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Thunderbolt NEWS September 25, 2015 7
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Suicide prevention begins with knowledge
by Airman 1st Class “Death by Powerpoint” briefings we re- willing to go to, whether it be mental Courtesy graphic
MALACHI SPELLER ceive, what can each of us do to be good health, a chaplain, military family life
wingmen and protect the health and consultant, or a primary care manager. If or a close family member becoming ill or
56th Medical Support Squadron wellbeing of ourselves and fellow service there is nothing you can do for the person passing away.
members? or the individual is not cooperative and
September is National Suicide Preven- wants to attempt suicide immediately, Ultimately, it is important to remem-
tion Month. There are plenty of ways to help pre- call emergency services to keep the per- ber that we depend on each other on the
vent suicide among our fellow service son safe. flightline, in the office, in the cockpit,
Although much of September has members, but one of the simplest and and while at home. Strive to put service
passed, it is never too late to bring aware- most effective strategies is sometimes It is important to maintain situational above self when thinking about suicide
ness to suicide prevention. Indeed, re- overlooked when dealing with a potential awareness regarding the health and prevention and awareness by being a
maining vigilant in protecting the health suicidal peer. Just be a good wingman, wellbeing of yourself and your fellow good wingman, shipmate or battle-buddy
and wellbeing of ourselves and our fellow shipmate, or battle-buddy to that friend, wingmen. So be on the lookout for warn- to those around you. Be ever vigilant
wingmen is a 24/7 operation. Although acquaintance or work partner. ing signs of suicide. Warning signs can about the warning signs, and enact the
some perceive suicide prevention to be a include things like someone giving away A.C.E. program if needed.
touchy subject, when hearing the statis- One easy to remember suicide preven- valuable belongings, dramatic changes in
tics, warning signs and resources for pre- tion program for military members need- mood or personality, and passing up on For more information on crisis inter-
venting suicide, it becomes a life-saving ing guidance in assisting their brothers doing things they would usually enjoy do- vention and suicide prevention, call the
topic if addressed openly and honestly. and sisters in-arms who exhibit suicide ing. Situational events can also be a red Military Crisis Line at 800-273-TALK
related behaviors is the A.C.E. program. flag, such as someone recently divorcing (8255), ext. 1, visit the mental health
According to the American Foundation It stands for Ask, Care and Escort. clinic, or visit the website for the De-
for Suicide Prevention, after cancer and fense Suicide Prevention Office at www.
heart disease, suicide accounts for more The first step in the program is for the dspo.mil.
years of life lost than any other cause of peer to ask the person in need directly
death in America. Military members may if they are currently suicidal or contem-
be at an increased risk for suicide due to plating suicide. This can take a great
multiple stressors like recurrent separa- deal of courage, but it is so important
tion from family and friends, frequently to ask. The second step is to care for
moving to different locations, and work- the individual in need. You can do this
ing long hours on the job. These factors by calmly controlling the situation and
can strain family relationships, cause actively listening to show your under-
physical stress and enhance the risk for standing. Try to remove any means for
mental burnout. self-injury if possible. The third step is
to escort the peer in need to whatever
So the real question is, aside from of services the individual agrees and is
all of the computer-based training and
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