Service members put their lives on the line to protect our country. Let’s help protect their mental and physical well-being by understanding suicide risk factors and focusing on protective factors. You can make a difference in your loved one’s life by understanding where to turn to for help.
Annual Report on Suicide in the Military
Review the Annual Report on Suicide in the Military Calendar Year 2022.
Suicide is a serious issue in the military. Significant life changes, stress and unique challenges of military life can make service members feel isolated, and some may be at greater risk for suicide than others.
You can make a difference in a loved one’s life by understanding when a service member is most at risk and knowing where to turn for help.
Learn more about when a service member may be at risk for suicide.
When a service member may be at risk for suicide
As part of their network of support, it’s important to be aware of the moments in a service member’s life that can add stress to their mind or body. Service members do not have to be diagnosed with PTSD to be at risk of harming themselves.
Mental health issues can happen to anyone, at any time. Here are some risk factors and points in a service member’s life when they can feel especially alone, agitated or anxious:
- Around times of deployment or difficulty readjusting following deployment
- Loss of a family member, friend or fellow service member
- Career setbacks or disciplinary actions
- Difficulty in a marriage or family life
- Transitioning from military to civilian life
- Financial difficulty
- Major life changes
- Being a young, unmarried male
- Combat-related psychological injuries
- Lack of advancement or career setback
- Heavy drinking or other substance use problems
- Mental or medical health problems
- Negative attitude toward getting help
Suicidal people sometimes have mixed feelings about ending their lives and either intentionally or unintentionally signal their intentions. Contact a mental health professional or call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 if you see warning signs, such as talking or writing about suicide, feeling hopeless or trapped or expressing an intense rage or desire for revenge.
Common misconceptions about suicide
Certain misconceptions about suicide can make it harder to get or give help. Separating fact from fiction can reduce stigma and connect people with support.
Myth: Suicide is planned, not impulsive.
Fact: Research shows it can take less than 10 minutes between thinking about suicide and acting on it. It’s important to intervene when someone talks about suicide.
Myth: Most deaths by firearm in the military happen during combat.
Fact: Most firearm deaths of service members – 83% – are the result of suicide.
Myth: A person at risk of suicide will find another method if you take away their firearm.
Fact: Research has shown that without access to a firearm or other lethal means, a person who is at risk of suicide will generally not look for other means.
Myth: The rate of suicide in the military is higher than in the general population.
Fact: After controlling for differences in age and sex, military suicide rates are roughly the same or lower than in the U.S. population.
Myth: Deployment increases suicide risk.
Fact: Although it may be a factor for some, studies show that being deployed is not associated with suicide risk among service members.
Myth: The majority of service members who die by suicide had a mental illness.
Fact: Less than half of service members who died by suicide had a mental health diagnosis.
Myth: Suicidal behavior is hereditary.
Fact: Suicide may occur more often in some families but suicidal behavior is not genetic.
Myth: Only mental health professionals can help those who are at risk of suicide.
Fact: Everyone has a role in preventing suicide, including friends, family, fellow service members and community members.
Myth: Talking about suicide will only encourage it.
Fact: Talking about suicide in a supportive way will not lead to suicide. It will give the person an opportunity to express their thoughts and feelings and get connected to the help and support they need.
Some ways to be there for your service member in trying times
As a loved one, you know your service member best. Trust your instincts and talk to them if you think they may be having suicidal thoughts.
- Mention the signs that prompted you to talk to them. Stay calm and let them know you are here to help.
- Do not counsel them yourself. Ask questions and listen – but encourage them to get professional help if there is a threat.
- Communication needs to be mostly listening, but ask direct questions without being judgmental, such as:
- “Are you thinking about dying by suicide?”
- “Have you ever wished you were dead or wished you could go to sleep and not wake up?”
- “Have you ever tried to end your life?”
- “Do you think you might try to die by suicide today?”
Resources and mental health help are available
Knowing the risk factors, warning signs and where to turn is the best thing you can do for your service member. Support is available 24/7 both for your loved one in distress and yourself. If someone you know is suicidal or in a state of crisis, the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line is available 24 hours a day (988 and Press 1). Crisis experts are available via online chat or text (838255). Or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.
It’s important to take care of yourself when supporting someone through a hard time. If you also need support, contact the Lifeline.
You can learn more about suicide prevention through the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.
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