‘Mental health is health. Period.’ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin decries stigma in message to troops
six soldiers have died by probable suicide in Alaska since Dec. 30, and suicide is suspected in several others, USA TODAY has reported. That surge has followed several years of increases in suicide deaths among troops across the armed services.
In 2018, 326 active-duty troops died by suicide, with the toll increasing to 350 in 2019 and 385 in 2020, according to the most recent Pentagon figures. The number of suicide deaths fluctuates over time as investigations establish the cause of death.
Austin cited stress on troops and the stigma of seeking treatment for mental health issues as contributing factors. Last week, Army experts and Defense officials cited the stress caused by life in the military, demands for troops to confront China’s rising influence and access to counseling.
“I’m mindful of the stress that they’re often under and I’m deeply concerned about the suicide rates, not only here but across the force,” Austin told reporters Saturday during a visit at Eielson Air Base in Alaska. “As you’ve heard me say before, one loss by suicide is too many and while we’re working hard on this problem, we have a lot more to do. And I believe that has – it has to start with removing the stigma attached to mental health issues.”
Austin raised the issue of suicide in nearly every visit he had with military, civilian and tribal leaders during his visit to Alaska, according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the meetings.
alleviate the stigma of seeking help. Austin emphasized that point in his remarks.
“Mental health is health period,” Austin said. “And we have to approach it with the same energy that we apply to other – any other health issue, with compassion and professionalism and resources. And so if you’re hurting, there are resources available.”
Service members and veterans who are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide and those who know a service member or veteran in crisis can call the Military Crisis Line/Veterans Crisis Line for confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat.