Research Paper On Veteran Suicide

To many on the outside, Sam was doing great. He seemed to be transitioning well from life in the marines to civilian life. There were no outside indicators that he was battling with something that would eventually end his life. Like many veterans Sam took his life, for unknown reasons. His story is becoming like many other young veterans. Veteran suicide rates have been increasing over the years, especially in the younger population. To many this is just another sad fact on the news. To veterans like myself this is devastating. Another brother-in-arms lost their life to their own hand and there was seemingly no indication of intent. If the signs and symptoms were more known is there a chance at saving lives? What can we as a community do to …show more content…
Current statistics state that elderly Caucasian males with an extensive knowledge of firearms have the highest rates. The ages of these veterans are usually between the ages of sixty and eighty years old (York, Lamis, Pope & Egede). A much younger generation’s suicide rates are rising though and this is cause for concern. The population with the highest rise in suicide rates are young males. This groups’ type is young white males that are single. They tend to have been enlisted in either the Army or Marine Corps. The interesting fact is that suicide rates are higher in veterans that have not deployed than those that have. As a veteran I find this statistic odd, I would have thought those that had been deployed especially in a high stress environment would have higher rates. It makes me wonder why are those that have not deployed have higher rates, is it survivors guilt? Is the military just not what they thought it would be? Or even the failure to adapt to new circumstances? Unfortunately through all my research these questions have not been answered. All veterans, no matter their gender, have higher risk of suicide than their civilian counter parts. This does make sense, we are put under so much stress and pressure that many civilians would not understand. It is supposed to make us better and stronger but in some ways I think it is doing the opposite. These risks are at their highest up to three …show more content…
It is up to us as a population to recognize them in order to be of any help. If the person is known to have a mental health disorder these signs and symptoms are that much more dangerous and should be address right away. Any changes in eating or sleeping patterns, lack of interest in things including daily activities, severe mood swings, and constant talk about death or dying are just some of the major warning signs that a person may have suicidal thoughts. By far the worst one that has been noticed is feeling hopeless about the future. If someone feels no hope that things will get better often times this is what can push them over the edge. There are risk factors that can coincide with suicidal symptoms. These can include but are not limited to a history of mental illness as well as problems with drugs or alcohol. Alcohol tends to be the most widely used self-prescription for veterans. Alcohol is already a major part of military culture, to start drinking more during times of stress is not often noted. If veterans are suffering from chronic pain or illness, going through an especially difficult time in their lives, cutting themselves off from others or have a history of trauma. These risks and signs are especially worrying if there is an active plan in place. This plan includes how they are going to commit suicide, when it is going to happen and the desire to follow through (Smith, Segal&