Question

1. What do you think is the contributing factor(s) to the increase in suicide among active-duty service members?
2. What measures can be taken to identify risk factors for suicide in active-duty service members?
3. What is a suicide plan and what does it consist of?

Answer 1

Contributing factors to the increase in suicides among the milatary members are-

1. Mental health problems
2. Workplace difficulties
3. Loss of the Sense of purpose.
4. Chronic pain.
5. Traumatic Injuries
6. Alchohol consumption in high amount
7. Sleep Disorders
8. Legal problems
9. Relationship loss
10. Behavioral Change

Measure to Be Taken to Identify Risk Factors for Suicide in Active-Duty members are-

Risk Factor	Possible Data Sources
Prior suicide attempt	Medical records
Mental health status	Medical records, Screening
Work relationships	Counseling records
Personal relationships	Divorce, Army Community Service records
Financial problems	Wage garnishment

A suicide plan is a proposed method of carrying out a design that will lead to a potentially self-injurious outcome; a systematic formulation of a program of action that has the potential for resulting in self-injury.

There are 3 types of Suicide plans -

Suicide Plan, Type I

Suicide Plan, Type I is the expression of a definite plan to end one's life but with no suicidal intent.

Suicide Plan, Type ll

Suicide Plan, Type II is a proposed method of achieving a potentially self-injurious outcome with an undetermined level of intent.

Suicide Plan, Type III

Suicide Plan, Type III is a proposed method of achieving a potentially self-injurious outcome with some suicidal intent.