Young military veterans face up to four times higher risk of suicide, new study shows

Credit: PA

The risk of suicide for British armed forces veterans under the age of 25 is up to four times higher than for civilians, a major new study suggests.

However, the Ministry of Defence-funded project, which looked at more than 458,000 veterans, found they generally do not have higher suicide rates than the rest of society.

Leaving service before the age of 35, leaving before a decade of service, or being untrained were all linked to a greater chance of dying by suicide.

Speaking to ITV News Mr Mercer said: "I think access to an understanding of the mental health provision that is available in this country remains the biggest challenge."

Veterans’ affairs minister Johnny Mercer said the suicide rates among younger former service personnel are a 'concern'

The University of Manchester study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, linked data from the NHS and MoD to investigate suicide risk factors for service personnel who left the forces between 1996 and 2018.

Of the 458,058 personnel, 1,086 died by suicide, a rate of 0.2%.

The researchers said this is “very slightly” lower than in the general population.

Mr Mercer added: "We will always continue to relentlessly drive this rate down because anybody who takes their own life, as I've said, is an absolute tragedy for them and their family, but again, for us as an institution in the military, we don't want anyone to end up in that position."

Contrary to perceptions, deployment on combat operations was found to be linked to a reduced risk, as was marriage and being of a higher rank.

But the suicide risk was two to four times higher in both men and women under 25 who had left the forces.

Being discharged between the ages of 16 and 34, being untrained on discharge, or leaving service involuntarily, such as for disciplinary or medical reasons, were linked to a higher risk.

Mr Mercer, a long-term campaigner against veterans’ suicide, said the results are broadly what he was “expecting”, adding: “Nothing changes, really, for me, because clearly rates are generally comparable, if not lower.

“This is a very difficult phenomenon. We won’t stop trying until we reach a zero-suicide place, because I think that’s what we owe these people.”

Asked by journalists about the greater risk among younger veterans, Mr Mercer suggested it is linked to the “challenges or the childhood experiences” of recruits.“

Speaking to ITV News he said: "I don't wanna sort of just say that and stand back and say we've done it. I want people to actually feel that. And I want veterans to feel like this is the best country in the world to be a veteran."

Researcher Nav Kapur said he cannot be “definitive” as to the reason behind the higher risks for younger veterans but that the “short lengths of service and the fact that deployment is protective suggests that it possibly isn’t in service exposures”.

“Pre-service vulnerabilities will of course be important, as will the offer when veterans leave service,” he said, adding that the rate has not changed since the last study in 2008.

The research also suggested there is a lower suicide risk for those serving in the Royal Navy and the RAF compared with the Army, which Professor Kapur said supports previous studies.

Worried about mental health?

Mind

Mind is a mental health charity which promotes the views and needs of people with mental health issues.

It provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.

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PAPYRUS

For practical, confidential suicide prevention help and advice you can contact PAPYRUS HOPELINE247 on 0800 068 4141, text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

Suicide is the biggest killer of young people in the UK. PAPYRUS aims to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by breaking down the stigma around suicide and equipping people with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour.

HOPELINE247 is the charity’s confidential 24 hour helpline service providing practical advice and support to young people with thoughts of suicide and anyone concerned about a young person who may have thoughts of suicide.

HOPELINE247 is staffed by trained professionals, offering a telephone, text and email service.

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The Martin Gallier Project

The Martin Gallier Project are a Wirral-based charity dedicated to helping individuals and families across the North West of England.

They were the UK's first Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention charity. The project offers non clinical suicide interventions on the high street, with no barriers to access, waiting list or criteria.

The service is open 7 days a week 9.30am-4.30pm - lines and emails are only monitored during these hours.

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CALM

CALM, or the Campaign Against Living Miserably, runs a free and confidential helpline and webchat – open from 5pm to midnight every day, for anyone who needs to talk about life’s problems.

It also supports those bereaved by suicide, through the Support After Suicide Partnership (SASP).

  • Phone their helpline: 0800 585858 (Daily, 5pm to midnight)

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Samaritans

Samaritans is an organisation offering confidential support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair.

  • Phone 116 123 (a free 24 hour helpline)

  • Email: jo@samaritans.org

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Andy's Man Club

ANDYSMANCLUB is a men's suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online.

It wants to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health and create a judgement-free, confidential space where men can be open about the storms in their lives.

The charity runs weekly, free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups for men aged over 18.

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James’ Place

Suicide prevention centre in Liverpool offering life-saving support to men in suicidal crisis.

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YoungMinds

YoungMinds is a resource with information on child and adolescent mental health, but also offers services for parents and professionals.

It is the UK’s leading charity fighting for children and young people's mental health, and wants to make sure all young people can get the mental health support they need, when they need it

  • YoungMinds Textline - Text YM to 85258

  • Phone Parents' helpline 0808 802 5544 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 4pm)

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EPiC HOPE

EPiC HOPE is managed and run by a team of dedicated, passionate and compassionate people. Staff and volunteers who want to stop suicides and save lives.

Crisis HarboursAt the Crisis Harbours, our trained and compassionate Peer Supporters with lived experience are here to offer immediate support if you’re going through a mental health crisis, including feeling suicidal. We provide a safe alternative to A&E and can help connect you to other support once the immediate crisis has passed.

Community HarboursAt the Community Harbours, you can drop in for a couple of hours in a safe, welcoming space. You might be going through a bereavement, a breakup, feeling lonely, or just need a chat. Whatever you’re facing, you’re welcome to join us for a brew and some friendly support, even if you’re not in crisis.

  • Email: help@epichope.org.uk

  • Phoneline: 07483186351 for their Crisis Harbour

  • EPiC Men - A support group just for men Every Thursday, 7pm - 9pm

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