Suicide in former reserve UK Armed Forces personnel, 1996-2018: A whole population cohort study

PLOS Ment Health. 2026 Nov 13;3(11):e0000769. doi: 10.1371/journal.pmen.0000769. eCollection 2026.

ABSTRACT

“Reserve Personnel”, who serve voluntarily, comprise around a fifth of the UK Armed Forces (UKAF). Little is known about their suicide risk, or factors associated with suicide in this population. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of suicide in reserve personnel who left the UKAF between 1996 and 2018 by linking national databases. We examined the risk of suicide in this group of veterans compared to the general population and identified the factors most strongly associated with suicide after discharge. We also compared reserve veterans’ rates of and risk factors for suicide with our previous findings on regular veterans of the UKAF. The 265,941 former reserve veterans had over 4,227,131 person years at risk, and were mostly male (86%). In total, 584 (0.2%) died by suicide. Their overall rate of suicide was lower than the general population (standardised mortality ratio [95% confidence interval] 76 [70-83]), with significantly lower rates in those aged 25-29 years (age specific mortality ratios 46-87). Overall, rates were similar to age-matched regular veterans (96 [89-105]), however, risk was lower in reserve veterans aged under 25 and higher in those aged 50-59 years. Factors associated with a higher suicide risk were being male, serving in the Army, and discharge between the ages of 45-49 years. Length of service of 3-4 years and more than 5 years, and being a non-commissioned officer (NCO) were associated with a reduced risk. There was no evidence of an association with deployment. Rates of contact with specialist NHS mental health services were low (21%). Prevention should focus on ensuring reserves are aware of and have access to appropriate health, employment and social support tailored to their needs. Addressing specific stressors common in men in mid-life, such as economic adversity and isolation, may also help reduce risk.

PMID:43024686 | DOI:10.1371/journal.pmen.0000769