Sociological Perspective On Suicide

Introduction A serious public health problem that causes pain, suffering, and loss to families, communities, and individuals, suicide is a serious issue within our society. Historically, suicide among U.S. service members were approximately half the rate of their civilian counterparts. Within the last fourteen years in the United States, suicide has been the tenth leading cause of death. When comparing the rate of suicide in America, Veterans have had a higher rate of suicide and climbing faster than in the general population of the United States. Regardless of their deployment status, the risk is higher than that of the U.S. population. Dating back to the Vietnam era, approximately 2.6 million young men ranging in age from 18 to 35 serving

From a functional theory perspective, the cultural myths and social acceptance goes beyond a few psychological issues among service members. A sociological perspective must make more far-reaching changes by changing the beliefs of society about suicide and by making every effort to reduce the sense of hopelessness and unworthiness in our service members. Aside from this fundamental change, remedies, such as better funded and additional suicide prevention resources, would help service members who have experienced life altering events which may lead to suicide. An understanding of how and when previous suicide attempts occurred could lead to more effective strategies for identifying and treating service members and veterans who are most vulnerable to suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Bryan et al., 2014). Because society believes that the Veteran Affairs (VA) is there to assist veterans and other service members with issues of suicide or suicidal behaviors, prevention resources such as suicide prevention centers and counselors will tend to be located in areas that may not be accessible to

Many service members have dedicated majority of their lives to the military service. The transition back into the civilian population can be in itself, overwhelming. Veterans transitioning me be unprepared when searching for employment. The military structure is a disciplined and unyielding environment with a relatively clear salary structure and authority chain of command. Being accustomed to a military work environment diminishes veterans’ job preparedness in unexpected ways. Not really understanding how their skills will transfer to the civilian job market, veterans tend to have unrealistic expectations. Veterans are frustrated by having to start in a low-paying entry-level position, and tend to feel as if they are starting over completely. The military identity of a lot of veterans causes difficulties in adapting to the civilian workplace. Viewing the common values that are instilled in service members such as the importance of being punctual, professional, and respectful to people of authority, as undervalued. This unwanted stress can be overwhelming when trying to provide support for their families and loved ones. Leading to a sense of unacceptance back into society and depression, veterans may seek relief through the use of drugs and alcohol. Normally within the first three years after separation, veterans find this the most difficult time period and some seek a final resolution to the problem through