INVISIBLE CASUALTIES
2000. Those who have been hospitalized have a “greatly elevated” suicide risk, the study found.
Experts such as David Litts of
the National Action Alliance for
Suicide Prevention believe the
stress on the force will continue
to rise — even with the pace of
combat deployments declining.
One of many reasons for this,
Litts said, is that the military
is shrinking because of budget
reductions, cutting short anticipated careers and disrupting
family plans. “A lot of people will
be pushed to leave active duty
who weren’t planning on it,” said
Litts, noting that separation from
friends and isolation are key risk
factors for suicidal behavior.
The raw numbers of suicides
are relatively small: the 350 active-duty suicides last year occurred in a total active-duty force
of 1.4 million. Even the estimated
8,000 veteran suicides a year is a
small percent of the 22.3 million
American veterans.
But any suicide is a tragic loss,
crushing to those left behind.
“You are burnt to the ground,”
said Kim Ruocco, whose husband, Maj. John Ruocco, a Marine Cobra gunship pilot with 75
combat missions in Iraq, died by
suicide in 2005.
WARNING SIGNS SOMEONE
MAY BE AT RISK OF SUICIDE
HUFFINGTON
09.01-08.13
People at risk of suicide display warning signs.
It’s important to learn these signs, be alert to
them and know what to do next. Most suicides
come during an acute but temporary crisis.
Helping someone through a crisis may save a life.
Ask if the person is feeling suicidal. Show that
you care. Offer to take that person to get help.
If you have concerns about yourself or someone
else, please call the national crisis line for the
military and veterans at 1-800-273-8255,
send a text to 838255, or open a chat line at
the website. It’s staffed 24/7 by mental health
professionals, and it’s free and confidential.
EXPERTS SAY THAT PEOPLE WHO
MAY BE AT RISK OF SUICIDE OFTEN:
• Appear sad, depressed, anxious or
agitated.
• Express hopelessness or say they lack
reasons to live.
• Are unable to sleep, or sleep all the time.
• Are withdrawn from friends, family and
society.
• Feel trapped or in unbearable pain.
• Have frequent and dramatic mood
changes.
• Feel excessively guilty or ashamed, or feel
they have been a failure and that their
family and friends would be better off
without them.
•Abuse drugs or alcohol.
A PERSON THINKING ABOUT SUICIDE MAY:
• Put his or her affairs in order, tie up loose
ends and/or make out a will.
• Seek access to firearms, pills or other
means of harming oneself.
• Give away prized possessions.
• Call or visit family and/or friends as if to
say goodbye.
SOURCES: DEFENSE DEPARTMENT SUICIDE PREVENTION OFFICE,
VETERANS CRISIS LINE, DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS,
NATIONAL ACTION ALLIANCE FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION