active and reserve service members took their own lives. Nearly half of all suicides in the Army are caused by drug or alcohol abuse. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that 18 veterans die by suicide every day. It’s true the military has been working hard to alleviate this problem, but there’s still a long way to go.

A recent report released by the Center for a New American Security, an influential military policy group in Washington, outlines suggestions for what the armed services, Department of Veterans Affairs and Congress can do to reduce the risks. Their research suggests a correlation between deployment and suicide; and that the “protective qualities” of military service — including having a sense of belonging— can erode after troops return from deployments. Recommendations to counter these effects include: delaying transfers to new units after deployment; improving the post-deployment mental health screening process; eliminating hazing; and increasing interaction within Guard and Reserve units between deployments.

Warning Signs

To reduce the number of suicides among veterans, it is important to know the warning signs. Civilians experience emotional and mental health crises in response to a wide range of situations—from difficulties in personal relationships to the loss of a job. But for veterans, these crises can be heightened by their experiences in military service and in war. The warning signs include:

• Talking about suicide, including such remarks such as “I wish I were dead” or “I wish I hadn’t been born”
• Purchasing items that could be used to commit suicide, such as a gun or pills
• Withdrawing from social contact and wanting to be left alone
• Being preoccupied with death, dying or violence
• Feeling trapped or hopeless about a situation
• Abusing alcohol or drugs
• Changing normal routine, including eating or sleeping patterns
• Doing  risky or self-destructive things, such as using drugs or driving recklessly
• Increased rage or anger
• Giving away belongings or getting affairs in order
• Saying goodbye to family or friends as if they won’t be seen again
• Acting out of character:  a shy, quiet person suddenly becoming outgoing and boisterous

What to Do If Someone Is Thinking About Suicide

If you think a veteran, or someone else close to you is contemplating suicide, the first thing to do is find out if this person might act on those feelings.

Remember that just asking about suicidal thoughts and feelings won’t make them take action. Rather, it gives them the chance to talk, which can reduce their risk. It is extremely common for veterans to own firearms, so this is not necessarily a ‘no-no’.  Instead, if a vet becomes excessively preoccupied with their firearm collection, or if they began to display suicidal preoccupation, it is usually helpful to enlist a trusted friend or family member to work with the vet to temporarily remove the firearms from the home.  This is called ‘means reduction’, and lately appears to be helpful to reduce the chance of suicide.It’s critical to treat all talk about suicide seriously and to get the veteran the help s/he needs. In addition to the VA, there are many psychotherapists available and trained to work with active duty, reserve, and retired veterans.

Source: United States Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Mayo Clinic