Why Do Suicides Continue to Rise in the Army

The purpose of this thesis was to determine whether the continue rise in Army suicides were attributed to failed marital/intimate partner relationships, lack of mental health support, and repeated deployments combined with mental health issues. Based on current research, the researcher hypothesized that suicides continue to rise in the Army because service members and veterans fail to seek mental health care because of the negative stigma associated with mental health disorders. Notably, failed marital/intimate partner relationships were hypothesized as the primary reason for suicide increase. It was recommended that DOD and the Army invest more resources to promote individual soldier and / or veteran healthy relationships and resilience development. Crisis healthcare outreach teams should be dispatched to rural communities to provide healthcare support services. Lastly, the Army must dedicate more time and resources toward suicide prevention research, and current suicide prevention processes and programs to remain an elite fighting force.