Army: Soldier Suicide Rate May Set New Record
In what can quite possibly be called the saddest news of the day, the United States army said on Thursday that soldier suicides this year could very well exceed the amount of last year.
Last year was a, horrible, record. Back in 2007 115 soldiers took their own lives. At this moment, there were 62 confirmed suicides in 2008, with 31 deaths that appear to be suicides but which are still investigated. If these deaths were suicides as well, that makes a total of 93 in only eight months time.
According to high ranking officers, one of the main reasons for the rising suicide rate is that the U.S. army is overstretched. Soldiers have to serve for prolonged periods of time abroad, in dangerous and stressful situations and, when they finally return home, they cannot stay there long; before they realize it, they are sent back to one of the most volatile regions in the world.
“Army leaders are fully aware that repeated deployments have led to increased distress and anxiety for both soldiers and their families,” Army Secretary Pete Geren said.
“The Army is committed to ensuring that all soldiers and their families receive the behavioral health care they need,” he said in a statement distributed at the press conference on National Suicide Prevention Week starting Sunday.
“Installations and units across the Army have been directed to redouble their efforts in awareness and prevention training and soldier care and support services,” Stephens said.
Although better mental support is of immense importance, it seems likely that the suicide rate will go up as long as the army remains as overstretched as it is. Too many soldiers can, quite simply, not deal with it. The army has already employed more psychiatrists and other mental health staff but the rate continues to increase.
Interestingly enough, frequent and stressful deployments are not the only reason for the many suicides among soldiers; other major causes are personal relationships and financial problems.
The situation is becoming increasingly horrible, but there is some good news. Well, relatively good news that is; the suicide rate among the civilian population is higher than among members of the military. That ‘good’ news is, however, countered by more bad news; it is quite possible that, for the first time, the rate among soldiers will surpass the rate among civilians.
Not to sound stupid, but are these Army suicides veterans from either Iraq or Afghanistan wars? That needs to be determined. Because if not, that changes how treatment can be administered. For example, if it’s not PTSD, rather, financial and relationship problems, more family counseling as well as financial assistance could be more helpful than just psychological help.
Long deployments have always led to financial and relationship problems, regardless if you’re in the line of fire. All the Armed services already provide a relief fund for personnel that hit hard times, this issue has always existed and is being addressed. Likewise for personal issues, Chaplains and counselors are readily available. So, regardless if you’re in combat or not, a 7-12 month deployment is always stressful. getting shot at makes it worse.