Editorial by Lt. Cmdr. Andrew Martin
Suicide prevention program manager, Behavioral Health Branch
Marine and Family Programs Division
An article written last week by the Associated Press, "Marine fights military conviction for suicide attempt," suggested the Marine Corps prosecutes those who attempt suicide. Marines need to know this is not true. There is no policy directing separation or prosecution of Marines who attempt suicide or express thoughts of suicide. Instead, per Marine Corps policy, commanding officers immediately arrange the highest quality of medical care when a Marine is identified as at risk for suicide. Additionally, Marines seek help for fellow Marines who are struggling with thoughts of suicide.
The Commandant of the Marine Corps has said Marines don't need to choose between a career and getting help for stress. According to the Joint Mental Health Advisory Team Survey 7th Edition, Marines are receiving that message as shown by increased willingness to refer themselves, or a fellow Marine, to help.
Last year, my program staff reported an increase in the number of Marines coming forward and asking for help for thoughts of suicide. They also saw an increase in Marines seeking help for fellow Marines in distress. In all cases, those Marines received immediate medical care, and the support of their leadership. Marines who have struggled with suicidal thoughts, benefited from treatment, and went on to be promoted, often contact me. They ask to help by telling other Marines that asking for help does not mean the end of your career.
Some people say the military needs to change its culture in order to prevent suicide. I don't think that's true. The Marine Corps already has the culture necessary to prevent suicide and save lives. Marines never leave a Marine behind on the battlefield, and they never leave a Marine behind at home.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak confidentially with a counselor.
Background
With 52 suicides recorded in 2009, the Marine Corps experienced its highest suicide rate since the start of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Marine Corps leadership has taken proactive action, focusing on the important role of leaders of all ranks in preventing suicide. Suicides reduced to 37 in 2010, and 33 in 2011.
Suicides are monitored monthly for deployment-related trends, such as the number of deployments and dwell time. Although it is not unreasonable to assume that one or more deployments may cause an increase in suicide, to date, we have been unable to establish a direct relationship between the two. Analysis is ongoing and the Marine Corps is partnered with multiple organizations including American Association of Suicidology, to further our understanding of Marine suicide.
Through January 2012, four Marine deaths are suspected to be the result of suicide.
More information
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/suicideprevent/stats_faqs.cfm?sid=ml&smid=3
http://www.usmc-mccs.org/suicideprevent/index.cfm?sid=ml
PAO contact
Media interested in following up on the LTE, can contact Maj. Shawn Haney at 703-784-9047 or shawn.d.haney@usmc.mil