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Kevlar for the Mind: Troops at risk for suicide: What studies show

I’ve been seeing a lot in the news lately about the ongoing problem of suicides in the military.

In the Army, for example, there is some good news in that the suicide rate for active-duty soldiers leveled off during 2010. Unfortunately, the rate for National Guard soldiers roughly doubled in 2010 compared to 2009.

Some experts believe that increased suicide awareness efforts for active-duty members have slowed — if not reversed — the upward trend.

The last few years have seen unprecedented financial and manpower resources aimed at raising awareness of the suicide problem across all branches of the military. In short, the military is committed to finding out why service members commit suicide and how best to prevent this long-term solution to what is often a short-term problem.

As a psychologist, I understand the importance of looking at each person, case or event differently. This is true whether you’re dealing with suicide or someone coming to your office for help with alcohol abuse.

But to understand trends and develop interventions helping as many people as possible, we sometimes must lump people together based on similar traits, characteristics and behaviors.

In a recent study conducted by Army researchers, several shared factors were associated with soldiers’ suicides. Rates were higher for young Caucasian men, those with deployment experience, lower enlisted ranks and individuals with a previous psychiatric diagnosis or treatment.

Moreover, a sizable proportion of the suicides involved alcohol and/or drugs, legal problems, high stress levels, and a history of self-injury and mutilation.

One interesting fact from the study is that the percentages of single and married soldiers who died by suicide were equal. This finding is counter to what is found in the civilian population.

For more information on suicide, visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org or www.apa.org.

Bret A. Moore is a clinical psychologist who served in Iraq. Email kevlarforthemind@militarytimes.com. Names and identifying details will be kept confidential. This column is for informational purposes only. Readers should see a mental health professional or physician for mental health problems.