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OTTAWA — The Canadian Forces is investigating the fourth suicide of one of its members within a week, while a fifth soldier who attempted to take his life is speaking out after he was told his post-traumatic stress disorder would lead to him being discharged from the military.

The moment the Canadian military told him he was being discharged because of his post-traumatic stress disorder, Master Cpl. Kristian Wolowidnyk felt his life was over.

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• The Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program’s confidential 24/7 toll-free telephone advisory for military personnel and families can be reached at 1-800-268-7708

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Two days later, on Nov. 21, Wolowidnyk — a former combat engineer who survived the desolation of Kandahar in 2009 and 2010 — tried to take his own life, but survived.

Veterans advocates say a number of suicides within the military in recent days may only hint at the magnitude of the problem. For every death by suicide, they warn, as many as 12 others may have sought the same fate.