Unfortunately the Army set a grim milestone. The United States army suffered a record 32 suicides in July, the most since it began monthly figures in 2009 after a year record for suicides was recorded. So far confirmed cases of suicides include 22 active duty soldiers and 10 reservists. Several more cases are pending investigations into cause of death and it will be several weeks before the Army reaches a definitive ruling on each case.
So far, for the first seven months of 2011, about 160 active-duty and reserve soldiers have taken their lives. The Army’s suicide rate has surpassed the rate for the overall population of the nation and doubled, overall, since the start of the two wars overseas.
With the record number of suicides eyes have turned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Since July 1st there have been five apparent suicides.
There also is a troubling trend with suicides with veterans who have long since left the military behind. Between 2005-2009 over 1,100+ suicides were recorded in the veteran community making it higher than the national standard. That is, on par with one suicide every 36 hrs.
Suicide is a serious matter. If you are having trouble or know of someone who is having trouble please reach out and talk to someone.
There is a national hotline to contact.
For veterans and service members you can speak to the Veterans Crisis line. It is toll free, confidential and available 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year even if your are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA health Care.
1-800-273-8255 and PRESS 1
You can also speak with someone online at
www.VeteransCrisisLine.net
Symptoms and Danger Signs
Warning Signs of Suicide
- Ideation (thinking, talking or wishing about suicide)
- Substance use or abuse (increased use or change in substance)
- Purposelessness (no sense of purpose or belonging)
- Anger
- Trapped (feeling like there is no way out)
- Hopelessness (there is nothing to live for, no hope or optimism)
- Withdrawal (from family, friends, work, school, activities, hobbies)
- Anxiety (restlessness, irritability, agitation)
- Recklessness (high risk-taking behavior)
- Mood disturbance (dramatic changes in mood)
Additional Warning Signs of Suicide
- Talking about suicide.
- Looking for ways to die (internet searches for how to commit suicide, looking for guns, pills, etc.)
- Statements about hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness.
- Preoccupation with death.
- Suddenly happier, calmer.
- Loss of interest in things one cares about.
- Visiting or calling people one cares about.
- Making arrangements; setting one’s affairs in order.
- Giving things away, such as prized possessions.
