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Military Veterans' Experiences with Suicidal Ideation: Implications for Intervention and Prevention
Author(s) -
Denneson Lauren M.,
Teo Alan R.,
Ganzini Linda,
Helmer Drew A.,
Bair Matthew J.,
Dobscha Steven K.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
suicide and life‐threatening behavior
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.544
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1943-278X
pISSN - 0363-0234
DOI - 10.1111/sltb.12136
Subject(s) - suicidal ideation , thematic analysis , feeling , poison control , suicide prevention , intervention (counseling) , psychology , military personnel , injury prevention , human factors and ergonomics , military deployment , clinical psychology , psychiatry , qualitative research , medicine , medical emergency , social psychology , social science , sociology , political science , law
We sought to understand Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom ( OEF / OIF ) veterans' experiences with suicidal ideation. Semi‐structured interviews with 34 OEF / OIF veterans addressed circumstances leading up to disclosure of suicidal ideation during brief clinical assessments. We used an iterative, inductive and deductive thematic analysis approach. Results revealed three pervasive, persistent domains that reinforce the uniqueness of veteran suicidal thoughts: military culture, difficult deployment experiences, and postdeployment adjustment challenges. Within postdeployment, we identified four themes that serve as intervention targets: adjusting to civilian culture, changes to sense of self, feeling overwhelmed by stressors, and lacking life purpose or meaning.