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Whatever torment has driven troops to commit suicide in historically high
numbers is following
them as they leave the
service, according to
data released by the
Department of Veterans
Affairs.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
•
Young veterans take their own
lives at higher rate than civilian
population
•
Rates for those diagnosed and
treated for mental health problems decline
•
Social media offer better chance for outreach to troubled veterans, VA
official says
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Young veterans just out of the service and receiving health care from the government
committed suicide at nearly three times the rate of active-duty troops in recent years,
according to data released Thursday by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA officials say the data show that severe personal issues driving self-destructive
tendencies for those in uniform follow them when they leave the military.
The figures were released through a
USA TODAY public records request.
"The rates ... are honestly alarming.
This group of young veterans appears
to be in some trouble," says Janet
Kemp, head of the department's
suicide prevention program.
The Army has struggled with suicide
among active-duty troops more than
other service branches during the
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the
risk persists after soldiers return to civilian life.
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