According to data from the Veterans Affairs (VA) Department, the suicide rate for men ages 18 to 29 who have left the military has significantly increased. The suicide rate for men in this age group has increased 26% from 2005 to 2007.  The active military has also seen an increase in suicides, with the Army having a record number last year.  The military releases suicide data frequently, but it is more difficult to track suicide rates for veterans after they’ve left active duty.  The VA calculated the suicide numbers using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers from 16 states.  Eric Shinseki, VA Secretary, commented that about 20% of the more than 30,000 suicides each year in America are committed by veterans.

More at: www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34807684/ns/health-mental_health/.