TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) described measures it has taken to reduce instances of self-harm and suicide amongst military personnel on Tuesday (Oct. 29).
According to a report from the legislature’s budget committee, 23 military personnel committed suicide in 2023, an increase of six compared to the year before. In the first half of 2024, 12 military personnel took their own lives, an increase of three compared to the same period in 2023, per LTN.
MND Political Warfare Department Director Chang Ching-tai (張景泰) was asked about this increase by reporters at a regular press conference. Chang acknowledged that the increase over the past two years was significant.
He said that according to the ministry’s analysis, the main causes of suicide amongst military personnel are financial issues and emotional stresses. He said that other causes include adapting to the environment, work pressure, family factors, or mental illness.
The defense ministry will continue to utilize civilian psychological counseling services, which it has done since 2018, Chang said. He said the ministry has subsidized the cost of these services, and he hopes officers and soldiers will use them.
Chang added that beginning in July, the ministry began to conduct psychological health examinations when inspecting recruits’ physical health. He said the military has also implemented widespread education programs on self-harm and suicide prevention since March.
Chang said that according to health ministry statistics between June and July, the mortality rate in the armed forces was lower than among all Taiwanese people between 15 and 44 years old. He said he cited this figure because it was close to the age range of military personnel.
Despite the figure being lower, Chang said the military will continue to make improvements to prevent suicides.
MND Financial Inspection Division Director Lo Kei (駱可) said risk management is a core task of the armed forces, per CNA. Lo said that the ministry is focused on “early warning, prediction, and prevention” to create a high-quality working environment.
Those considering suicide should immediately call the Taiwan Suicide Prevention Center at 1925 or Taiwan Lifeline International at 1995 (English and Mandarin services available).
Foreign residents can call the Community Services Center's emergency hotline at 02-2836-8134 during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday) and at 0932-594-578 after-hours.