Stress and Suicide
Suicide rates among military forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, and for returning troops are at an alarming rate. At least 430 active military members and veterans have committed suicide in the last six years. Combat stress increases the risk of suicide, according to a recent study of the National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Difficulty dealing with failed relationships, financial and legal troubles, and substance abuse are also significant factors.
For Army veterans, the suicide rate has risen to 17.3 per 100,000 troops, the highest level in 26 years. In the civilian American population, this rate is 12.5 per 100,000, in the bracket of 25 to 29 year olds.
The VA suicide hotline has had more than 9,000 calls from July through October, 2007. 20 to 50 percent of returning servicemen and women reported psychological problems. Only one in four medical evaluations from Iraq and Afghanistan are for combat related injuries.
Resources
VA Suicide Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Articles on Combat Stress and Suicide
Defense Department's Defend America
University of Chicago Magazine
US Military's Digital Video and Imagery System