EL SEGUNDO, Calif.— The pressing issue of mental health within the U.S. military has come into sharp focus, with recent statistics highlighting a significant rise in suicide rates. According to the latest report from the Defense Department’s Defense Suicide Prevention Office, 94 active-duty military personnel were confirmed or suspected to have died by suicide in the first quarter of 2024. This figure represents a concerning 41% increase among Air and Space Force personnel from 2021 to 2023.
September, designated National Suicide Prevention Month since 2008, intensifies the focus on these critical issues. While military suicide rates are comparable to or lower than the general U.S. population, the high-stress environment faced by service members and their families remains a major concern.
At Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB), home to the Space Systems Command (SSC), the discussion on mental health is led by dedicated professionals. Air Force Maj. Jenneva Barrett, a mental health specialist at LAAFB, and Crystal Mabry, a licensed clinical social worker and U.S. Air Force veteran, are at the forefront of these efforts. Mabry emphasizes the unique stressors faced by military personnel, noting the loss of personal autonomy and control that distinguishes their experience from civilian life.
Mental health awareness and suicide prevention are paramount for the entire Department of Defense (DoD). Leaders such as Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall are committed to these priorities. At SSC, Lt. Gen. Phillip Garrant and Col. Andrew Dermanoski are vocal advocates for mental health, urging service members to support each other and utilize available resources.
“No one is immune from struggle, regardless of their leadership level,” Dermanoski stated. “It’s crucial to reach out, check in, and connect. Often, a simple ‘Are you okay?’ can make a difference.”
The DoD’s approach to mental health has evolved significantly since Maj. Barrett’s enlistment in 2006. She highlights the importance of not facing stress alone and the need for strong social connections to mitigate the risk of suicide.
At SSC headquarters, the 61st Medical Squadron provides comprehensive mental health services to active duty, Guard, and reserve personnel. According to Barrett, the frequent relocations and the need to rebuild social support networks are significant stressors for service members. She stresses the importance of seeking help and utilizing available resources promptly.
The 61st Medical Squadron collaborates with the base’s Integrated Resilience Office to offer a broad spectrum of support. Whitney Easley, a prevention analyst at LAAFB, underscores the positive trend of increasing personnel seeking mental health assistance, reflecting a shift towards greater acceptance and openness about mental health issues.
Service members can request mental health referrals for any reason, and confidentiality is maintained regarding these requests. In a recent “Ask Me Anything” session, SSC leaders including Garrant, Joy White, and Chief Master Sgt. Jacqueline Sauvé addressed workforce questions on mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking help.
Sauvé advised, “Don’t try to handle this alone. Visit our medical professionals to get directed support if you need mental health assistance.”
Mental health professionals stress the importance of prioritizing mental health in the same way as physical health. Easley encourages individuals to overcome any apprehension about seeking help and to utilize the extensive support services available to military personnel, including those offered by the U.S. Space Force and U.S. Air Force.
For more information on mental health resources, personnel are encouraged to connect with their base’s resilience office or medical staff.