Institute for Military Resilience
Suicide Realities in the Military
• The “suicide crisis” in the US military is a complex challenge, reflecting societal dynamics
and the strains of persistent conflict
• Reserve component “not on active duty” and veteran suicides are equally alarming.
• Suicides among military spouses and family members are likewise rampant, yet not
reliably measured.
• Suicide Prevention has become a top priority for senior military leadership, and the
stimulus for significant institutional “soul searching,” resource allocation, and program
development.
• Despite a full court press and “doing everything possible,” the statistics continue to
degrade.
• Suicide Causalities are multiple and complex, with most directly or indirectly connected
with relationships.
Institute for Military Resilience
Suicide Causalities in the Military
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ISOLATION ( “Alone”)
• Social Isolation & Loneliness
• Intense loss
• grief feelings caused by the death of a loved one
• break-up of a relationship
• Survivor guilt
STRESS (“Anxious and Angry”)
• Severe chronic stress
• Family, work, financial, legal, or social problems
• Combat Trauma Spectrum, incl PTSD
• Victim or perpetrator of domestic violence
INJURY/ILLNESS/ADDICTION (“ Overwhelmed“)
• Alcohol or other substance abuse/self-medicating
• Severe depression or physical/mental injury or illness
DESPAIR (“Hopeless”)
• Low self-esteem
• Inability to craft life alternatives or view different futures
Four
Significant
Clusters:
 ISOLATION
 STRESS
 INJURY
 DESPAIR
Institute for Military Resilience
Addressing the Causalities
• ISOLATION ( “Alone”)
CARING COMMUNITIES/CHURCHES
• STRESS (“Anxious and Angry”)
RELEVANT “TRUTH”
• INJURY (“Overwhelmed“)
• DESPAIR (“Hopeless”)
HOPE
FAITH brings Help, Hope, & Resilience
to
Wounded Lives and Relationships
FAITH