Military Suicides Spike

Military suicides have spiked this year, rising to a rate of nearly one a day so far, according to a Los Angeles Times report.

According to the Pentagon, 154 soldiers took their own lives in the first 155 days of 2012 -- more than were killed in combat in Afghanistan during the same period. The 154 suicides so far this year represent an 18-percent increase over the same period in 2011, a 25 percent increase over the same period in 2010, and a 16-percent increase over the same period in 2009 -- the worst year on record for military suicides.

Although most service members who commit suicide have not deployed, Army studies have found that multiple deployments -- common since the War on Terror began -- are a high risk factor, the Times reported.

Pentagon officials say they recognize that military suicide rates constitute an urgent problem.

“We’ve said for many years now how deeply concerned we are about the tragedy of suicides in the military and we recognize that the numbers are going up,” Navy Capt. John Kirby told the American Forces Press Service. “If you just compare this year’s numbers … compared to 10 years ago, they’ve doubled, and each one is a tragedy,” 

Kirby said the Defense Department is trying to eliminate the fear many soldiers face about admitting they need help.

“We understand there is a stigma to mental health issues that regrettably persists,” he said. “(Defense Secretary Leon Panetta) wants to make it very clear to everybody in uniform and their families that there’s nothing stronger you can do for yourself and your family than to come forward and seek some help and seek the counseling that you need. And you’ll get it from the department.”

Fort Bragg leaders have also stressed that soldiers should seek help if they feel they need it and feel that the reintegration programs are helping bring an awareness to the topic as well as to peers for accountability and to look out for one another - on the home front, when not deployed.

Soldiers and families who need help can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Trained consultants are available to talk 24 hours a day. More information can be obtained from the Lifeline's website.

Information on the Army's comprehensive suicide program can be found at  http://www.preventsuicide.army.mil.