Soldiers Don't Have Elevated Suicide Rates Relative To Similar Civilians

Suicide, even in small numbers, is a tragic thing. But, despite the constant presence of the means to commit suicide and frequently stressful and traumatic work duties, soldiers don't have a particularly elevated risk of suicide relative to demographically comparable members of the general civilian public in the United States. 

In 2018, the last year for which there is comprehensive data, 541 active duty service members died by suicide. Adjusted for demographics, the suicide rate for the military is close to the rate for the general population, where it has become the second-leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 10 and 34. 

(The Veterans Crisis Line is staffed 24/7: 800-273-8255, press 1. Services also are available online or by texting 838255.)

From the New York Times (the article puts the numbers into a human context).