Devastating statistics

The Department of the Army just released statistics for 2012 showing that there have been more deaths due to suicide over combat-related deaths.  This year alone there has been 212 deaths because of combat, a number too high, but 303 deaths have been from suicide.  The Department of the Army included the 303 suicides are from soldiers in active duty, Reserve, and the National Guard.

In spite of the new programs that raise awareness for PTSD and suicide the numbers still increase.  In 2011, 53% of the suicides were by soldiers who were not even deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan.  So what is the problem?  Defense Secretary Leon Panetta describes the growth in suicides  is “more societal,” drug abuse, financial problems, and family issues.

The Army encourages men and women to seek help and allows military commanders to ask the troops if they have firearms at home.  They also encourage fellow soldiers to take their friends to a hospital or chaplain if they need help.  This can prevent future domestic violence and suicides, but it does not seem enough.  The suicide rate is above the national average and there needs to be a solution soon.