The alarming spike in suicides among US forces prompted the US Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin, to voice concern regarding the issue during a visit to US troops stationed in Alaska where at least six soldiers have died by suicide since Dec. 30, and suicide is suspected in several others, Stars and Stripes has reported.
“I’m deeply concerned about the suicide rates… One loss by suicide is too many,” he said during a press conference at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
The suicide rate in 2021 among the 11,500 soldiers stationed In Alaska has nearly matched the one from 2020. That surge has seen 385 active-duty soldiers dying by suicide 2020 compared to 326 cases reported by the Pentagon in 2018, has followed several years of increases in suicide deaths among troops across the armed services.
The Department of Defense (DOD) points that stress factors for troops were augmented last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, noting at the same time that changes are necessary in the offered mental health services.
During his addressing at the base, Austin underscored that the Army needs to reduce the “stigma” associated with seeking help for mental health issues.
“Mental health is health, period. So, if you’re hurting, there are resources available,” said Austin.
DOD expressed concern in 2020 the regarding the rate of suicide among active-duty service members over the last five years with the overall suicide rate soaring from 20.2 deaths per 100,000 in 2015 to 25.9 in 2019.
Be the first to comment