Potential Factors Behind the Military’s Alarming Suicide Rates

While service members are aware of the risks of losing their lives in combat, they may not anticipate losing their own lives—or those of their loved ones—to suicide.

A 2021 study found that since 9/11, four times as many active duty service members and veterans have died by suicide compared to those who died in battle.

Despite recent efforts to enhance suicide prevention in the military, suicide rates among service members remain high.

Active duty Army personnel, in particular, have suicide rates nearly twice as high as other military branches and over two and a half times higher than the general population. Among veterans, the rates are even more alarming, with an estimated 17 or more committing suicide daily in 2021.

Research Focus on Suicide Drivers in Military Personnel

My research focuses on uncovering the factors driving high suicide rates in specific groups. Understanding what leads active duty service members and veterans to contemplate and plan suicide is crucial for prevention efforts.

There are numerous reasons why service members and veterans may experience elevated rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Notably, the risk factors for active duty service members differ from those of veterans.

For active duty service members, factors contributing to suicide include loneliness, relationship problems, workplace issues, trauma, disrupted schedules, heightened stress, poor sleep, injuries, and chronic pain. Veterans, in addition to these factors, often face challenges transitioning to civilian life.

Additionally, service members may possess an increased capacity for suicide, characterized by a reduced fear of death, a high pain tolerance, and familiarity with using highly lethal means such as firearms.

Rising suicide rates indicate the need for a different approach to studying the issue to save more lives. Fortunately, recent research advances are helping scientists rethink how to study suicide both within and outside the military.

Investigating Suicidal Thoughts in Service Members

In a recent study conducted by my lab, we utilized these innovations to investigate what drives suicidal thoughts among service members. We asked 92 participants to download an app on their phones and complete brief surveys assessing suicide risk factors four times daily for one month.

Using a newer statistical method called network analysis, we identified which suicide risk symptoms most influenced other symptoms at specific times and over time.

Overall, we discovered that feelings of ineffectiveness or being a burden, a sense of low belonging or disconnection from others, and agitation are key drivers of both moment-to-moment and longer-term suicide risk among service members and veterans.

Based on our study results, examining how the military both promotes and impedes a sense of belonging and effectiveness could help address suicide risk factors.

This consideration may become increasingly important as technological demands, such as drone pilots operating in isolated facilities, may cause active duty service members to feel less connected to one another.

Task Saturation Among Active Duty Service Members

Additionally, some active duty service members experience task saturation, feeling overwhelmed with too many tasks and insufficient time, resources, or tools to complete them. They also report working excessive hours, which limits time for rest and reflection.

Allowing soldiers more time to complete their tasks and reflect on their work could renew their sense of effectiveness and improve their understanding of their contributions to overall goals.

Furthermore, military leadership could prioritize and reward group-level achievements over individual accomplishments. This could foster a greater sense of belonging and reduce feelings of ineffectiveness, thereby decreasing suicidal thoughts.

Lastly, relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, massage, and gentle movement, could help reduce agitation.

There is still much work to be done to combat suicide and support those who serve and protect us.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, remember you are not alone and there is help available. For military-specific resources, call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. You can also visit Veterans Crisis Line.

Read the original article on: Science Alert

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