Recognizing the signs before it's too late - Soldiers advised to look for suicidal gestures

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

09.08.2007

Story by Spc. Laura Bigenho 

28th Public Affairs Detachment

By Spc. Laura M. Bigenho
28th Public Affairs Detachment

BAGHDAD -- Suicide can occur at anytime, however a person may give signs before the actual action.

Army Col. Michael Tarvin, Multi-National Corps-Iraq command chaplain, said there are behavioral and verbal signs to look for when a person is contemplating suicide.

"Nearly eight out of every 10 who attempt suicide give some sort of clue to their intentions," Tarvin said.

Common behavioral signs include giving possessions away, deterioration of appearance, increased drinking, interruption of sleep and isolation, he said.

Verbal warnings include the person saying things like, "The world would be better off without me," "My family doesn't need me," and "I think I'm better off dead."

Army Col. Carroll Diebold, mental health consultant, Task Force 62, encourages anyone who is thinking about hurting themselves to seek help from mental health, a chaplain, a supervisor or any other trusted person. If a person suspects someone is considering suicide, he should talk to that person, refer him to mental health and seek help from a trusted source immediately.

"Suicide in the military is definitely associated with seeking mental health care, and that's why it's imperative for leaders at all levels of command to endorse its importance if their Soldier needs to go to mental health care," Diebold said. "If they send the message that mental health is accessible, that will be a big incentive for Soldiers to go forward and get help."

The other alternative is they do not get help, which could be fatal.

"One of the biggest mistakes leaders make is they don't take suicide seriously," Army Capt. Barron Hung, TF 62, said. "They think their Soldier is playing a game when they actually need help."

Army Sgt. 1st Class Carlos Urias, mental health NCOIC, TF 62, said one of the misconceptions about seeking help is that it will result in negative consequences. That is not the case, he said.

"Sometimes troops are afraid they will lose their security clearance or get kicked out of the Army, but that simply is not the case," Urias said. "Get help. Your life is more important."
Diebold stressed the importance of getting help.

"Suicide is a devastating event. It affects everyone," he said. "If you're concerned about somebody, ask that person. On the other side, if you are the one in a lot of distress, talk with somebody you trust."

• Date Taken: 09.08.2007
• Date Posted: 09.08.2007 08:30
• Story ID: 12246
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ