Commentary: Better understanding what causes active duty service members and veterans to think about and plan suicide is imperative for efforts to prevent it.
A 2021 study estimated that four times as many active duty service members and veterans died by suicide as died in battle since 9/11.Although service members know they may lose their lives in combat in service of their country, they may not expect to lose their lives — or those they love — to suicide. A 2021 study estimated thatto improve suicide prevention within the military, suicide rates remain elevated among service members.
Additionally, service members may have an elevated capability for suicide, meaning a decreased fear of death, high pain tolerance and familiarity with usingIncreasing rates of suicide suggest that researchers need to study suicide differently in order to save more lives. Fortunately, several research advances are helping scientists rethink the way people study suicide within and outside the military.among service members.
Overall, we found that feeling ineffective or like a burden to others, a sense of low belonging or feeling disconnected from others, and agitation areBased on our study results, considering how the military both fosters and hinders a sense of belonging and effectiveness could help address suicide risk factors.
Additionally, military leadership could find ways to prioritize and reward group-level achievements over individual accomplishments. This could lead to both increased belonging and reduced feelings of ineffectiveness, in turn reducing thoughts of suicide.There is still much work to do to turn the tides in the fight against suicide and help those who serve and protect us. If you or someone you love is thinking about suicide, know that you are not alone and there is help.
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