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Army Focuses On Preventing Suicides During Suicide Prevention Week
September 10, 2008
In the headlines over the past several months are stories stating that military suicides have increased since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just Monday, the news was full of stories about a Soldier at Fort Hood who shot his 1LT and then turned the gun on himself. Perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided, perhaps not. We’ll never know. Recognizing that suicide is a problem, the Army and the military as a whole has taken steps to try to reduce those numbers. There are multiple things that can affect a Soldier to the point of him or her taking their own life. Things such as depression, stress, medical problems, and often relationship problems. All of these can take a toll on the mental health of a Soldier and can lead to suicide.
This week, September 7th through September 13th is the Army’s Suicide Prevention Week. The theme this year is “Shoulder to Shoulder – NO Soldier Stands Alone.”
This theme, conveys the idea that Soldiers are stronger when they’re working together, instead of by themselves. When Soldiers are deployed, the use of the ‘Battle Buddy” system is stressed and even mandatory. At home, Soldier’s often don’t follow this system.
Depression and the problems that can lead up to suicide, doesn’t have to be faced alone by a Soldier. The Army has a plethora of people ready and willing to help. From their fellow Soldiers, to their unit commander, Social Workers, medical and psychological professionals as well as other helping agencies, help stands ready to react at a moments notice.
Many things are contributing factors to the increase in suicides in the military. Multiple and frequent deployments, dealing with traumatic events on the battlefield, long periods of separation from friends and loved ones. Soldier’s often find it difficult to share and relate these experiences with loved ones, who’ve not experienced these things. So, often they isolate and don’t seek help.
The new strategy emphasizes that Soldiers need to continue to use each other for support and expect their peers to intervene if they see that their depressed. The program also emphasizes that Soldiers need to be prepared to help each other, recognize the warning signs of depression and the risk factors that can indicate that someone is possibly considering suicide. Don’t be afraid to react.
Col. Phillips suggests that Soldiers remain aware of what’s going on with each other. Listen to each other. Find out what the red flags are and pay atteniton if you see any of them or notice any disturbing trends. If you see something, notify your chain of command, so that they can intervene and ensure that the Soldier receives the appropriate treatment from mental health professionals.
“Realize you’re not a mental health expert,” Phillips said. “Lend a soft ear and then escort the depressed Soldier for treatment. Ensure they’re safety. Safety is the primary key,” he said. “Do not leave them alone.”1
According to the CSM of the Army, Kennth Preston, since the beginning of the Global War on Terror, the Army has lost more than 580 Soldiers to suicide. According to the Army Suicide Prevention Program guide, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death for Soldiers. Behind hostile fire, accidents and illnesses. In the past year, the Army has seen a 21 % increase in suicide, over the previous year.
The new commanding General at Fort Hood, Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch, takes the problem of suicide seriously and wants to ensure that everything possible is done to reverse the upward trend and ensure that Soldiers who are struggling with issues, seek the help that they need.
“We all feel anxious and overwhelmed from time to time,” Lt. Gen. Rick Lynch said. “However, suicide and suicidal behavior is never a normal response to stress. If you are suicidal or think someone you know is suicidal, help is available.”2
At Fort Hood and across the Army, help is available from many different sources. That help includes but isn’t necessarily limited to chaplains, medical services, Suicide Hotlines, Websites, military and civilian mental health providers, Army One Source, just to name a few. In the military, seeking help for mental health issues is NO LONGER a taboo subject and the Soldier is not stigmatized, as occurred in the past. The mindset of the military has changed, from the days of “Suck it up and Soldier on” to a mentality that encourages a Soldier with problems to seek the help, so that they are able to continue their career and continue to be an asset to their family, their community, their unit, the military and their country.
Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Marvin Luckie, who is the chief of the Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care at Darnall Army Medical Center says that Chaplains are always available and reaching out to Soldiers in need. He’s well aware of the stressors that multiple deployments and life in general places on Soldiers, having to adjust to frequent moves, life as they move from civilian life to military life. He says that sometimes even Soldiers need a break.
“Soldiers too need to be recharged,” Luckie said.3
Suicide is a serious issue, whether you’re in the military or a civilian. It’s something that should be taken seriously and something that we should watch out for. Be aware of those around you, reach out if they appear to be struggling and help them get the help they need. If you’re struggling yourself, remember that suicide is NOT the easiest way out, though in times of stress it may seem to be. Suicide, unfortunately leaves in it’s wake many victims, besides the person who chose that path. The family and friends of that person are probably the biggest victims. They may spend the rest of their life blaming themselves, because they weren’t aware and weren’t able to intervene. Educate yourself. Find information about the warning signs of suicides, so that you can watch for those signs in friends, family and co-workers. Your action may just save their life.
Army Suicide Prevention Program
- http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/09/04/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
- http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/09/04/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
- http://www.forthoodsentinel.com/articles/2008/09/04/news/living/living01.txt [↩]
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[...] In the headlines over the past several months are stories stating that military suicides have increased since the beginning of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Just Monday, the news was full of stories about a Soldier at Fort Hood who shot his 1LT and then turned the gun on himself. Perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided, perhaps not. We’ll never know. Recognizing that suicide is a problem, the Army and the military as a whole has taken steps to try to reduce those numbers. There are mul More here: Army Focuses On Preventing Suicides During Suicide Prevention Week [...]
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