Military Suicide Rates Dropped In 2024, But Long-Term Trends Remain Concerning
Why One Year Of Improvement Doesn’t Change The Larger Pattern
Over the last decade, suicide rates in the military have increased, with the number of suicide deaths now exceeding combat deaths. In that context, a recent report from the Pentagon has some encouraging numbers: military suicides dropped by 11 percent in 2024.
That said, the 471 deaths among service members in 2024 are still far too high, representing a significant increase since 2011. More needs to be done to reverse this trend and keep military suicides down.
What’s behind the decrease in military suicides?
According to the Associated Press, at least some of the decrease in military suicides may be attributed to the military’s suicide prevention efforts. The Brandon Act, a 2021 law that was enacted in the wake of a Navy sailor’s suicide, allows service members to seek help “for any reason, at any time, and in any environment,” confidentially. Then-Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin also declared suicide prevention a priority during his tenure.
The AP report also noted that military suicide rates have tracked closely with the suicide rate of the general population, taking into account the demographics of the military (disproportionately young and male). According to the Pentagon, “the overall trend in suicide rates for active duty service members mirrors the increase in the U.S. population suicide rates over time.”
Why are members of the military at high risk of suicide
As noted above, members of the military are disproportionately young men, a population that is typically at a high baseline risk of dying by suicide. Furthermore, several aspects of military service can cause increased suicide risk:
- Relationship problems often caused or exacerbated by physical distance from friends and family.
- Financial stress.
- Legal or disciplinary problems.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Although combat exposure can increase the risk and intensity of mental health issues that contribute to suicide risk, according to the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), less than half of military members who die by suicide have ever been deployed or in combat.
In addition to increase risk of attempting suicide, members of the military are at a higher risk of actually dying by suicide. Service members have easy access to firearms, and firearms are far more lethal than other commonly used suicide methods. But even when they use other methods of suicide, service members seem to make more lethal suicide attempts than civilians, according to the ABCT.
If you have lost a loved one to suicide completion, we can help
Both the long-time rise in military suicides and the 2024 decrease speak to a larger truth: suicide is preventable, and policy choices can play a significant role in reducing suicide risk.
Knowing the warning signs of suicide and applying appropriate interventions can make a real difference. Conversely, when medical professionals and others responsible for the safety of a suicidal person fail in that responsibility, lives can be lost.
The Law Offices of Skip Simpson stands up for families who have lost loved ones to preventable suicides. Give us a call or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.
