Posted on Sep 16, 2015
What would you do if a soldier told you he hated being alive?
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Your soldier's has had a death in a family, and took an last minute flight home from an EU duty station. He has taken an emotional and financial toll, and he has had problems with depression and anxiety already. He keeps getting in trouble and during a period where you give him multiple counseling statements in one sitting, he tells you "i hate being alive." What do you say to him? What do you do?
Suicide
Depression
Stress
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 17
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As much as you would love to give him some time to figure out his life, do not let him go home alone (do not isolate him). I would suggest taking him to Behavioral Health, or him call a Military Family Life Consultant. If he has any friends or family in the area I would call them and ensure they know to keep an extra eye on him and if they have any suggestions on what you can do. He should speak with a grief counselor about the loss of the family member, and AER for the financial issues. On a professional level, you can contact the finance office and see if they are holding any financial management training you can send him to after his emotional state stabilizes. Above all, reassure him, and let him know you are there if he needs anything.
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I would talk with them and help get them to the appropriate medical professional
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I would not let him out of my sight until I was reasonably sure that he was not going to attempt suicide and I would make sure he had the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number - [login to see] - and I would let him/her know that if they ever felt like that again that I would be there for them and to please call me.
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