Deployed Soldiers battle rising suicide trend

Photo By Dustin Senger | U.S. Army Col. David G. Cotter (right), Area Support Group Qatar commander, discusses suicide prevention with a group of deployed service members alongside Col. Doug Castle, installation chaplain, at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Feb. 26. "The Army has an epidemic on its hands," said Cotter during opening remarks. "You have all been through suicide prevention training in the past, but we are changing how we do this. Throughout this process, we will figure out the right and wrong way in dealing suicidal thoughts. Not only should you get involved, you must."  

CAMP AS SALIYAH, QATAR

02.26.2009

Story by Dustin Senger 

Area Support Group - Qatar

CAMP AS SAYLIYAH, Qatar – U.S. Army Col. David G. Cotter, Area Support Group Qatar commander, and Col. Doug Castle, installation chaplain, completed their third suicide prevention discussion at Camp As Sayliyah, Qatar, Feb. 26. Spanning across three days, four classes are scheduled to ensure maximum participation throughout the U.S. military installation. The effort is in response to alarming news regarding suicide rates among active duty Soldiers.

According to Pentagon officials, more Soldiers committed suicide in 2008 than ever recorded – on par or just above the national rate of 20 victims per 100,000 people. Army statistics show 30 percent of suicide victims were deployed and 35 percent had recently redeployed.

"The Army has an epidemic on its hands," said Cotter during opening remarks. "You have all been through suicide prevention training in the past, but we are changing how we do this. Throughout this process, we will figure out the right and wrong way in dealing with suicidal thoughts. Not only should you get involved, you must."

Each two-hour discussion focused on three suicide prevention techniques: finding the courage to ask someone about suicidal intentions; caring for someone in order to take control of an uncertain situation; and escorting a distraught individual to professional care providers.

"As leaders, it's our responsibility to keep Soldiers safe," said Cotter. "This includes recognizing and acting on signs of depression or odd changes in behavior."

"Nobody can deal with suicidal thoughts alone," said Castle, after routinely failing to juggle three oranges. "It's a group effort that requires asking others for help." Castle recruited two service members to assist him with his stunt. Together, the team successfully juggled all three oranges by managing one each. The demonstration illustrated that teamwork and communication, especially asking for help, assists in preventing suicide attempts.

"The interaction made this better than any suicide awareness training I've had before," said Sgt. Johnny Hernandez, from Brandon, Fla. "I was aware of the problem and this should help because it's more personalized. It takes away the fear of embarrassing your buddies, so they can get the help they need."

• Date Taken: 02.26.2009
• Date Posted: 02.26.2009 09:38
• Story ID: 30479
• Location: CAMP AS SALIYAH, QA