Suicide: a full circle concern

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Lockoski
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- --  Already this year, the Air Force and Air Mobility Command has suffered losses of its most valuable assets; it's Airmen, to suicide.

However, being aware of the actions and needs of fellow wingmen, family and co-workers can provide outlets for those in need of help.

"A marked change of behavior is one of the most notable signs of potential suicide," said Master Sgt. David Webber, 22nd Medical Operations Squadron. "After noticing the change over a period of time, people should inquire by asking, 'are you OK; are you thinking about hurting yourself or having suicidal thoughts?"'

Social stigma, preconceptions of suicide and fear of communicating observations about behavior changes may prevent concerned family, friends and co-workers from attempting to help an individual.

"Concerned individuals at times fear that if they ask someone directly if they intend to hurt themselves or kill themselves, they may be planting the idea , said Capt. Erika Best, 22nd MOS. "But, that is not realistic. If someone is contemplating suicide, the idea was there long before they were asked the question. Even if the person was not contemplating the act of suicide, you can still gauge the intensity of the situation by asking."

Usually, not just one thing may trigger thoughts of committing suicide.

"It usually is a conglomerate of things," said Sergeant Webber. "Relationships, financial and legal problems are often factors, but a lot of time it's not any one facet. People can be over whelmed with many things that build up on top of each other, and they don't see an end."

Sometimes people turn to suicide to find a solution when they feel the pain of not being able to cope exceeds the resources available to assist them in controlling overwhelming feelings.

Seeking help or self-evaluating can be one of the first steps in managing depression, anxiety, suicidal and thoughts.

"There are three main places here people can seek assistance," said Sergeant Webber. "Mental Health at the base clinic, Chaplains and Military One Source are sources for outreach and prevention."

"There is also a stigma of the mental health facility because people associate it with the worst-case scenario," said Capt. Best. "We help people realize what they want to be different in their lives and how they can make that happen. It is very goal based."

Military One Source is a service provided by the Department of Defense, which can help people find solutions to personal problems with a different avenue. The program is available 24 hours a day. People that may be in need of help from suicidal tendencies or depression can talk to a social worker and set up an appointment with a provider.

"This service can help people with help off-base, outside the command structure and without TRICARE to provide them with up to six free sessions," said Sergeant Webber.

Making the decision to seek help doesn't always have to be a lone journey by the individual. If wingmen, family and friends note signs of isolation, withdrawal, hopelessness and loss of self goals and sees the individual exhibiting subtle hints about the finality to life, they may need to initial communication.

"When people get to the point where they consider ending their lives, they know that is not right," said Captain Best. "They are a little more willing to talk to someone, and the best thing for their lifelines to do is to seek help so they have extra support."

Judging a persons state of being may also be difficult; however, people who are concerned can reach out to the individual's network of people such as family, supervisors and other co-workers.

"People can sometimes put up a front to mask their depression," she said. "But if you know them well, that's why it is important not to ignore it."

"Even if you ask questions and you still feel they are not telling the truth, perhaps it would be better to engage the questions from a different angle by involving another person, said Sergeant Webber.

The loss of a life from suicide affects not only the individual, but those who survive.

"People who are suicidal usually think that the family and friends will be better off without them," said Captain Best. "But, we help people realize that if they look at the big picture, everyone else will be affected."

"Most people don't understand why, feel fault or blame, and it leaves a lot of unresolved internal conflict amongst friends, piers and family," she said. "The death also changes the dynamics of the surviving family and leaves more pressure."

"People need to know it's OK to feel pressure," she said. "We all go through things, and the reality of human emotion is that it is a huge spectrum. It's unrealistic to think that life is going to be perfect every day or that every day isn't going to get better.

For knowledge of what to look for and how to take actions in suicide prevention, contact McConnell Mental Health at 759-5091, Military One Source at 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.com.