How can I help with suicide prevention, beyond the annual briefings?

2018-11-25T00:00:29-05:00

The day before Thanksgiving, one of my Soldiers took his life. Suicide is rampant in my unit, to the point that that one of our LTCs took his life last year. How can I help, beyond the annual briefings? I'm at my wit's end.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 12:19 AM

2018-11-25T00:19:47-05:00

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I am sorry to hear that you lost a soldier. The discussions need to take place more often that during an annual briefing. I will tag some RallyPoint leaders to provide feedback.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, Lt Col Charlie Brown, Maj Marty Hogan, LTC Stephen F., LTC Stephen C., LTC Private RallyPoint Member, CSM Charles Hayden, SFC Private RallyPoint Member

Below is information from a previous post.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/suicide-prevention-tools-improved

Suicide Prevention Tools Improved | RallyPoint

The Army Is Building An Algorithm To Prevent Suicide Jerry Evans Jr. fills out a suicide report every time he picks up the phone. “Everyone who calls the crisis line gets assessed. If they call trying to refill a prescription, because they just dialed the wrong number, they still get assessed,” he explained. He’s a responder at the Veterans Crisis Line. It’s a hotline administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs that takes calls from...

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 12:29 AM

2018-11-25T00:29:48-05:00

Tell them to stop drinking and call somebody.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 12:31 AM

2018-11-25T00:31:09-05:00

https://www.aa.org/

Alcoholics Anonymous

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 25 at 2018 12:34 AM

2018-11-25T00:34:49-05:00

My sister was a suicide victim.
Domestic-violence, mental issues, constant drinking and pain killers were a factor. Stay sober, stay alive!!
https://m.legacy.com/obituaries/orangecounty/obituary.aspx?n=rose-loretta-conway&pid=175315548&referrer=0&preview=True

View ROSE CONWAY's Obituary on OCRegister.com and share memories

Conway, Rose Loretta 9/20/1965 - 7/4/2015 I am sad to announce the sudden passing of Rose Loretta Conway. Loretta was born in Los Angeles. She

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 25 at 2018 12:58 AM

2018-11-25T00:58:46-05:00

Break your butt, personally engage as many Soldiers as you can, offer them information on resources you have researched.

Female officer or not, hang out with the troops - drink - communicate - share - refer them to resources - check on them.

Your contribution could become overwhelming. Delegate, lead others into becoming assistants in talking to and referring troops.

Take care of yourself, a commitment like that can be overwhelming. The Caregivers main job is to sustain the their ability to give!

Response by LCDR Gordon Brown made Nov 25 at 2018 2:28 AM

2018-11-25T02:28:00-05:00

I have extensive experience with suicide prevention and was involved many years ago in creating the Red Flags of suicide. https://tvfaz.org/suicide-counter/

Veteran Suicide Counter - Team Veteran Foundation

SUICIDE EPIDEMIC OUTRAGE – Since 2001 136,942+/- Veterans have died by suicide. 75-85% of these suicides are Vietnam-Era Veterans. In the original VA study, back in 2011/12 only 21 states Read More

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Nov 25 at 2018 10:50 AM

2018-11-25T10:50:12-05:00

1. Holidays normally have to highest suicide rate. 2. Mostly it is in their hands, but you and others can watch for the signals ( you brief them?) Have all your folks talk heart to heart, not just go thru the steps. 3. You have to humanly care not go thru the steps. 4, It is hard to ask for help- offer it instead. 5. Remind them that you will not judge and not report unless they display the last steps of hurting themselves. 6. Bring in mental health folks for talks- don't make it an annual thing to check the box!

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Nov 25 at 2018 11:17 AM

2018-11-25T11:17:26-05:00

Have some of your soldiers reach out to me and "Warriors for Life" (WFL) 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member - let them know there is judgment, it's not tied to the VA, there is no reporting, it's all confidential and it's with others that have attempted to take their life and survived and they are dealing with the PTSD, TBI, or MST. Have them reach out to me privately with a small introduction to: [login to see] Everyone is welcome. We meet Sunday evenings and they can do it from the privacy and comfort of their homes Megan. Standing by to assist.

Also, has your unit conducted ACE Training over and over? This should be happening on a regular basis if there is problem with soldiers dying from suicide. Do you have an ACE Trainer in the unit or in the next higher headquarters? Leadership needs to take charge and get a handle on this ASAP!

Response by SFC Marc W. made Nov 25 at 2018 9:03 PM

2018-11-25T21:03:15-05:00

I really hate to say it like this, but from my perspective the Army's attempt at suicide prevention seems little more than a cover their ass protocol for when the IO comes around. For active duty so much more can be done than briefings, and it's easier to be involved in their lives in a way that is helpful. You are in a much more difficult spot because you see them much less frequently and there are so many other factors that come into play while you're not drilling. You've received good advice here that will do you well. I also have to wonder is the unit playing some part in this: whether that be through policies, toxic leadership, poor training environment or other such factors?
There's no way around it, losing a soldier sucks, losing one to their own hands is much worse. As a leader we do the best we can, sometimes we do have to accept the factor of personal agency and the reality that sometimes there is just nothing we can do or could have done.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Nov 26 at 2018 3:47 AM

2018-11-26T03:47:06-05:00

That is very sad news 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member that one of your soldiers committed suicide the day before Thanksgiving 2018. The holidays seasons are welcomed by those with family and friends. For te clinically depressed they can make them feel intensely alone and friendless.
Establishing and fostering relationships with groups of soldiers who have common interests could help. Getting small groups of soldiers with shared interests like music, sports, reading, teaching and learning could help those who hod their feelings close to their chest to open up.
LORD, I lift up 1LT Megan Hurwitt and her unit up to YOU. I pray that YOU will help the soldiers share their burdens with trustworthy comrades-in-arms family members and friends.
Thank you for mentioning me, my friend Sgt Private RallyPoint Member

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 29 at 2018 3:45 AM

2018-11-29T03:45:17-05:00

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member I'd say You've taken the First Step, Asking Questions and Hopefully Listening, Really Listening to Others, Subordinates, Superiors, Co-Workers, Comrades in Arms here and elsewhere.

Response by SrA John Monette made Nov 29 at 2018 4:33 PM

2018-11-29T16:33:57-05:00

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member first, I am sorry to hear that suicide in your unit is so bad. it is a sad state of affairs when active duty and veterans alike feel there is no alternative. if you don't already, you need to stress the importance of making someone aware of the resources available to them. keep an open-door policy and make sure they know it is a safe place.