Laura

Laura! You know better than to read that crap! :(

Think of the number of people in the Army. Though it's a terrible thing that has happened to so many, percentage-wise it is still lower than the civilian population...the article even says so....

"the rate per 100,000 could surpass that of the civilian population"

So technically, though the numbers are rising within the community, it is still lower than the civilian rate. So really, there is less of a chance that soldiers will commit suicide than if they were civilians.

Deceiving...

Very sad. But be assured in the fact that these individuals had some wiring issues before they left that just weren't caught. Normal healthy individuals don't deal with the stress of even a war zone in that manner. :( :(

I took a course on PTSD (taught by a veteran) last semester. It's truly stunning and appalling how little is done to take care of our soldiers mentally before, during, and after their deployments. It's such a shame, and I personally feel it reflects very poorly on our military and government leadership! These men and women bravely put their lives on the line for us, and yet we can't/don't/won't make sure that they have the guidance and coping skills needed to help them get past the horrors they see and do in war. Thankfully many have the Lord/faith and a good family support system to help and guide them through (as you and Jarrod do!), but my heart goes out to those who feel so alone and helpless that they take their own lives.

Anyway, I suppose I'm rambling. Very, very sad :(
(But you really shouldn't read this stuff so close to a deployment!!!)

Wow. That artical really is sad!