Posts by Former NIMH Director Thomas Insel about Suicide Prevention

Last week, two important research events unfolded without fanfare and without headlines. June 30 marked the end of the first phase of Army STARRS, the largest study of mental health risk and resilience ever conducted among military personnel. July 1 marked the release of Army STARRS data for use by the broad scientific community.

Suicide only occasionally makes the national news, but it is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. Dr. Insel talks about the need for research targeted directly at suicide and recent efforts to raise awareness and marshal research.

Dr. Insel discusses a newly released World Health Organization World Suicide Report, an overview of the impact of and factors involved in suicide globally and strategies for preventing suicide.

In referring to the recent death of Robin Williams, Dr. Insel talks about the continuing need for research to develop better treatments for serious mental illness.

In his blog, Dr. Insel talks about the importance of recent large philanthropic gifts to fund basic research on the brain.

Dr. Insel discusses the impetus behind a newly released prioritized agenda for research on suicide prevention, and what the task force that developed the agenda hopes to achieve in terms of reducing suicide rates.

In his blog, Dr. Insel talks about the National Research Action Plan, an effort announced by President Obama aimed at improving prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health conditions and traumatic brain injury in military personnel.

Dr. Insel explains the nuances of the term, “serious mental illness.”

Dr. Insel provides context for a new National Strategy for Suicide Prevention

Dr. Insel discusses recent efforts made by the NFL and other employers to help prevent suicides, and the importance of suicide prevention research.

For Veterans Day, Dr. Insel discusses meeting the mental health needs of those who have so honorably served our country.

Dr. Insel gives an update in our efforts to reduce suicide in America.

NIMH research can have a significant impact on public health through innovations and projects that cross the four objectives outlined in NIMH’s Strategic Plan.

Dr. Insel discusses various approaches to the prevention of suicide and what research has revealed on risk and treatment of related mental disorders. Also, HHS announces a new Alliance for Suicide Prevention, which will coordinate a full court press across Federal agencies.

Dr. Insel provides an update on NIMH's and the U.S. Army's efforts to reduce suicide in the military.

The U.S. Army recently released new suicide data for December 2009. Last month, there were 10 potential suicides among active duty soldiers, nine of which are pending confirmation. When added to the data for the rest of the year, the total number of reported suicides for 2009 among active duty soldiers is 160, 114 of which have been confirmed. By comparison, in 2008 there were 140 suicides among active duty soldiers.