How do we as a community help our brothers and sisters in the fight against suicide?

SSG Ray Strenkowski — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 21:20:16 -0400

I've been hearing a lot about suicides lately. I'm just curious how we could help.

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Aug 15 at 2015 9:22 PM

SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 21:22:19 -0400

I would use the word ACE.

http://www.army.mil/article/44579/ace-suicide-prevention-program-wins-national-recognition/

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 9:47 PM

CW4 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 21:47:58 -0400

SSG Ray Strenkowski, have awareness of the possible suicide triggers. Make sure that you are truly available for your Soldiers, peers and friends. Always pay attention to personalities and see if you can pick up on changes that might lead to suicide.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 15 at 2015 9:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 21:56:15 -0400

Tell them where or who to see when they feel weakest, and there is hope for a better life. In the darkness will be a little light, but they have to look for it. As they get nearer it becomes brighter.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Aug 15 at 2015 11:04 PM

LTC John Shaw — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 23:04:00 -0400

SSG Ray Strenkowski Connect with them and help them get help at VA, Vet Center or any group that has a willing ear.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 15 at 2015 11:18 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 23:18:31 -0400

If you suspect or hear of someone talking about suicide take it seriously. Don't ignore your gut feeling on these matters. Shed light on it. Here is a link for how to help someone who is suicidal. http://www.izito.com/c?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.helpguide.org%2Farticles%2Fsuicide-prevention%2Fsuicide-prevention-helping-someone-who-is-suicidal.htm

Response by MSgt Brian Welch made Aug 15 at 2015 11:43 PM

MSgt Brian Welch — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 23:43:29 -0400

I think a big part of it is the stigma and the high regard and image the public holds of the military. The two work against a proud individual from acknowledging the treatment they need. I'll have to see if I can find the Time magazine article I read a few years back. I was appalled by the article. It talked about the number of military members prescribed medicine for PTSD and had a conclusion to the effect of "is this what protects us". It was completely disconnected from the reality that our military members didn't grow up in Lebanon getting shelled every day. There's only so much you can train a person for. We are not born with all the tools in our toolbox. There should be no stigma attached to being human and having human feelings. What's the suicide rate of people that had a child die? That might actually be lower because we as a society recognize the risk factor. We need to recognize that even a hardened soldier has his kryptonite. We need to help him.

Response by PO3 Danielle Sandlin made Aug 15 at 2015 11:57 PM

PO3 Danielle Sandlin — Sat, 15 Aug 2015 23:57:43 -0400

I think the only thing you can do is let those around you know you are there for them. I am friends with a ton of veterans and active duty still on FB and I regularly post something regarding suicide, I want them to know if they ever need ANYTHING, that I am there.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Aug 16 at 2015 4:02 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 16 Aug 2015 04:02:25 -0400

At the minimum, lend them an ear to talk to!

Response by LTC Stephen Kubiszewski made Aug 22 at 2015 12:49 PM

LTC Stephen Kubiszewski — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 12:49:58 -0400

Ray,
The following article, although dated, is still a good summary of the need is now.
Excellent summary of the situation and other studies done since roughly 2008 citing both the need, resource base and lack of meaningful integration of services and attention at the grass roots local level.

http://www.militarytimes.com/story/veterans/2015/04/08/ivmf-study-better-coordination/25455899/

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 22 at 2015 2:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 22 Aug 2015 14:27:05 -0400

The suicidal person needs to know who to turn too when the pain becomes unbearable.