Military Veterans' Experiences with Suicidal Ideation: Implications for Intervention and Prevention.

Denneson LM, Teo AR, Ganzini L, Helmer DA, Bair MJ, Dobscha SK. Military Veterans' Experiences with Suicidal Ideation: Implications for Intervention and Prevention. Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior. 2015 Aug 1; 45(4):399-414.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• CDA 14-428 – Optimizing Veterans' Social Relationships to Enhance Depression Care
• IIR 10-331 – Veteran Interactions with VA Primary Care Prior to Suicide
• DHI 08-096 – Outcomes and Correlates of Suicidal Ideation in OEF/OIF Veterans

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Abstract:

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.