Wingmen prevent suicides through communication

  • Published
  • By Compiled from staff reports
  • 354th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  For active duty Air Force personnel, suicide is the second leading cause of death, surpassed only by unintentional injury.

Awareness of suicide and the risk factors associated with suicide are key to the prevention of such loss of life and its traumatic consequences for our families and our communities.

How do we know when someone is in significant distress? A misconception about suicide is that suicide occurs with little or no warning, when in fact there are often many clues that someone may be in distress or at risk.

The most commonly associated factor with suicide in the Air Force is problems in intimate relationships, including marital and dating relationships. Other high risk factors that should alert us to vulnerability include abuse of alcohol or other substances, financial and legal problems, few social ties or loneliness, prolonged unmanageable stress, and feelings of depression or worthlessness.

Another misconception about suicide is that those who talk about suicide will not do it. A key signal of distress is obsessing or talking about death, dying, and violence as well as purchasing firearms or other weapons.

Other significant signs that someone may be in need of assistance include withdrawing from friends and family or suddenly making amends with others, sudden changes in behavior, loss of interest in work or usual activities, and giving away possessions.

What can we do to help? Another misconception about suicide is that if we talk about suicide with someone, it will give the people the idea to harm themselves or if someone has decided to harm him or herself there is nothing we can do to change their mind.

Both of these are myths and create barriers to suicide prevention. Talking with someone directly about suicide is among one of the most helpful things you can do. Most people contemplating suicide are seeking an end to the emotional pain they are experiencing, not an end to life; talking with them may open doors to assistance to help them through their distress.

The key to the prevention of suicide is early intervention. Seeking assistance for ourselves and encouraging others to do the same when having difficulty coping helps prevent more serious problems from developing.

Your base community offers numerous sources of assistance including the Integrated Delivery System, Life Skills Support Center, Chaplains, Family Advocacy, Family Support Centers, supervisors and leaders to name a few.

If serious warning signs are present, including threats of suicide with a plan, do not leave the person alone, call 911 or seek emergency services immediately.

The prevention of suicide lies with everyone within our Air Force community. Reaching out to one another builds strong communities and families and ultimately saves lives.