Depression and Intention to Seek Treatment Among Black and White Suicidal Military Members Who Are Not Engaged in Mental Health Care

ABSTRACT

The current study is the first to examine racial differences in suicidal thoughts and behaviors, risk factors, and intention to seek treatment in a sample of Black and White Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom suicidal military members who are not engaged in mental health care. Participants completed the 1-hour assessment by telephone. Compared to White military members, Black military members reported higher levels of perceived burdensomeness, depression, alcohol use, and intention to seek treatment. Conducting outreach and interventions that can be accessed from home may engage more military members in mental health care, thus potentially contributing to reducing rates of suicide.

KEYWORDS:

• Racial differences
• veterans
• PTSD
• insomnia
• perceived burdensomeness
• alcohol use
• substance use
• trauma
• abuse
• OEF/OIF

Additional information

Funding

This study is supported by Department of Defense Grant, W81XWH-13-2-0032 (PI: Tracy Stecker).