By Lt Col (Retd) Dr Martin Gliniecki QGM, CEng
Sadly, suicide remains the number one killer of young men in UK, and from analysis of the same ONS data we see spikes on New Years Day, then into January and the first quarter of the year.
Concern remains high because although we continue to learn more about stress-related illnesses and commit more resources, such as more qualified psychiatrists and psychologists, mental health problems continue to grow, as do the number of suicides. According to the ONS: ‘There were 6,190 suicides registered in England and Wales (11.4 suicide deaths registered per 100,000 people) in 2024’. ‘There were 6,069 suicides registered in England and Wales (11.4 deaths per 100,000 people) in 2023; this is an increase compared with 2022 (10.7 deaths per 100,000, or 5,642 deaths) and the highest rate seen since 1999.’
Also significant is that three times as many men commit suicide than women and our Armed Forces remain predominantly men (88 per cent) and under the age of 55 years, another group more susceptible to suicide.
I have written previously on the subjects of mental health, moral injury and stress-related illnesses that combatants, being predominantly male and under 55 years, are susceptible to. Since 1984, more active serving personal have taken their own lives than those who have died in hostile combat. I have my own personal experience of three friends, all fellow bomb disposal officers, taking their own lives, with two in the public domain: Tony Keating and Gez Morgan. They were all great soldier-technicians and as veterans lived outwardly successful lives. Their deaths were soul-destroying to me and other colleagues, never mind their families.
In contrast, in previous editions of Ready magazine we describe how Callum struggled in the Army over several years with mental illness, alcoholism and PTSD, and shortly after discharge planned his suicide. Thankfully, his engagement with multiple Scripture Readers while serving led to him calling one of them, who was able to bring this suicidal veteran back from the brink. SASRA’s Scripture Readers continue to provide spiritual welfare, some pastoral care and develop abilities to signpost individuals to specialist help to improve their wellbeing.
Over Christmas, we shall be ready to support soldiers, aviators and their families wherever and whenever possible. From January our Readers will be out and about in the barracks and stations, seeking to help anyone showing signs of stress-related illnesses.
If you’ve never assisted SASRA previously, please consider supporting us and our work to help the spiritual welfare of our Armed Forces, build their resilience and help overcome the challenges of mental health-related problems.
Pray with us
- Pray for our Scripture Readers as they work alongside Chaplains and Welfare Officers, remaining vigilant for those who appear to be struggling.
- Pray for our serving Members, as they stand ready to give account of the hope they have to their friends and colleagues.
- Pray for those serving military in our country who feel they can no longer bear their burdens - that they would have faith and lay them down at the foot of the Cross.
