FAQ

Exposure to trauma.  Most people experience some trauma in life - it's a part of life.  However, military, police, fire and medics often experience incredible amounts of trauma - without giving it a second thought.  Over time, however, this can take a toll on our mental health.

For people actively serving, there is a concern for being diagnosed with something that might be career ending.  This is only one of many considerations that prevent active military from seeking help.

Exposure to suicide.  I think this is most easily explained as a domino effect.  If you know someone who dies by suicide, your risk is higher than someone who does not know someone who died that way.

Deployments create unique challenges for soldiers and have been believed by some to increase suicide risk.

Loss of purpose.  When veterans transition from the service, there can be a sense of losing their purpose and community.  This may be one reason that the veteran rate of suicide is significantly higher than active military.  Isolation and/or lack of support can be contributing factors.

Suicide is a complex event that has many contributing factors and these things do not cause suicide.  The good news is that suicide is preventable and awareness is the first step in prevention.