Military Suicides

Israeli Army Suicide Rate Reaches 13-Year High Amidst War

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are experiencing a concerning trend: their suicide rate has reached a 13-year high in 2024, totaling 21 suicides. This represents a significant increase from the 17 recorded in the previous year. The sheer number, while relatively small compared to the overall size of the IDF—a force comprising 635,000 soldiers and reservists—is alarming when considering the context. This translates to a suicide rate of approximately 3.3 per 100,000, significantly lower than rates observed in other militaries, particularly during peacetime.

The timing of this increase is particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the recent escalation of conflict in October 2024.… Continue reading

US Military Suicides Rise in 2023, Ignoring Gun Safety Recommendations

The number of suicides in the U.S. military rose in 2023, continuing a trend the Pentagon has struggled to reverse despite efforts to increase mental health resources and gun safety measures. While the rise was not statistically significant, it represents a setback after a slight decline in 2022. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has declared suicide prevention a priority, but many initiatives are still in development, and the department has not implemented key gun safety recommendations from an independent commission. Despite these challenges, the Department of Defense is working to enhance suicide prevention programs and address the stigma surrounding mental health support within the military.

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