Armed forces suicides have hit their highest level for 15 years, it has been revealed.
Up to 21 troops took their own lives in 2020 – the highest number since 2005 when 22 died from suicide.
But 15 years ago the armed forces contained about 50,000 more troops which makes the figures for 2020 even more worrying.
Up to 82 veterans also killed themselves last year.
One of those who took his own life last year was Staff Sergeant Jamie Ferguson.
Jamie, 36, was a medic who had done multiple tours with the SAS.
He shot himself at Leuchars military base in Fife just after recording a video in which he said “I asked for help but no one was listening”.
His wife Sammi, from Kirkcaldy, said he had been treated for a condition which often leads to PTSD.
The figures, revealed in an MoD report, also show that for the first time since the 90s the rate of suicide among men in the armed forces is starting to rise. The rate of suicide among male soldiers serving is 15 per 100,000 personnel.
In comparison with the rest of the population, the rate is 11.2 deaths per 100,000, according to the Office of National Statistics.
Jeff Williams, of Veterans United Against Suicide, said: “The armed forces is facing the perfect storm of not providing enough support to those troops who have seen combat while not helping younger personnel with mental health issues.”
The MoD said: “We publish these statistics so we can evaluate our support programmes and strengthen our mental health offerings.”
