Suicide Among Members of the United States Armed Forces

SUICIDE Globally- Accounts for nearly ½ of all violence related deaths U.S.- 11 th leading cause of death. 3 rd leading cause of death for ages Ratio- 3 per 100,000 people = approximately 33,000 people each year U.S. Military – 2 nd leading cause of death historically Ratio per 100,000

Basic Military Training (BMT) Known as “Boot Camp” Each branch varies on length and required training 3-7 days in-processing 6-12 weeks specific training All BMT’s are a stressful environment Ratio- 4.8 per 100,000 from

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) U.S. Military comprised of mainly adult males ages Statistically military identified individuals with the highest risk of suicide to be a 19 year old Caucasian male Males 4 times more likely to die than females by suicide Highest branch suicide rates today starts with USMC, Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard

Risk Factors Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Combat deployments have been shown to have considerable risks for PTSD, TBI, major depressive behavior, and substance abuse All major risk factors for suicidal behavior

PTSD 19.1 % of troops returning from OIF/OEF show criteria for mental health concern 10 % show signs of PTSD Over 1 % show suicidal behavior

TBI 64 % of OIF/OEF wounds in action are injuries by blasts known as IED (Improvised Explosive Devise) Most severe damage from TBI Impacts an individuals inhibitions

Other Risk Factors Failing relationship with significant other Alcohol abuse and dependence Easy access to firearms Legal difficulties Financial difficulties

DONSIR (Department of Navy Suicide Incident Report) Showed specific statistics- DONSIR 1999 to cases of completed suicides 122 Navy personnel 78 Marines 4 females in each branch

DONSIR Statistics CharacteristicsNavy %USMC% On liberty6764 Residence5561 Firearm4865 Relationship 6252 The use of alcohol was used for more than 30% of cases between each branch All individuals showed some type of sign of suicidal behavior

VETERANS 20 % of U.S. completed suicides may be among veterans Historically OIF/OEF veteran suicides are lower than previous conflicts PTSD often occurs most directly 6 months or more after discharge

PREVENTION DOD and Department of Veteran Affairs Continuously funding research on military suicide Setting up multiple support groups and suicide hotlines Providing training Classes on suicide prevention for every member of military especially combat leaders Seek help beyond the feeling of shame

Conclusion Overall management and treatment of suicidal individuals will require time and effort with careful consideration Sometimes you just can’t stop someone from ending their own life, but it is everyone's responsibility to know the signs so it doesn’t happen