25 October 2003

by Samuel Rosenberg

An alarming rate of suicides have surfaced among U.S. soldiers in Iraq which has prompted an investigation by the U.S. Army recently.

Specialists who deal with mental health issues were ordered to gather information on the suicides and determine why the soldiers are taking their own life in record numbers. So far, 478 soldiers have been dismissed from their duties in Iraq due to depression and other various reasons relating to mental health.

"We are seeing far more suicides stemming from above average stress and Acute Traumatic Grief. Right now, in Iraq, soldiers are spent physically and emotionally in ways that are unimaginable to us. Troops are prepared for almost any war but inevitably they are worn down as any human would be. There was little post-war planning going on and now the soldiers are left without facilities that deal with such issues. Stress should never be underestimated. We see it in ourselves on a daily basis, just imagine being faced with the impact of war," explained Anai Rhoads, a political and health researcher from Virginia, USA.

"I am concerned about these numbers but also feel there are far more deaths among the Iraqis. Both sides require proper data and equal consideration. Even with the improvements, more notably the recent USAID grants, the psychological and psychosocial repair is still to be seen. War is the most vulnerable act upon humanity and the environment. It is unnatural, yet humans are still drawn to it as a form of resolution. The aftermath is always grim, as we see with these suicides."

Since soldiers have access to weapons to commit suicide, the concern is that their depression can easily lead them to kill themselves. Both the Army and the Navy are keeping a close eye on the troops to spot those who exhibit psychological trauma, depression or overall anxiety that may warrant removal from Iraq for special treatment.

In the last seven months, 11 soldiers and 3 marines have committed suicide, which brings the estimation to 17 suicides per 100,000. According to a report from USA Today, the average rate is normally 13 per 100,000 soldiers. The numbers are worrisome and only increase the anxiety felt at home as families await their arrival.

It is not clear if these numbers are realistic at this point, as they were only gathered from 1 May 2003, when major combat was declared over in Iraq. Some feel the numbers are higher, but that the government's focus is not on post-war statistics at this time.

© Copyright 2003 Samuel Rosenberg.