Suicide in military settings

Abstract

Risk factors in the military include firearms, traumatic stress, insufficient social support, and lifestyle. Processes influencing suicide rates within the Armed Forces can be different to that of civilian life, especially when under reformation and economic pressure. Growth of suicides rates in active duty personnel may be noticed in many armies which seems to not only be associated with combat exposure; shifting focus to mental health of recruits. There are two main periods of higher risk—during the first year after recruitment and after leaving the military. Screening of recruits together with resilience training, leadership interventions, gatekeeper training, and firearm regulations are preventive methods. War veterans are also at risk; treatments for post-traumatic stress, depression, and substance abuse, together with social support are suggested. Post-modernity, which implies the role of wider factors associated with changes in the social environment and evolution of meanings and values in the world, is also discussed.