NAMI Flagstaff

Each year, there are approximately 30,000 successful suicides, and about 20 percent of that number are veterans.  A recent report from CBS news states that the suicide rate among 18- to 29-year-old men who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan has skyrocketed.  Data collected from 16 states by the Department of Veterans Affairs shows that "in 2005, the rate per 100,000 veterans among men ages 18-29 was 44.99, compared with 56.77 in 2007" ("Suicide Rate of Young Veterans Soars". cbsnews.com. Jan. 11, 2010).  These veterans are likely suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, www.nami.org).  It was noted that veterans who seek mental health care are less likely to commit suicide than those who do not.  However, many who suffer from PTSD or major depression are often unlikey to seek professional help.

Persons who may be at high risk for suicide:

• Change in personality, behavior, sleep patterns, eating habits
• Nightmares and hallucinations
• Fear of losing control, "going crazy," harming self or others
• Agitation, hyperactivity, restlessness and other behavior which may indicate masked depression
• Loss of interest in friends, sex, hobbies, activities previously enjoyed
• Feelings of overwhelming guilt, shame, self-hatred

The following links provide information on how to tell if you or someone you care about is a candidate for a suicide attempt; how to get training for successful intervention; and what to do after an attempt has been made.

NAMI Consumer Guide - "After an Attempt"
NAMI Family Guide - "After an Attempt"
Suicide Survivor Resources
Suicide Awareness
Suicide Intervention Skills Training
Online Suicide Prevention Course Listings