Stomp out military suicide
The loss of any warrior’s life is a tragedy, whether it’s in combat or in a
different type of battle. Although relatively uncommon overall, suicide events
occur across all service branches. Every suicide within the military community
is ultimately preventable, and even one is too many.
That’s why it’s critical to speak up if you have concerns about the
psychological wellbeing of a fellow service member. Use the information below to
learn how to recognize when a warrior may be at risk of suicidal thoughts or
behaviors, and what to do when you identify a problem.
Warning Signs of Suicide: Identify Those at Risk
You’ve been trained to identify sources of physical danger for yourself and
your fellow warriors. You can also identify psychological concerns that may be
affecting service members in your unit or larger community by asking yourself
some questions about individual’s behavioral health.
Watch
Maj. Jeff Hall tell the story of how his commanding officer
helped him get the care he needed after he became increasingly angry, isolated
and contemplated suicide. After seeking care, Maj. Hall continues to have a
successful career in the Army and shares his experience to motivate others to
seek help.
Is someone you know showing these signs of concern?1
Suicidal thoughts are usually associated with psychological concerns that can
be cared for, so proactively seeking support is the best way to ensure
resilience and a positive outcome.2 If your fellow service member is
showing any of the above signs of concern, don’t hesitate — have the strength to
take action.
If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide or experiencing a
psychological health crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255,
Press 1 or visit militarycrisisline.net.
Take Action if You Notice a Problem
It takes courage to deal with psychological concerns in yourself or a fellow
warrior. If the situation is urgent, use these resources to get immediate
assistance:
In addition to seeking out these resources for a fellow warrior, you can also
use the ACE guidelines below to address your concerns effectively:3,4
ASK your warrior about suicidal thoughts
CARE for your warrior
ESCORT your warrior to get help
Listen to the Real Warriors Campaign podcast, “Lending Support to Fellow Service Members,” to
hear how Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall, a combat photographer who deployed multiple
times to Iraq, received support from a fellow combat photographer who recognized
the symptoms of psychological stress and helped her get the care she needed.
No Warrior Stands Alone
Each military service offers suicide prevention resources — including
proactive suicide prevention programs instituted by the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy.
The stakes in the fight against military suicide are the same as the stakes
in combat: lives are on the line. That’s why — now more than ever — you must use
your strength to step up and take action if someone you know is at risk.
Additional Resources
Read more suicide prevention articles from the Real Warriors Campaign:
Learn more about identifying signs of concern:
Get additional information about preventing suicide:
Sources
1 “Leader’s Guide for Managing Marines in
Distress,” Marine Corps. Last accessed Sep. 12, 2012.
2 “Thinking About Suicide?”
American Association of Suicidology. Last accessed Sep. 12, 2012.
3ACE Suicide Prevention
Card. (TA-120-0909) Defense Department. Published September
2009.
4ACE Suicide Prevention Program:
Trainer’s Manual [PDF 1.81MB]. U.S. Army Public Health Command.
Published Jan. 28, 2008.
different type of battle. Although relatively uncommon overall, suicide events
occur across all service branches. Every suicide within the military community
is ultimately preventable, and even one is too many.
That’s why it’s critical to speak up if you have concerns about the
psychological wellbeing of a fellow service member. Use the information below to
learn how to recognize when a warrior may be at risk of suicidal thoughts or
behaviors, and what to do when you identify a problem.
Warning Signs of Suicide: Identify Those at Risk
You’ve been trained to identify sources of physical danger for yourself and
your fellow warriors. You can also identify psychological concerns that may be
affecting service members in your unit or larger community by asking yourself
some questions about individual’s behavioral health.
Watch
Maj. Jeff Hall tell the story of how his commanding officer
helped him get the care he needed after he became increasingly angry, isolated
and contemplated suicide. After seeking care, Maj. Hall continues to have a
successful career in the Army and shares his experience to motivate others to
seek help.
Is someone you know showing these signs of concern?1
- Previous suicide attempt or behavior that has led to self-injury
- Significant relationship, financial, medical or work-related problems
- Current or pending disciplinary or legal action
- Substance misuse
- Problems with a major life transition (e.g., retirement, discharge, divorce,
etc.) - Loss of a fellow warrior
- Setbacks in military career or personal life
- Severe, prolonged stress that seems unmanageable
- Sense of powerlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
- Behavior that isolates service members from friends and family
members
Suicidal thoughts are usually associated with psychological concerns that can
be cared for, so proactively seeking support is the best way to ensure
resilience and a positive outcome.2 If your fellow service member is
showing any of the above signs of concern, don’t hesitate — have the strength to
take action.
If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide or experiencing a
psychological health crisis, contact the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255,
Press 1 or visit militarycrisisline.net.
Take Action if You Notice a Problem
It takes courage to deal with psychological concerns in yourself or a fellow
warrior. If the situation is urgent, use these resources to get immediate
assistance:
- Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line, or
chat live online. - Talk to a medic, chaplain or commanding officer immediately — they can
support you in locating confidential care or support.
In addition to seeking out these resources for a fellow warrior, you can also
use the ACE guidelines below to address your concerns effectively:3,4
ASK your warrior about suicidal thoughts
- Have the courage to ask if your warrior is having thoughts of suicide, but
stay calm. - Ask the question directly: Are you thinking of killing yourself?
- Know the signs for concern listed above.
CARE for your warrior
- Stay calm and safe — do not use force.
- Understand that your friend or loved one may be in pain.
- Remove any objects or tools that pose a danger to your warrior.
- Actively listen for details about what, where and when your warrior may be
planning to kill himself or herself. (If your warrior acknowledges his/her
plans, it generally suggests that he/she is accepting your help.) - Be non-judgmental as you listen, which can help produce relief for the
warrior.
ESCORT your warrior to get help
- Escort your warrior immediately to his/her chain of command, chaplain or
behavioral health professional. - Call 911 or 800-273-8255 to speak with a trained professional right
away. - Don’t keep your warrior’s suicidal behavior a secret.
- Never leave your warrior alone — stay until he/she receives appropriate
help. - Adopting an attitude that you are going to help your loved one will save his
or her life.
Listen to the Real Warriors Campaign podcast, “Lending Support to Fellow Service Members,” to
hear how Staff Sgt. Stacy Pearsall, a combat photographer who deployed multiple
times to Iraq, received support from a fellow combat photographer who recognized
the symptoms of psychological stress and helped her get the care she needed.
No Warrior Stands Alone
Each military service offers suicide prevention resources — including
proactive suicide prevention programs instituted by the Army, Marine Corps, Air Force and Navy.
The stakes in the fight against military suicide are the same as the stakes
in combat: lives are on the line. That’s why — now more than ever — you must use
your strength to step up and take action if someone you know is at risk.
Additional Resources
Read more suicide prevention articles from the Real Warriors Campaign:
- You Are Not Alone: Suicide Prevention Tools for
Warriors - Suicide Prevention Resources for Military
Families - Suicide Prevention Training for Line
Leaders
Learn more about identifying signs of concern:
Get additional information about preventing suicide:
- From
the Defense Department and Department of Veterans Affairs - From the Department of Health and Human
Services - From the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention - From Military
HOMEFRONT - From the National Institute of Mental
Health
Sources
1 “Leader’s Guide for Managing Marines in
Distress,” Marine Corps. Last accessed Sep. 12, 2012.
2 “Thinking About Suicide?”
American Association of Suicidology. Last accessed Sep. 12, 2012.
3ACE Suicide Prevention
Card. (TA-120-0909) Defense Department. Published September
2009.
4ACE Suicide Prevention Program:
Trainer’s Manual [PDF 1.81MB]. U.S. Army Public Health Command.
Published Jan. 28, 2008.