Suicide rates among members of the Armed Forces rose last year, according to the latest Ministry of Defense (MoD) figures, with a study finding care is often “disjointed” and “uncoordinated”.
Figures released by the UK Ministry of Defense on Thursday showed that there were seven coroner-confirmed suicides in 2023, compared with one in 2018, one in 2019 and six in both 2021 and 2022.
A Department of Defense news release said the deaths of 12 more people may be ruled suicide after the investigation.
The report adds that suicide rates are highest among men aged 24 and under in the armed forces. In the UK population overall, suicide is the leading cause of death among men under 24 years of age.
UK Ministry of Defense data Their release comes weeks after an urgent review into the mental health services provided to armed forces veterans.
The One Too Many study is a research project run by the Northern Center for Veterans and Military Families Research at Northumbria University, which interviewed hundreds of families about the mental health services provided to family members.
Care was often “disjointed” and “uncoordinated” and family members were not sufficiently involved throughout the process so they could better support people with mental health problems, the study found. The study calls for an urgent review of mental health support for veterans.
Project leader Dr Paul Watson told the BBC there was “a lack of communication between organisations”.
He added: “But there is also a lack of communication between organizations and families.
“So there’s not any kind of joint working on how we support people to navigate the system and enable them to remain engaged in care and receive the care they need.
“The point is, if we want to save lives, families need to be involved.”
Combat Stress, a charity that provides specialist help for veterans with mental health issues, described the MoD figures as “heartbreaking” and revealed there had been an increase in referrals to their services last year.
The charity said 1,375 veterans received direct support from specialist Combat Stress staff between April 2022 and March 2023, of which 779 were new referrals, an increase of 16 on the previous year’s 672 %.
Jeff Harrison, chief executive of Combat Stress, said: “These results are heartbreaking to read, particularly as the highest suicide rates among men aged 24 and under are in the regular armed forces.
“This correlates with our own research, which shows that early service members are at higher risk of developing suicidal thoughts. Thankfully, suicide remains a rare event in the UK Armed Forces, but too many are taking their own lives.
“The Ministry of Defense (MOD) data highlights the critical importance of monitoring suicide rates among military personnel in order to develop the most appropriate interventions to prevent further suicides.
“We have to find a way to convince anyone who wants to end their life that help and support is available.”
Samaritans said it receives nearly 10,000 calls each year from members of the armed forces, three-quarters of which are from veterans.
Joseph Walcott, director of Samaritan Military Programs, said: “Armed forces personnel face unique challenges and may find it more difficult to access mental health support – both because of a lack of awareness of the help available, And because existing barriers may prevent them from accessing mental health support.” Get out.
“While those serving in the armed forces are at lower risk of suicide than the general population, every suicide is a tragedy.”
Anyone can contact Samaritans free of charge 24/7 on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or visit www.samaritans.org
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