Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michael Ellis | Members of the 59th Medical Wing Staff attend a face-to-face Suicide Prevention...... read more read more
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas -- Airmen at the 59th Medical Wing partook in the new face-to-face platform for Air Force Suicide Prevention Training on May 1, 2015, at the Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center.
As of February 2015 the Air Force has replaced the annual computer-based training (CBT) for active duty and Reserve members; civilians can choose the CBT or to attend the in-person training.
"It's a personal issue," said Senior Master Sgt. Lamond Barnes, training group facilitator. "Group discussions are more personal. Having someone in the room sharing their perspective and experiences is definitely valuable."
The training encompassed a five-segment video that addressed protective measures, risk factors for suicide and intervention strategies. Each segment had an intermission for group discussion and reflection.
Students discussed why individuals contemplate suicide and what steps to take when a person does not want to open up or receive assistance.
Recommend resources include: a chaplain, mental health, the Airman and Family Readiness Center or even over-the-phone counseling in the comfort of one's home through Military OneSource.
One attendee, 59th MDW Chaplain Maj. Charles Seligman, mentioned how normalizing the situation can be extremely helpful.
"When a person is going through a situation, you can let them know that other people in their situation also consider suicide as an option," he said. "And then simply ask ... Are you considering suicide?"
Military life can be both stressful and rewarding. And everyone deals with challenges. People are who are the closest to the individual are more likely to notice changes in behavior.
The video explained how suicide prevention is the responsibility of the whole Air Force community. The Air Force strives to take care of its people by focusing on caring for oneself and each other. There's no shame if you need help, just ask.
Barnes emphasized the need for effective suicide training.
"Suicide is a major issue," Barnes said. "Even if significant progress was made and we only lost one person to suicide each year, it's still worth sitting down and reflecting on what it takes to save that one life."
| Date Taken: | 05.01.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2015 17:45 |
| Story ID: | 162327 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 147 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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