1. We are First Responders! Suicide Prevention We are First Responders! Suicide Prevention

2. People Prevent Suicide! People Prevent Suicide!  Shipmates & friends are the first to notice and know when someone is distressed, struggling, experiencing hard times…  We can be the First Responder and help our friends get the help they need!  We can save lives!

3. First Responders First Responders  Can spot the Warning Signs of Suicide  Know what to do!  Connect the person to help!

4. Suicide Warning Signs Suicide Warning Signs  Talk of Suicide – threats, hints, notes, and expressions  Sees no reason for living  Increased alcohol and substance use  Feels anxious, agitated, or unable to sleep  Feels trapped, no way out…

5. Red Flags for Suicide Red Flags for Suicide  Feels hopeless about the future  Withdraws from others and normal activities  Mood changes…  Feeling rage, uncontrolled anger  Acting without regard for consequences

6. What to do? What to do? ASK -Are you thinking about killing yourself? -Are you thinking about killing yourself? -Sometimes when people feel down, they have thoughts of suicide. Have you had such thoughts? -Sometimes when people feel down, they have thoughts of suicide. Have you had such thoughts? -Are you considering suicide? -Are you considering suicide? Ask---Care---Treat

7. What to do - Care What to do - Care  CARE -Listen -Listen -Show them that you are concerned and care -Show them that you are concerned and care -Care about and understand what is troubling them.. Discuss with them -Care about and understand what is troubling them.. Discuss with them

8. What to Do - Treat  TREAT -Get immediate Professional assistance! -Get immediate Professional assistance! -Take them to the Emergency Room/Department -Take them to the Emergency Room/Department -Escort them to command, medical, chaplain -Escort them to command, medical, chaplain -Do not leave your shipmate alone! -Do not leave your shipmate alone!

9. What Not to Do! What Not to Do!  Do not keep it a secret!  Do not sidestep the issues  Do not leave the person alone!  Do not offer simple solutions  Do not judge the person or tell them that they will go to hell them that they will go to hell  Do not try to be a therapist

10. Common Situations Common Situations  A shipmate gets a Dear John letter/call…  A co-worker no longer wants to hang out with anyone, is staying to themselves, is not eating and not talking with anyone…  Someone in your department is in trouble, is quite moody, in trouble, is quite moody, is performing poorly at work, is performing poorly at work, and has $ problems… and has $ problems…

11. Care for Yourself! Care for Yourself!  You are not alone! There are others in the command, ship, others in the command, ship, base and community who can help! base and community who can help!  It is normal to feel uneasy and unsure when trying to help someone unsure when trying to help someone in distress… in distress…  Talk to supportive others before and afterwards…  You do not have to know all the answers or to be an expert! answers or to be an expert!

12. Resources Resources  Naval Hospital and Medical Clinic  Mental Health Department  Fleet Family Support Centers  Chaplains  Marine Corps Community Counseling Centers  911