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Corps suffers 29 percent spike in suicides

Marine Corps News

Story Identification #: 2005316211149
Story by Lance Cpl. Cristin K. Bartter

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan (March 18, 2005) -- The Marine Corps has endured a 29 percent increase in suicides through the last year, reaching the highest amount in more than a decade.

In 2004 alone, 31 Marines committed suicide compared to 24 in 2003. All of the suicides in 2004 and 2003 were enlisted men. The majority were under 25 years of age and had taken their lives with gunshot injuries, according to Marine Corps statistics.

“Although it is impossible to predict with 100 percent accuracy who will attempt or complete suicide, there are many factors that increase one’s risk,” said Dr. Beth Davis, Marine & Family Services Counseling Center, family counselor. “These include having a history of psychological disorders, particularly mood disturbances, use of drugs and alcohol, increased life stress (relationship issues, work stress), feelings of hopelessness, family history of suicide and an impulsive/reactive personality style. Research tells us that while women are more likely to attempt suicide, men are significantly more likely to complete suicide,” added Davis. “A common ingredient among persons who are contemplating suicide is hopelessness. People often view their circumstances as intolerable and unlikely to change. They need to realize that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

On Dec. 13, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen. Michael W. Hagee, expressed his thoughts on the reason for the suicide peak.

“This problem is pervasive and is impacting Marines throughout the Corps, not just those who have been deployed in support of the Global War on Terrorism,” stated a memo by Hagee. “The increased operational tempo our Corps is experiencing may be affecting the ability of our Marines to deal with perceived overwhelming stresses associated with relationship, financial and disciplinary problems.”

In general, the Marine Corps has experienced the highest suicide rate among the Armed Forces and about 70 percent of the suicides over the past four years have been caused by problems related to individual relationships.

Although many Marines may show obvious signs of suicidal characteristics, many Marines do not, expressed Hagee. Persons who are contemplating suicide may feel stigmatized for seeking help with such matters.

“They may feel it is not acceptable to ask for help because they don’t want to be labeled as ‘weak’ or ‘defective’ in the eyes of their subordinates, peers, or leaders,” wrote Hagee.

He added that commanders must increase efforts to make their Marines feel more comfortable in revealing their unique stressors that could possibly lead to suicide.

Along with the efforts of commanders, Marines thinking of suicide also need to stop and think.

“They (Marines) need to understand that no one wins or comes out on top after suicide; no one benefits,” said Sergeant Maj. David M. Allison, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni sergeant major. “If you kill yourself because you’re overwhelmed with problems, all you are doing is passing your burden on to someone else. They (Marines) need to know that if they need help they need to ask, it’s that simple.”

Due to the increase in suicides the Marines have launched an “operational stress control and readiness program” that embeds health professionals among Marine divisions in Iraq. A prevention tool is also being developed for commanders called “a leaders guide for managing Marines under stress,” to be issued early this year.

If anyone is showing signs of suicide contact Urgent Care at the Branch Health Clinic at 253-5571/5572 or Counseling Services Branch manager at 253-4526.