SUICIDE PREVENTION: It’s Everybody’s Business By MSG Flores

AGENDA SMA Video: Dr. Richard McKeon, Ph.D., MPH. – PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona and a master's of public health in health administration from Columbia University. – Served as Clinical Division Director, American Association of Suicidology Board – Watch Video Suicide Prevention Awareness Training. Q&A

Who dies by suicide? Anyone, at any age, can complete suicide.

Elements of Depression Feelings of overwhelming sadness/fear/emptiness Decrease in the amount of interest of pleasure Changing appetite and marked weight gain or loss Disturbed sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersommnia) Fatigue, mental or physical Intense feelings of guilt, helplessness, hopelessness, worthlessness, isolation/loneliness or anxiety Trouble concentrating and or making decisions Recurrent thoughts of death Feeling or fear of being abandoned

Suicide: Warning Signs Talk of suicide or killing someone else Giving away property or disregard of Withdrawal from friends and activities Girlfriend/Boyfriend or spouse problems Acting bizarre or unusual Soldiers in trouble for misconduct Soldiers who have lost their job at home (reservists) ETSing/Retirement

Suicide: Warning Signs (Cont’d) A Soldier should be seen immediately by a heath provider if: Talking or hinting about suicide Formulating a plan/acquiring the means to kill oneself Having a desire to die Obsession with death (music, poetry, artwork) Themes of death in letters and notes Finalizing personal affairs Giving away personal possessions

Suicide: Risk Factors Relationship Problems History of previous suicide attempts and / depression Substance / alcohol abuse Family history of suicide or violence Work related problems A serious medical problem Significant loss of loved one Current / pending disciplinary or legal action Setbacks or prolonged unmanageable stress A sense of powerlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness

If someone is threatening to take his or her life…remember to ACE! Ask your buddy. Have the courage to ask the question directly, but stay calm: “Are you thinking about killing yourself?” Care for your buddy. Calmly control the situation; do not use force; be safe Actively listen to show understanding and produce relief Remove any means that could be used for self-injury Escort your buddy. Never leave your buddy alone Escort to chain of command, Chaplain, behavioral health professional, or primary care provider Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Be Aware / know your Soldiers Know your Soldiers Talk to Soldiers and listen to what they have to say Be responsible for your personnel Be interested in hearing about Soldier’s problems Emphasize that seeking help in times of distress displays courage, strength, responsibility, and good judgment Get your Soldier help quickly Show you care

THIS Slide needs info from new SMA Sergeant Major of the Army States: “One suicide is one too many!” “Not all wounds are visible. If you are feeling depressed or suicidal, seek help. We need you on the Army team.” SMA Kenneth O. Preston

Leaders can reduce stigma by: Not discriminating against Soldiers who receive mental health counseling Supporting confidentiality between the Soldier and their behavioral health care provider Reviewing unit policies and procedures that could preclude Soldiers from receiving all necessary and indicated assistance Educating all Soldiers and family members about anxiety, stress, depression, and treatment Reinforcing the “power” of the buddy system in helping each other in times of crises (TRADOC Pamphlet )

Suicide is preventable Be vigilant; aware of danger signs Create a trusting environment where Soldiers will feel that is okay to ask you for help Know how to properly intervene When a Soldier is experiencing problems that warrant a chaplain or behavioral health intervention, don’t hesitate to refer that Soldier Know your Chaplain and behavioral health partners

Together, we can help, but we must Act (ACE)!