The DoD has released the 2017 Suicide Event Report, which offers some insights into the factors, means, and events surrounding service member suicides. Here are some important takeaways: "The characteristics most commonly associated with suicide among Service members closely resembled the makeup of the Military Services overall. The most common demographics included:
• Non-Hispanic ethnicity
• White racial identity
• Male biological sex
• Age between 20 and 24 years
• Rank/grade of E1-E4
• No more than a high school education
Data Summary:
Personal firearms continued to be the most common mechanism of injury in suicide DoDSER forms, accounting for 65.4 percent of all CY 2017 suicides.
• Drug and alcohol overdose was the most common method of attempted suicide, accounting for 55.5 percent of recorded CY 2017 suicide attempts.
• Approximately half (50.8%) of those who died by suicide in CY 2017 did not have a documented behavioral health diagnosis.
• Approximately half (51.5%) of individuals who died by suicide in CY 2017 made contact with the Military Health System (MHS) in the 90 days prior to death.
If you are in crisis, please call1-800-273-8255.
If you are a Service member or Veteran, Press 1 to speak with a qualified Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) responder.
OR CALL ME 573-326-9448
https://www.pdhealth.mil/sites/default/files/images/docs/TAB_B_DoDSER_CY_2017_Annual_Report_508_071619.pdf

