JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Every September, the nation brings greater attention to suicide prevention. But suicide prevention doesn't end when October rolls in, it continues. As Airmen, there is a responsibility to look out for our wingmen, coworkers, family, friends and community.
According to the Department of Defense quarterly report, there were 57 active-duty suicides for the first three months of 2015, 15 in the Reserves and 27 in the National Guard. In 2014, the DOD reported 273 active- duty suicides and a total of 169 in the Reserves and National Guard component.
"The Air Force, and the DoD, is going to great lengths to bring awareness to suicide prevention. Annual suicide prevention training is regularly updated so that it becomes more relevant and thought-provoking," said Maj. JoLyn Tatum, clinical health psychologist at the Malcolm Grow Medical Clinics and Surgery Center.
When someone commits suicide, it's often a result of despair which can stem from depression, mental disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse, as well as financial difficulties, bullying, and interpersonal relationships. In this life, setbacks will arise, and the Air Force has a number of options available when intervention is needed, whether it's a visit to the chaplain, the mental health clinic, military and family life consultants (MFLCs), Military One Source or medication management.
"We provide a safe outlet for them to express their feelings in confidence--a listening ear; we offer hope and counsel," said Maj. Raphael Berdugo, deputy wing chaplain. "In the military, you are never alone. Chaplains are available 24/7 to care for all people, those who may be religious or not affiliated with a religion, to show genuine care and compassion."
As a clinical psychologist, Tatum regularly monitors the individuals and their safety. If someone exposes suicidal thoughts, as a provider, most of what she does is guided by best practices. The initial step is determining the risk level of someone. Does the individual require hospitalization to keep them safe or should that person be closely monitored and maintained on an outpatient status?
She also mentioned that there are a number of self-help smart phone apps developed by the Defense Center of Excellence that can be helpful, such as Breathe2Relax, Moving Forward, LifeArmor and Virtual Hope Box.
Identifying the level of risk is important in order to ensure safety and support, by coordinating with the individual's social support system, through their family members, and/or chain of command.
"Events like Wingman Day are another way that the Air Force draws focus to looking after one another, and to start the discussions about suicide prevention," said Tatum.
Through efforts of our first sergeants and other members of the chain of command, they promote an atmosphere where Airmen regularly take care of one another in a peer setting.
Master Sgt. Marcus Washington, 11th Wing first sergeant, frequently walks around the building to establish a constant rapport and an air of accessibility with the Airmen. "I ensure that everyone is aware of suicide prevention and that's done through ADLS [Advanced Distributed Learning System] training, and small group sessions where they talk about, in intimate details, situations regarding suicide prevention issues."
If Washington sees someone displaying signs or symptoms, he steps in. "If I can't help them, I'm aware of referral agencies to not leave that person alone and to make sure they understand that if they don't cite an answer that is sufficient to my book I'll help them along and tell them this is what you do. But, more importantly, understand that everyone is different. Look for abnormal, atypical behavior in an individual."
However, Chaplain Berdugo explains from experience that many don't show any symptoms at all. The best way to help another person in distress is to show genuine concern in the person's welfare and that you really care about them. "A kind gesture can be a very powerful antidote for someone having suicidal thoughts."
If you, or someone you know, are seeking help, contact the 11th Wing Chaplain's office at 301-981-2111 to speak with a chaplain, or call 301-325-9724 to speak with a Military and Family Life consultant. You may also call the Military Crisis Line to speak to a counselor by dialing 800-273-TALK.
Visit the
Defense Suicide Prevention Office website for more resources.