A recent study exploring military veteran suicides has revealed the urgent need for improved mental health support and understanding among the armed services. Researchers and bereaved families spoke to the BBC about the findings from the study, which is said to be the first of its kind.
One of the families to speak out was that of Kgn Ben Riches, who took his own life in 2019 after returning from a tour of Afghanistan. Riches had always dreamed of being a soldier, and joined the army foundation college at Harrogate in 2006. While in Iraq, he and his older brother became the first siblings in 60 years to serve together in the same conflict zone in the same regiment and company.
Following his tour in Afghanistan, Riches experienced significant behavioural changes, including increased drinking and paranoia. His father sought help from senior officers at Catterick, but was told nothing could be done unless Riches sought help himself. Medically discharged from the army, Riches struggled to engage with mental health services and eventually took his own life.
Riches’ parents were among the more than 20 families who contributed to the One Is Too Many study, conducted by The Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research at Northumbria University. The study found that disjointed, overstretched, and inconsistent mental health services, as well as a lack of understanding of military life and personnel, were some of the contributing factors to the high suicide rate among veterans.
The government responded to the study, stating that it would review the research and continue to work towards improving support for veterans. A spokesperson confirmed the publication of a five-year Suicide Prevention Strategy for England in 2023, which includes over 130 actions aimed at reducing the suicide rate in the country.
It is hoped that the study and the voices of bereaved families will contribute to the prevention of further suicides among veterans. The British Army stated that it had already improved its support to recognize the signs of mental health distress and encourage early help-seeking among its members
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