Army Suicides Surge to Record Numbers

The number of soldiers killing themselves has soared to a record number in 2008. This number is so high that it is even to surpass the suicide number of the civilians. With the stress of war and long tours away from home are expected to be the cause for this.

In 2007, the number of army suicides was 115, higher ever since the army started counting in 1980. And in 2008, the number has jumped to 128 confirmed suicides; and 15 other need to be confirmed.

The major reasons behind these suicides are expected to be alcohol or drug abuse, poor job performance, or broken relationships. It was found that 65 percent of the suicides in 2007 were due to broken relationships.

The government is to approach the situation in different view. It is to hire more mental health doctors to help their soldiers and is about to sponsor a $50 million study on suicides.