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Suicide rates in the UK Armed Forces, compared with the general workforce and merchant shipping during peacetime years since 1900
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  • Published on:
    Screening for Mental Health Contributing to Lower Suicide Rates in the Armed Forces
    • Donald Ross-Talbot, Medical Officer, Lead Clinician for Single Service Medical Entry Staff for the UK Army Capita

    Whilst it was interesting to have confirmed that suicide rates in the military are lower than that of the general population, I feel that a major contributor to this was not addressed. As well the strategies in place in the UK Armed Forces to support the Mental Health of personnel and to prevent suicides, a significant number of candidates are screened out on application due to a history of mental health issues. This includes previous episodes of self-harm and overt suicide attempts as well as other significant histories of mental illness. The exclusion of this population inevitably will reduce the risk of suicide in service personnel.

    Conflict of Interest:
    None declared.