U.S. Army Maj. Said Bennani, a behavioral health officer for the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, speaks to soldiers during suicide prevention and awareness training at Camp Zama, Japan, on Sept. 18,2026. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
CAMP ZAMA, Japan — A generation of soldiers more willing to talk about mental health is helping break down a stigma that has long kept troops from seeking help for thoughts of suicide, according to a U.S. Army Japan behavioral health officer.
The shift comes as suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among active-duty service members, according to a March 31 news release from the Pentagon.
“I think the new generation is more understanding of what we do, but 20 years ago, that was not the case,” Maj. Said Bennani told Stars and Stripes during suicide awareness and prevention training Friday at Camp Zama. “They are more open to considering behavioral health as an option.”
About 40 soldiers from the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade attended the training at Kizuna Hall, where they heard from Bennani, a chaplain, Military and Family Life Counseling program counselors and sexual assault response coordinators.
Bennani said the event — held during National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month — was designed to remind troops of available resources while giving them a place to discuss their experiences.
“We are here to allow them to ask questions and allow them to open up in a safe environment without feeling judged,” he said.
Soldiers with the 38th Air Defense Artillery Brigade participate in a discussion during suicide prevention and awareness training at Camp Zama, Japan, on Sept. 18, 2026. (Jeremy Stillwagner/Stars and Stripes)
Some soldiers at the event shared their experiences dealing with the loss of friends or fellow service members to suicide. Others spoke about how they had dealt with suicidal thoughts.
Soldiers have historically worried that seeking behavioral health care could damage their careers, change how commanders and peers view them or leave them ostracized within their units, Bennani said.
Those concerns still exist, but younger troops appear more receptive to seeking help, he said.
In 2024, 471 service members died by suicide and 1,515 suicide attempts were reported, according to the Defense Suicide Prevention Office. Those are the most recent figures released by the Pentagon.
The overall military suicide rate declined about 11% from 2023 to 2024 but has generally increased since 2011, according to the office.
For troops reluctant to seek formal behavioral health treatment, Bennani recommends starting with resources that may feel less intimidating.
“If you have to, start small in the beginning. Start by talking with the chaplain,” he said. “If you’re worried about it being on your records, speak to the [Military and Family Life Counseling program]. They don’t keep records and that can be a baseline stage.”
Counselors may refer service members to their behavioral health clinic when more intensive care is needed, Bennani said.
The training was also intended to build a sense of community and remind soldiers that they matter, he said.
Suicide prevention resources for service members and their families are available through the Defense Suicide Program Office.
Those who need immediate help may also contact the Veterans and Military Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
