A new study of American veterans who served between 1917 and 1994 found that returning soldiers are more than twice as likely to kill themselves, compared to civilians. While the research did not include veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the overall trend and reports of poor mental health care are cause for concern.


BBC:

Researchers examined data on 320,890 men, of which a third served in the US military between 1917 and 1994.

Men who were white, better educated and older than the other men appeared to be at higher risk, as did those with a physical or emotional disability.

Researchers say the findings emphasise the need for mental health care for those serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Read more

WAIT BEFORE YOU GO...

This year, the ground feels uncertain — facts are buried and those in power are working to keep them hidden. Now more than ever, independent journalism must go beneath the surface.

At Truthdig, we don’t just report what's happening — we investigate how and why. We follow the threads others leave behind and uncover the forces shaping our future.

Your tax-deductible donation fuels journalism that asks harder questions and digs where others won’t.

Don’t settle for surface-level coverage.

Unearth what matters. Help dig deeper.

Donate now.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG