ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Each year hundreds of thousands of Airmen worldwide and over three thousand active duty members and civilians here at Andrews AFB are trained in suicide prevention. Why make such an effort? Suicide is the second leading cause of death for Active Duty and consistently ranks as one of the most likely ways someone will die in the United States, out ranking homicide.
According to the 79th Medical Group Commander, Col. Robert Miller, "The key to suicide prevention is first knowing the warning signs and what action to take, and then second putting this knowledge to action to save a life. Leadership fully supports suicide prevention training because it works. If you have concerns, take action early and worry about being wrong after the fact. There is not a more important time to be a Wingman."
How do you know if someone is suicidal? The biggest factor associated with Air Force suicides is relationship problems, followed by legal problems, mental health, work and financial problems. Other risk factors for suicide include substance abuse, isolation, impulsiveness and medical problems. An individual's outlook and feelings of control over their future are also major factors increasing risk with a negative outlook or decreasing risk of suicide with a positive outlook.
Everyone has some risk factors for suicide. While we need to remain vigilant for warning signs, the presence of these factors does not necessarily mean someone is suicidal. What it does mean is that we need to do some further investigation. It is this further investigation that is often missing because of the stigma related to suicide.
A common misperception is that asking someone about suicide will make them more likely to do it, but the opposite is true according to Suicide Awareness Voices of Education. Bringing up the subject is one of the most helpful things you can do. It can be anxiety provoking to bring up the subject of suicide, but it is important to understand that a person's life may be at risk if we do not ask. Asking is also the best way to find out if someone is suicidal. If the individual says yes, then we need to follow up by asking if they have thought about how they would take their life. An individual with a suicide plan is four to five times more likely to follow through.
No one should feel they must handle the suicidal situation alone. Get the person help and do not leave them alone. Several helping agencies on base are accessible including Mental Health, Family Advocacy, Airmen and Family Readiness Center and the Chaplains. A lesser known option for Active Duty members is Military One Source which will pay for six counseling sessions. A new program is now available, the Military Family Life Consultants, providing short term counseling to anyone on base. The MFLC can be reached directly at 301-325-9724. Never transport the suicidal person to the Emergency Department by yourself. Call Security Forces or the police if the individual is unwilling to go to the hospital and the police will transport them.
Do not let anxiety stop you from asking someone if they are thinking of suicide. That question and your subsequent actions can make the difference between someone living and dying.