Abstract
Suicides in the military have been increasing over the years as military suicide rates exceed those of combat-related fatalities. It is essential to understand that the reasons for this trend are complex and multifaceted. This essay aims to explore the reasons why suicides in the military are so high and recommend solutions to mitigate this problem. The paper also delves into the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) on suicide rates in the military, as well as the impact of military culture on the problem. By exploring these factors, this paper will provide insight into the causes of military suicides and how to prevent them in the future.
Introduction
Suicides in the military have become an alarming trend in recent years. The rate of military suicides has surpassed combat deaths, signifying the gravity of the problem. The reasons behind this trend are extensive, and the issue demands immediate attention from the government, military leaders, and society. This paper looks into the impact of PTSD and TBI on suicide risk among military personnel, as well as how military culture affects the issue. The high rate of suicides in the military is mainly due to the psychological effects of service, PTSD, and TBI, as well as a lack of mental health resources, deployment stress, social isolation, inadequate support systems, and stigmatization in the military culture.
Causes of Military Suicide Rates
PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury
When a service member experiences a traumatic event, their minds and bodies are exposed to extreme amounts of stress. This stress can have long-term, debilitating effects on their mental and physical health. PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop following a traumatic event, and it is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks related to the traumatic event (Stanley et al., 2019).
TBI is a physical injury that can result from a blow to the head or exposure to a blast. It can cause confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, and other cognitive and physical impairments (Stanley et al., 2019). The combination of PTSD and TBI can be exceptionally debilitating, leading to an increased risk of suicide.
The symptoms of PTSD and TBI can be both emotionally and physically exhausting. Service members may be dealing with physical pain and cognitive impairment, while also coping with the psychological distress of the traumatic event (Stanley et al., 2019). This can be particularly challenging for service members who are not adequately trained to recognize and manage their symptoms. Without proper training, service members may be unable to recognize their own symptoms and may lack the necessary resources and support to manage their distress effectively. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, which can ultimately lead to suicide.
Social Isolation
Social isolation and a lack of support systems are prevalent issues for military personnel. Military families endure long periods of separation and uprooting due to frequent relocations. This upheaval can create feelings of loneliness and isolation, leading to an increased risk of suicide. Soldiers with limited family and social support systems face a higher chance of developing suicidal tendencies (Pruitt et al., 2019). Providing adequate social and emotional support systems through educational programs and financial aid to military families can mitigate the issue of social isolation.
Stigmatization
Stigmatization of mental health issues presents another challenge when addressing military suicides. Military personnel tend to avoid seeking help for depression, anxiety, or PTSD due to a fear of being seen as weak or unfit for combat duty (Reger et al., 2018). This perception exacerbates mental health issues, leading to an increased risk of suicide. Increased education on mental health issues, treatment options, and the removal of the stigma associated with seeking help will help ensure soldiers seek care without fear of negative repercussions.
Prescription Medication
The influx of prescription medication in military culture also increases the risk of suicide among military personnel. The military culture perpetuates an environment in which prescription medication is used for various issues, ranging from chronic pain to PTSD. However, these medications often have unintended side effects and can fuel a downward spiral towards drug dependency and suicide (Pruitt et al., 2019). As such, prescribing medication should be limited to those who need it, and alternatives to medication should be explored when appropriate.
Military Leadership
The role of military leadership in ensuring the mental health and well-being of personnel is crucial and cannot be overstated. Military leaders must prioritize the well-being of their troops by identifying, monitoring, and intervening in issues that may lead to suicidal behavior (Reger et al., 2018). Soldiers who are stressed or mentally ill should be offered immediate and appropriate treatment. Additionally, the military should train leaders to recognize the signs of stress and depression and provide tools to deal with them. Doing so will help foster a healthy culture that supports the well-being of all military members.
Conclusion
The high rate of suicides in the military is a troubling trend that demands immediate attention. A multifaceted approach that incorporates preventive measures, increased awareness, and removing the stigma surrounding mental health issues is essential in mitigating this problem. While the military must improve its mental health programs and support systems for soldiers, society as a whole must also take responsibility for changing the culture that perpetuates the stigmatization of mental health issues. By taking these steps and creating a supportive, non-judgmental culture, we can reduce the incidence of military suicides and ensure the safety and well-being of all military personnel.
References
Pruitt, L. D., Smolenski, D. J., Bush, N. E., Tucker, J., Issa, F., Hoyt, T. V., & Reger, M. A. (2019). Suicide in the military: Understanding rates and risk factors across the United States’ armed forces. Military Medicine, 184(1), 432–437, Web.
Reger, M. A., Tucker, R. P., Carter, S. P., & Ammerman, B. A. (2018). Military deployments and suicide: A critical examination. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 13(6), 688–699. Web.
Stanley, I. H., Rogers, M. L., Hanson, J. E., Gutierrez, P. M., & Joiner, T. E. (2019). PTSD symptom clusters and suicide attempts among high-risk military service members: A three-month prospective investigation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 87(1), 67–78. Web.