What are the most significant risk factors associated with suicide in the military?

2014-08-20T11:33:58-04:00

Historically we've seen that the stresses of ground combat is the most significant factor contributing to suicidal behavior among Veterans and service members. Recent studies show that childhood abuse and sexual trauma before enlisting increase a service member's risk of suicidal behavior.

Does the military do enough to address mental and psychological concerns surrounding experiences prior to military service?

Do stigmas attached to being the victim of abuse prevent these service members and Veterans with increased risk to seek the help they need?

Are there other risk factors that we tend to ignore?

http://rly.pt/1n9XHn9

Military Suicide Study: Risk Higher For Those With Past Trauma Before Enlisting

Military suicide risk is higher for those who’ve experienced past trauma prior to enlisting, according to a trio of new studies reported by PBS. The studies

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 20 at 2014 2:42 PM

2014-08-20T14:42:39-04:00

Great discussion topic. The first question is hard to answer.... I say if the military knows of the situation they would be more than willing to assist the SM. Are there stigmas? You bet ya!

It is obvious that we (the military) need some work in this department. I have seen graphs that show steady increase in suicides, then I have seen some that show ups and downs throughout the years. I have personally known and dealt with three of them. I have also personally dealt with two other failed attempts. The number of ideations I can't begin to give an accurate number.

Response by SGT Kristin Wiley made Sep 24 at 2014 8:35 PM

2014-09-24T20:35:47-04:00

I don't think leaders take suicides seriously enough. I had to deal with one soldier up on Schofield who told me about his consistent 12+ hour days where half the time his 1SG was messing with them because he had an unhappy personnel life. One of his best friends committed suicide in the unit, and the command did not check on him or provide him anyone to talk to. Part of this may have been the stigma with seeking help, but short point of the story I had to call the MPs to track down where this soldier was at to get him the help he needed. He later thanked me for being the only one to show I cared, despite not being friends with this soldier or EVER being in his unit or chain of command. The MPs notifed his BN CSM who woke the chaplain and personnally went to check on him. When you see a cry for help, you help! Why many military leaders are ignoring these signs baffle me.

In Iraq, one of my former teammates had been coming into the office for few days looking extremely stressed. His supervisor would send him home to 'sleep' or 'take' care of things'. The soldier was clearly depressed and was sent back to his quarters alone. If you've ever been depressed you know that being alone with negative thoughts is the WORST thing you can do. Knowing how my command treated soldiers I had gone to EO and IG to resolve these matters knowing full well what this toxicity would lead to. Questioning this supervisor's leadership style had already gotten me one negative counseling statement and a threat of an article 15. I was too young and naive to stick with my gut at that time, and I ended up walking out of my quarters one day to find the MPs hauling his body away after he shot himself.

My conclusions have been poor leadership will do nothing and get away with it, IG will do nothing, and EO will do nothing because we do not put soldieres with the highest character in these positions to make the tough decisions and necessary changes. A blanket solution will not work for suicide, we need to get to the root of the problem and fix our leaders. A great book to read is "13 Reasons Why". After reading this book, I do not see how a leader can be naive enough to not realize there is SOME problem and by doing nothing YOU ARE A PART OF THE PROBLEM. As NCOs, we are told to "know our soldiers and always place their needs above our own". If we are truly upholding this guidance, how could ANY suicides occur on our watch? This IS a leadership failure and military leadership needs to start taking responsbility for these failures and strive to make changes to ensure everyone is upholding military values and ensuring the welfare of all service members. We are not doing enough, and until the suicide rate hits zero we will never be doing enough in my opinion.

Response by PO2 Jon Van Dop made Nov 23 at 2014 8:39 AM

2014-11-23T08:39:55-05:00

1. What about us Coasties?
2. When on a mission, any military unit does what it takes to look out for the other people in the unit. If there's a threat of any sort, it's closely monitored and dealt with. However, when the mission is over, vigilance about monitoring threats to the unit relaxes. Thus, the threat of suicide, while present, is not dealt with in a meaningful way. The key to getting action taken on this issue is for junior leaders to recognize that there is a threat to their people and then they will be more likely to take action when they see that threat.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Nov 24 at 2014 6:47 PM

2014-11-24T18:47:15-05:00

Very interesting reading found here as well.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/learn/riskfactors.aspx

RiskFactors

Response by CMSgt James Nolan made Nov 24 at 2014 7:53 PM

2014-11-24T19:53:38-05:00

You can watch all of the "informational videos" that you can stand....
The reality is that if you see a significant change in the people around you, and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up-your senses are telling you something. Check on your partners...
People all have their own reasons for doing what they do, but..if they see that you really are concerned, that may just be the push that causes them to turn the corner and come back.

There is huge stigma for "soldiers" (that means all of us) about taking help and "talking" about our problems...we all have them.

Remember, that what is not a big deal to you or I, is a game ender for someone.

Response by Cpl Dennis F. made Nov 24 at 2014 8:44 PM

2014-11-24T20:44:36-05:00

Once again, am I honestly expected to be able to read that infographic?

Response by SPC(P) Jay Heenan made Nov 24 at 2014 11:32 PM

2014-11-24T23:32:19-05:00

We ask men (some barely old enough to be called men) to go to war, experience things some only thought existed in movies and then expect them to come out the other side unscathed. We first need to change the mindset of our military leaders. See it is easy for the top brass to talk about seeking help and that it is a 'manly' thing to do, yet that is not the message at the unit level. Those who don't deploy are considered 'shamers' that need to be weeded out of the Army. Those not in combat are called 'pogs' and it is never said as a positive thing. God forbid, if someone who is a 'pog' or a non-combat Soldier winds up deploying and getting PTSD.

We tell Soldiers to be 'Army Strong', accomplish the mission, never mind that your buddy just got blown up in a MRAP, dust yourself off Soldier and 'Soldier on'. Is it surprising that suicide is as high as it is? I doesn't start with the 'top brass', it starts with us. It starts at the company level and travels up, changing the way we view 'weakness'.

Response by 1LT David Moeglein made Nov 25 at 2014 3:06 AM

2014-11-25T03:06:02-05:00

The largest risks for completed suicides are feelings of hopelessness, being male (women attempt more often, but usually choose less lethal means), persistent suicidal ideation, a history of previous suicide attempts, and an imminent plan for suicide.

Based upon my limited experience in the army, I believe a complicating factor may be chains of command that are afraid to address their internal fear related to the issue, by coming across as being rigid, and failing to responsibly lead service members who experience suicidal ideation. I hope that this has changed since I was discharged from the army 17 years ago.

In the 90s, I had the opportunity to watch two different battery/troop commanders and a 1SG react to soldiers with suicidal ideation. Their reactions were less than empathetic. I'm not surprised that there is a problem with suicide in the military, given the way that these unit leaders responded to the soldiers. In my first encounter with a suicidal soldier, I actually witnessed the troop commander yelling at him because he wanted to kill himself.

On the second occasion, I happened to be the battalion staff duty officer for our unit in Korea. I was alerted that there was a sergeant on one of the barracks (my battery), who was threatening to jump off the roof. I went out and talked to him as our legs dangled over the edge of the 3 story building. While I was listening to the sergeant's concerns, the 1SG came by and attempted to order him off the building. I informed the 1SG that I had the situation under control, and that he might want to go down and direct the crowd below. After talking and considering the situation (his wife on the other side of the world just served him with divorce papers), the sergeant decided to get help. Together, we safely got off the building.

My commander later told me that the sergeant wouldn't have jumped. I never got so much as an "atta boy" from my chain of command, which bothers me for the following reasons: It didn't engender a culture of soldiers taking care of soldiers, was hostile to esprit de corps, and further encouraged symptoms of mental illness by promoting emotional isolation. I potentially saved this young commander's backside, and he didn't have the courage to go beyond his ego/pride to be grateful and show appreciation.

All of this being said, if someone wants to commit suicide, and they keep trying, they stand a good chance of being successful at some point. A couple of years ago, I had a client commit suicide by jumping off an interstate bridge into the river below. A part of me felt like I went over the bridge with her. I felt numb and depressed, wanting to call in sick the next day. However, I knew that this was not in my best interest. My colleagues at work were very gracious, compassionate and reassuring. I remember having a good sob at my desk. After just two days, my depression lifted.

So, what am I saying? Ultimately, we don't need to be afraid of the issue of suicide. In the vast majority of cases we can be successful in managing it. I have treated a lot of suicidal clients in 15 years, and have had only one complete the attempt. We need to create a culture of overcoming adversity together. This includes the issue of suicide.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 4:48 AM

2014-11-25T04:48:21-05:00

Horrible that i see heroes of days past taking their lives.
Horrible that i see heroes leaving husband and wives.
Horrible that i coudnt see the signs that led to this demise.
horrible that i couldnt see the demons they were fighting inside.

i have one friend that dealt with PTSD. He won. even after a hard fight, he is still alive and helping veterans combat the demons that haunt them after war. thank you Chris Bemiss. For the things you do day to day.

Response by SSG John Erny made Nov 25 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-11-25T11:25:16-05:00

1LT Laurie Deitemeyer, Framingham, MA

I was the Unit peer to peer counselor, it was a hell of a job both good and bad. I had to send a couple of troops for medical help. It is very stressfull thing to do, but one has no other option. I also had to have the police take a troop to the hospital for protective hold. The first think I did was move every one who did not need to know in to a class room and shut the door and locked them down. Had the soldier change out of uniform into PT's and then the police pulled into the parking lot and took him away. I did this to protect his dignity and keep people from talking about a fellow soldier.
I have also failed. I was Sgt of the Guard at Camp Camden Yards in Kuwait. There was an E-6 that did not seem right he was not in my unit but rather on my detail. He would not take a meal most of the time, hardly say two words and just seemed depressed. One night he took his life while his battle buddy was in the porta potty.
It hit me hard and still bothers me to this day. My own Cousin also took his life after a deployment, the family is still hurting 6 years later.

If you have a lost soul or a problem troop don't kick them when they are down. They may not be cut out to wear the uniform, but they too have a family that loves them very much, if they are getting booted see that they get home.

Risks: Anything that causes emotional pain. Love, substance abuse, money, sexual abuse, fear, getting kicked out of the service, and some people have mental health issues that may be unknown at the time. There is a time and a place to use your command voice and chew ass. This is not one of them, be a guiding light. There is nothing worse than regret, trust me.

Response by LTC(P) Harden Hopper made Nov 25 at 2014 12:12 PM

2014-11-25T12:12:51-05:00

I believe "stigma" of admitting the thoughts - real or perceived stigma - contributes to the risk, by compounding the stress. Though we are trying to get better at identifying the risk and applying resources, there remains a lot beneath the surface - fear of consequences for reaching out with the issue, for one.

Response by SrA Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 5:52 PM

2014-11-25T17:52:58-05:00

while everything on the chart is correct, people tend to over look work problems as a part of it.

relationship problems is also one of the leading cause why people attempt to commit suicide.

we can get them the help they need. it's just that there is a big stigma about the mental health clinic wherein people think that were here to assess people and kick them out.

we are actually here to help them cope up with what they are dealing and bring them back up to speed and continue their mission.

I dont know how many airmen came across my table who are so scared because they think they're going to get kicked out. so as the pilots who think that they should not go to mental health clinic because they might get a DNF status.

Response by Lt Col Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 7:04 PM

2014-11-25T19:04:52-05:00

The most interesting statistic I saw from a recent suicide prevention brief was that the most likely people to commit suicide were first-term airmen who had never deployed, especially security forces. We always harp on deployments as a factor for suicides, when in fact people who deploy are actually a lower risk, statistically, than those who have never deployed.

That isn't to say that deployments never cause stress and other issues that may lead to suicide. I'm certain that there are folks who would not have committed suicide without their deployments. Just pointing out that the statistics don't bear out the conventional wisdom that deployments = suicide.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2014 9:34 PM

2014-11-25T21:34:13-05:00

I can speak from experience on this, no the Army does not so enou g to help people with these past traumas. They only focus on combat related problems and believe you are only suicidal because of what you saw or did in combat. I was beat by my father and forced to watch as he beat my mother. He was killed by my step mother last month and I still struggle with how I should feel about it. The Army rather just handout pills and ridiculous profiles that make it impossible to even function as a soldier. This is the reason I don't go and seek help I don't want to be labeled as another worthless NCO in my company like the others already have been. Until Army doctors start listening to people instead of trying to cram an answer down our throats we will never get better.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 30 at 2014 8:07 PM

2014-11-30T20:07:19-05:00

I have recently attended a briefing on suicides within our Law Enforcement Community. Like our military those losses are just as tragic. There are many parallels and there is room for all of us to learn how to stymie this unfortunate act.

I found this TED talk that speaks about the issue as well.

https://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_briggs_the_bridge_between_suicide_and_life

The bridge between suicide and life

For many years Sergeant Kevin Briggs had a dark, unusual, at times strangely rewarding job: He patrolled the southern end of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, a popular site for suicide attempts. In a sobering, deeply personal talk Briggs shares stories from those he’s spoken — and listened — to standing on the edge of life. He gives a powerful piece of advice to those with loved ones who might be contemplating suicide.

Response by PO2 Brad Fletcher made Nov 30 at 2014 10:38 PM

2014-11-30T22:38:24-05:00

The real reason? Psychotropic drugs given out like Halloween candy. This has caused more suicides & overdose deaths than actual combat.

http://youtu.be/nix_CZAfiKw

http://youtu.be/sHC2wH_iGYM

Soldiers wounded by their own leadership.

MILITARY MEDICAL BETRAYAL: SOLDIERS, SUICIDE & PSYCHIATRIC DRUGS

Gen. Bert Stubblbine: Psychiatric and related medications kill by enhancing depression, psychosis, aggression violent behavior. In the presence of danger, fe...

Response by SPC Chelsea Fernandez made Sep 27 at 2015 9:17 PM

2015-09-27T21:17:11-04:00

Speaking from experience I feel there is not enough resources out there. Talking to a counselor every month and taking medication doesn't do it for me. I need more. Last year January 2014 I was locked up in a mental facility for a week because I wanted to take my own life. A few weeks ago I had the same episode but manage to calm myself down. There have to be more than just counseling and medication. I was scared to tell my chain of command because as being judged and being seen as a weak soldier or being labeled as "crazy".

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 19 at 2015 11:28 AM

2015-11-19T11:28:15-05:00

CPT Laurie H. Have you ever had to take the stress evaluation questionnaire? It includes different indicators such as moves, divorces, family deaths, income/expense, ....

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Nov 19 at 2015 11:37 AM

2015-11-19T11:37:24-05:00

I think and believe the percentages shown are accurate as to why the suicide rate is the way it is. One of the biggest reason it's so high also because we are trained to suck it up and drive on and refuse seeking guidance and counseling to help us over come some of these problems.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Dec 14 at 2019 12:39 PM

2019-12-14T12:39:35-05:00

What we lack in the army is standardized care and approach.