Community Corner

Report: More Military Members Die By Suicide Than in Combat

A new American Psychiatric Association PSA and infographic hope to educate the public on the issue and help veterans get the treatment they need.

The American Psychiatric Association recently released a public service announcement with former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy to promote the sobering statistics about the military, suicide and mental illness.

Last year, more military members died by suicide than in combat. Veterans represent 20 percent of suicides nationally.

The APA hopes to educate the public on the issue and help veterans get the treatment they need.

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A new APA infographic includes that:

  • The suicide rate among our military community is at its highest rate in 10 years of war.
  • The prevalence of traumatic brain injury, which is associated with increased risk for suicidal ideation, is about 8% to 20% in military personnel deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan.
  • 300,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD.

“Mental illness stigma is a serious issue in the military, and our troops need to hear that seeking help for mental health is a sign of strength. A soldier’s brain is a significant part of his or her body and should be treated as such. Many more resources can be found at APA's section devoted to military and mental health,” said the APA.

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During the PSA, Kennedy urges military spouses and families to encourage their loved ones to seek help for their mental health.

“It’s up to all of us as members of the American family to embrace our veterans so they stop suffering in silence,” said Kennedy.


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