Soldier Suicides

Soldier suicides spike
There is a huge problem in our system. Even when I needed 'someone' to talk to while my husband was deployed I did not feel comfortable seeking mental health treatment. I was afraid that there would be no real confidentiality. I did finally go through Military One Source. I did not however express all my true feelings. All I could think is "What if I say something that goes back to my husbands unit?"

If I felt that way, what must the actual soldier feel? It's no wonder they don't seek the help they may need. There are flags, and stigmas and repercussions. Even if it's said there are none. It's there. It might not be visible, but it's there.

"According to the report, from 2005 to 2009 more than 1100 members of the US Armed Forces took their own lives — an average of 1 suicide every 36 hours during the 5-year period. "In that same period suicide rates among Marines and Soldiers sharply increased; the rate in the Army more than doubled," the report notes."

That report only addresses suicide. It does not address the increase in violence and crimes committed by soldiers. There has to be more.