Everyone of us may know someone in need. What would you do?

SCPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:23:32 -0400

Response by Col Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 11:28 PM

Col Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:28:26 -0400

Reach out to them and provide needed resources! I had a close friend and coworker commit suicide. I was across the country and saw it play out via his FB feed. He had reached out numerous times and noone took him serious. He even listed depression and PTSD on his post deployment questionnaire....no help.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 23 at 2015 11:28 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Aug 2015 23:28:35 -0400

Call 911!

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Aug 24 at 2015 12:15 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 00:15:58 -0400

I have spent hours on the phone with friends in other states just getting them through the night. First, get an address or location. And a phone number for call backs. Not everyone acts at their HOR. Many times, things look a bit better come daylight and more resources are available. Keep the person on the phone as long as possible. No one feels more alone then a potential suicide. I've driven to friends that have reached out so they weren't alone (after making sure the weapons were safe.) this is a case by case judgement. Having said that, I have lost friends and relatives using every tool I had, including 911 call on one line and my friend on the other. When using 911, tell them what you know so they don't go in blind. If you don't know, at the minimum, request a welfare check. Even if you use everything at your disposal, some one may follow through and it will be important to remember it was a decision he/she made and you did your best.

Response by SGT Alan Sledge made Sep 2 at 2015 5:46 AM

SGT Alan Sledge — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 05:46:47 -0400

The very firs thing I would do is listen to them. Just providing an ear helps in so many ways. It's not that those with depression are too afraid to speak. They're more concerned with who will listen and take what they have to say seriously and not just shrug it off.

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Sep 2 at 2015 10:55 AM

GySgt Moses Lozano — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 10:55:34 -0400

Stay with them until they get the help needed.