Fed: More soldiers may be at risk of suicide: AMA

AAP General News (Australia)
04-29-2007
Fed: More soldiers may be at risk of suicide: AMA

The AMA says suicide by returned Australian soldiers may be on the rise and needs urgent
government action.

Veteran activists say up to five soldiers have committed suicide after returning from
Iraq and Afghanistan.

The claims follow reports from the federal government which says two soldiers killed
themselves after returning from duty in the Middle East.

A further 121 returned soldiers have been medically discharged due to mental illness.

The Medical Association for the Prevention of War .. warns there will be more suicides
by returning soldiers unless the federal government takes action.

ROBERT MARR from the MAPW says a recent study on 104 thousand returning US soldiers
from Iraq and Afghanistan .. shows 31 per cent were diagnosed with at least one mental
health problem.

AAP RTV vpm/imc/

KEYWORD: STRESS (SYDNEY)

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