Suicide rates in the military increased in 2023, a slight uptick from 2022 that adds to a larger, troubling rise over the past decade.

The annual report shows 523 servicemembers died by suicide in 2023, compared to 493 in 2022, while the number was much higher than the 301 recorded deaths in 2011.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the suicide rate "findings urgently demonstrate the need for the Department to redouble its work in the complex fields of suicide prevention and postvention."

"One loss to suicide is one too many," he said in a statement. "We are dedicated to fighting for our service members by fostering supportive team cultures and tackling the stigma of asking for help and other barriers to care.

"We continue working hard to improve the delivery of mental health care, bolster suicide prevention training, and educate people about lethal means safety.........

© The Hill