Transition from Military to Civilian Life and Suicide Risk with Mark Reger and Brady Stephens

The transition from military to civilian life can be an important time for service members. For many, it is an exciting life transition. For some, however, it can be a time of high stress, and even crisis. Whether it’s changes in social support, financial stress, a change in identity, or a cultural adjustment, some service members struggle during this period and are at heightened risk for suicide. 

What are the factors that increase suicide risk during that transition? Which service members are at the highest risk? Do length of service and military branch matter? What outreach and prevention efforts are being made? And what can everyone – friends, families, and clinicians – do to support our service members and veterans during the transition period? 

In this episode, Dr. Bridget Matarazzo, Clinical Research Psychologist and Director of Clinical Services at the Rocky Mountain MIRECC for Suicide Prevention, talks to Dr. Mark Reger and Brady Stephens about their research on this important topic! 

About Mark Reger and Brady Stephens: 

Mark Reger, Ph.D. is the Chief of Psychology at the VA Puget Sound and a professor at University of Washington School of Medicine in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. His research focuses on veteran and military prevention, risk and protective factors unique to the military community. Brady Stephens, MS SAS.C.P. is a statistician and the Director of Data Analytics and Informatics for VA VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention.

Resources: 

Article: “Association of Suicide Risk with Transition to Civilian Life Among US Military Service Members” https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770538

Make the Connection website (stories of other service members): https://www.maketheconnection.net/

In Transition Program (DoD) https://www.pdhealth.mil/resources/intransition