ToplineMilitary suicides have taken a troubling rise in 2020, according to an Associated Press report, hitting the Army especially hard, as top defense officials believe coronavirus restrictions may be taking a serious mental health toll among members of the U.S. Armed Forces. gettyKey FactsOverall military suicides may be up by as much as 20% in 2020 compared to this time in 2019, according to AP, citing Defense officials that have been briefed on the issue. Defense Department officials have discussed the rise in suicides, and potential changes could be in the works to improve mental health—especially in the Army, AP reported. What We Don’t KnowIt’s not yet clear what the 2020 suicide rate is among the U.S. general population. Further ReadingMilitary suicides up as much as 20% in COVID era (The Associated Press)The Covid-19 Pandemic Is Causing More Severe Mental Health Issues—And More Burnout Among Psychologists And Psychiatrists (Forbes)Coronavirus Pandemic Affects Young Adults’ Mental Health More Than Older Americans: Poll (Forbes)

Source: Forbes September 27, 2020 21:00 UTC