USA Today (7/26, Brook) reports, “Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed deep concern about suicide among troops during a visit to U.S. forces stationed in Alaska where there has been an alarming spike in those deaths” since Dec. 30. Since then, “at least six soldiers have died by probable suicide…and suicide is suspected in several others, USA TODAY has reported.” According to the article, “Austin raised the issue of suicide in nearly every visit he had with military, civilian and tribal leaders during his visit to Alaska, according to a Defense official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the meetings.” Austin is quoted as saying, “Mental health is health period.” He added, “And we have to approach it with the same energy that we apply to other – any other health issue, with compassion and professionalism and resources. And so if you’re hurting, there are resources available.”
Related Links:
— “‘Mental health is health. Period.’ Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin decries stigma in message to troops “Tom Vanden Brook, USA TODAY, July 26, 2021