A Qualitative Investigation of Barriers to Seeking Treatment for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Among Army Soldiers with a Deployment History

Abstract

This study aimed to identify barriers to treatment seeking and service utilization among previously deployed Army soldiers who recently experienced a suicidal crisis. Confidential interviews were conducted on a psychiatric inpatient unit with 12 Army soldiers with a deployment history following a suicidal crisis. Qualitative analysis focused on statements coded as “barriers to seeking help” and “explicit recommendations.” Suicidal Army soldiers with a deployment history experienced different barriers to seeking help, including stigma and logistical challenges (e.g., long wait times for appointments). Negative and positive perceptions of support were reported for various resources – for example, family, crisis hotlines, chaplains, and command. Suicidal Army soldiers, interviewed in this study, experienced a number of challenges and frustrations associated with various helping resources. This study highlights the need for greater attention toward understanding these challenges and subsequently addressing them through appropriate resource allocation and additional training for those working directly with Army soldiers at risk for suicide.

Keywords:

•  barriers to treatment
• deployment
• military
• qualitative methods
• suicide

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to acknowledge the involvement of the following individuals who contributed to the development of the interview questions, assisted with recruitment, conducted interviews, or completed qualitative coding: Dr. Fran Barg, Ashley Bush, Victoria Colborn, Kathleen Caffery, Dr. Laura Neely, Dr. Stacy Tylor, and LT Kyna Pak.

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this manuscript are those of the author and do not reflect the official policy of the Department of Army/Navy/Air Force, Department of Defense, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, or the U.S. Government.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by funding from the U. S. Department of Defense [USAMRMC 11066008].

Notes on contributors

Abby Adler

Abby Adler, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Shari Jager-Hyman

Shari Jager-Hyman, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Gregory K. Brown

Gregory K. Brown, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Tanya Singh

Tanya Singh, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.

Sadia Chaudhury

Sadia Chaudhury, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.

Marjan Ghahramanlou-Holloway

Marjan Ghahramanlou-Holloway, Department of Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Barbara Stanley

Barbara Stanley, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA.