Citation

Mehlum L, Rozanov VA, Stiliha R. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 98.

Affiliation

Suicide Research and Prevention Unit, University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 21, Bygg 20, 0320 Oslo, Norway. (lars.mehlum@medisin.uio.no)

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964035

Abstract

The military as both a work place and a total institution offers unique challenges and opportunities for suicide prevention. Risk factors, such as easy access to fire arms and stress associated with adaptation to the military environment and with combat and other traumatic stress exposure are not always balanced by protective factors such as group cohesion and peer support. Some studies have indicated that there is an increased risk of suicidal behaviour in military personnel and veterans from military operations. Hence, there is a need for suicide preventive measures targeting specific risk factors in the military environment, utilising resources and opportunities such as leader interventions, peer support, health care services, education and crisis hotlines. Favourable experiences have been made in several countries with integrated programmes for suicide prevention in the military in recent years. This workshop will present results and recommendations from these programmes and discuss directions for future developments.

Language: en