September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and within the ranks Army leaders are becoming more engaged at every level. But is that enough, and do they really know what to look for and what to do?
Knowing the telltale signs of someone who may be feeling suicidal is very important. Most suicides and suicide attempts are reactions to intense feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness and guilt.
Leaders must take a personal interest and know what is going on in their Soldiers’ lives in order to recognize these signs. Promoting a command climate that encourages and enables Soldiers to seek help is also very important. Belittling Soldiers who seek behavioral health assistance and perpetuating the stigma associated with thoughts of suicide is not acceptable and should not be tolerated.
Instead, leaders must ensure their Soldiers are properly educated and aware of the agencies and programs available for assistance. Leaders should foster a sense of responsibility in their Soldiers to provide watchful care and support to their peers, and leaders should provide support for participation in suicide awareness and prevention activities and training.
The goal of suicide prevention is a continuum of awareness, assessments, and education and training. Prevention refers to all efforts that build resilience, reduce stigma and build awareness of suicide and related behaviors. Establishing a culture that reinforces help-seeking behavior as an appropriate and accepted part of being a responsible Soldier is an important goal of suicide prevention and something that leaders must strive to achieve.
The acronym A.C.E. is easy to remember and will act as a guide for leaders when dealing with Soldiers who display the warning signs.
ASK the question: “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?”
Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide and be willing to allow the individual a chance to express his or her feelings openly.
CARE: Understand that your Soldier may be in pain. Use active listening to assist and provide relief. Try to keep the individual calm and the situation under control as much as possible. And remove any lethal means, such as weapons or pills.
ESCORT: Get that Soldier to a chaplain or behavioral health professional immediately and never leave the Soldier alone. A suicidal person needs immediate attention. This is critical and will help to save his or her life.
Some helpful Web sites that leaders can use to obtain more information include the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 Suicide Prevention Web site at www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide, the Military OneSource site at www.militaryonesource.com, the Army Behavioral Health Web site at www.behavioralhealth.army.mil, and AKO Suicide Prevention Resources and Services Web site at www.us.army.mil/suite/page/334798/.
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September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and within the ranks Army leaders are becoming more engaged at every level. But is that enough, and do they really know what to look for and what to do?
Knowing the telltale signs of someone who may be feeling suicidal is very important. Most suicides and suicide attempts are reactions to intense feelings of loneliness, worthlessness, hopelessness, helplessness and guilt.
Leaders must take a personal interest and know what is going on in their Soldiers’ lives in order to recognize these signs. Promoting a command climate that encourages and enables Soldiers to seek help is also very important. Belittling Soldiers who seek behavioral health assistance and perpetuating the stigma associated with thoughts of suicide is not acceptable and should not be tolerated.
Instead, leaders must ensure their Soldiers are properly educated and aware of the agencies and programs available for assistance. Leaders should foster a sense of responsibility in their Soldiers to provide watchful care and support to their peers, and leaders should provide support for participation in suicide awareness and prevention activities and training.
The goal of suicide prevention is a continuum of awareness, assessments, and education and training. Prevention refers to all efforts that build resilience, reduce stigma and build awareness of suicide and related behaviors. Establishing a culture that reinforces help-seeking behavior as an appropriate and accepted part of being a responsible Soldier is an important goal of suicide prevention and something that leaders must strive to achieve.
The acronym A.C.E. is easy to remember and will act as a guide for leaders when dealing with Soldiers who display the warning signs.
ASK the question: “Are you thinking about hurting or killing yourself?”
Don’t be afraid to talk about suicide and be willing to allow the individual a chance to express his or her feelings openly.
CARE: Understand that your Soldier may be in pain. Use active listening to assist and provide relief. Try to keep the individual calm and the situation under control as much as possible. And remove any lethal means, such as weapons or pills.
ESCORT: Get that Soldier to a chaplain or behavioral health professional immediately and never leave the Soldier alone. A suicidal person needs immediate attention. This is critical and will help to save his or her life.
Some helpful Web sites that leaders can use to obtain more information include the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-1 Suicide Prevention Web site at www.armyg1.army.mil/hr/suicide, the Military OneSource site at www.militaryonesource.com, the Army Behavioral Health Web site at www.behavioralhealth.army.mil, and AKO Suicide Prevention Resources and Services Web site at www.us.army.mil/suite/page/334798/.