Army issues mental health booklet to help personnel spot suicide risks

Soldiers must report their superiors if they think they are a suicide risk, the first ever suicide prevention booklet given to the Armed Forces says.

The new pocket guide to help Armed Forces personnel spot and support those who may be struggling with their mental health has been launched today.

The guide gives advice on how to identify signs that someone may be having difficulties and considering suicide.

All military personnel and reserves, some 200,000 people, will have access to either a hard copy or digital version of the booklet.

The guide champions “looking after your mates” and is designed to promote peer support among those serving, regardless of rank.

“Being in the Armed Forces means you are exposed to a higher degree of risk and pressure than you might expect in other jobs,” the booklet says.

Gavin Williamson, the Defence Secretary, said: “Mental health issues can affect anyone and I want to ensure no one in our military suffers in silence. It is vital that service personnel know where to turn to in times of crisis, and this guide will raise awareness of the support available”.

The booklet will also help staff spot signs that colleagues may be having suicidal thoughts, giving information on how to approach such a situation.