Report: Active Army Suicides Have Spiked By 30% In 2020

Topline

Military suicides have taken a troubling rise in 2020, according to an Associated Press report, hitting the Army especially hard, as top defense officials believe coronavirus restrictions may be taking a serious mental health toll among members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Key Facts

What To Watch For

Army officials are considering shortening deployments, according to AP, as part of a broader focus on prioritizing soldiers’ wellbeing above combat readiness. 

Critical Quote

“We know that the measures we took to mitigate and prevent the spread of COVID could amplify some of the factors that could lead to suicide,” James Helis, director of the Army’s resilience programs, told AP.

Key Background

Military suicides have long been an issue officials have hoped to tackle, and believed they were on the right track this year before the coronavirus pandemic took hold, according to AP.  Numerous studies have shown that restrictions and lifestyle changes put in place in response to Covid-19 have led to a serious worsening of mental health, with a recent poll finding that young Americans—who make up most of the U.S. military—have suffered more serious negative impacts compared to older counterparts.

What We Don’t Know

It’s not yet clear what the 2020 suicide rate is among the U.S. general population.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Military veterans press 1. 

Further Reading

Military suicides up as much as 20% in COVID era (The Associated Press)

The Covid-19 Pandemic Is Causing More Severe Mental Health Issues—And More Burnout Among Psychologists And Psychiatrists (Forbes)

Coronavirus Pandemic Affects Young Adults’ Mental Health More Than Older Americans: Poll (Forbes)