Soldier Suicide Rate
On Thursday May 29, 2008 the U.S. Army reported that the suicide rate for soldiers is at its highest point ever.
In 2007 at least 155 soldiers took their own lives, and numbers are expected to rise as the war goes on.
By May 2008, there were 38 confirmed suicides and 12 suspected suicides.
The psychiatric consultant to the U.S. Army surgeon general stated that long deployments and exposure to "terrifying and horrifying things" are causing record numbers of soldiers to commit suicide. Soldiers also have access to loaded guns.
Fast Facts
- At least 38 suicides in 2008
- 155 suicides in 2007
- 102 suicides in 2006
- 85 suicides in 2005
- 67 suicides in 2004
- Factors: Witnessing horrific events, weapons easily accessible, long deployments, personal relationships
- Majority had no known mental disorders
- 2007: 166 attempted suicides
Army Mental Health Efforts
The U.S. Army has hired additional mental health workers and has increased the psychological screening process for soldiers.
Officials say they are working to erase the stigma that goes along with seeking mental health treatment so that symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can be evaluated early on, therefore preventing suicides.
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