Suicides at Fort Campbell, Highest in Nation

The suicide rate at Fort Campbell, Kentucky is the highest among all Army bases. This news comes as no surprise to the military personal faced with these recent statistics.

"If you don't remember anything else I say in the next five or 10 minutes, remember this -- suicidal behavior in the 101st on Fort Campbell is bad." Brig. Gen. Stephen J. Townsend

One army soldier committed suicide every week from January to Mid-March at the base, the Army created a suicide prevention program to combat what could be considered an epidemic.

Up to 15% of those who are clinically depressed die by suicide. In the Army. Men and women are trained not to accept feeling of ineptness, low-self esteem or defeat in the military.

How do one talk about feelings without fears of rejection by their comrades?

***Townsend said. "Screaming Eagles don't quit. No matter how bad your problem seems today, trust me, it's not the end of the world. It will be better tomorrow. Don't take away your tomorrow." He urged anyone feeling hopeless or suicidal to "tell somebody."

This is the best speech he could give. Its also the first time I have heard a proclamation concerning depression, that suggest depression is real and can be cured in the Armed Forces.

Risk factors for suicide include:

• One or more diagnosable mental (e.g., major depression) or substance abuse disorders
• Impulsively
• Adverse life events
• Family history of mental or substance abuse disorder
• Family history of suicide
• Family violence, including physical or sexual abuse
• Prior suicide attempt
• Firearm in the home
• Incarceration
• Exposure to the suicidal behavior of others, including family, peers, or in the news or fiction stories
• The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in adults are depression, alcohol abuse, cocaine use, and separation or divorce.
• The strongest risk factors for attempted suicide in youth are depression, alcohol or other drug use disorder, and aggressive or disruptive behaviors.

***How to help someone with suicidal thoughts?

• Take all suicide talk serious, do not believe since they're talking about it, they will to commit suicide.
• Help that person seek a mental health evaluation and treatment immediately.
• Inform them how suicide can be prevented and they can recover from it with treatment.

If you know someone considering suicide.

Call the Suicide Hotline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)