Suicide Among Members of the United States Armed

Forces

SUICIDE

Globally- Accounts for nearly ½ of all violence related deaths

U.S.- 11th leading cause of death. 3rd leading cause of death for ages 15-24Ratio- 3 per 100,000 people = approximately 33,000 people each year

U.S. Military – 2nd leading cause of death historicallyRatio- 11.4 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

trainingAll BMT’s are a stressful

environmentRatio- 4.8 per 100,000

from 1977-2001

Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)U.S. Military comprised of

mainly adult males ages 17-26

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 FactorsPost 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

PTSD19.1 % of troops returning from OIF/OEF show

criteria for mental health concern10 % show signs of PTSD Over 1 % show suicidal behavior

TBI64 % 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 2001200 cases of completed suicides

• 122 Navy personnel

• 78 Marines• 4 females in each branch

DONSIR StatisticsCharacteristics Navy % USMC%On liberty 67 64Residence 55 61Firearm 48 65Relationship 62 52The use of alcohol was used for more than 30% of

cases between each branchAll individuals showed some type of sign of

suicidal behavior

VETERANS20 % of U.S. completed suicides

may be among veteransHistorically OIF/OEF veteran

suicides are lower than previous conflicts

PTSD often occurs most directly 6 months or more after discharge

PREVENTIONDOD 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

ConclusionOverall 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