Army Reserve soldiers combat suicide

Photo By Gregg Moore | Soldiers practice newly learned skills during an intensive Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training two-day workshop, or ASIST at Camp Pendleton, Calif., July 15 and 16.  

CAMP PENDLETON, CA, UNITED STATES

07.16.2015

Story by Maj. Gregg Moore 

311th Expeditionary Sustainment Command   

CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The Soldier suicide rate surpassed the civilian suicide rate in 2008 for the first time since the Department of Defense began tracking the statistic in the early 1980s. The rate has stayed high ever since. Seventeen Army Reserve Soldiers from multiple southern California units participated is an intensive two-day workshop learning suicide first aid July 15 and 16, 2015.

Suicide is a epidemic which affects nearly every person in every niche of American society. It is rare for someone to not have personal experience with suicide or to not have a friend or family member touched by suicide. Although it is one of the leading causes of death in the US, discussing suicide is greatly stigmatized and, in most cases, considered taboo.

To combat the trend, the Army Reserve has funded the training for tens of thousands to attend the two-day Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training workshop over the last several years and plans to continue supporting this training. This training is known as ASIST. The intensive course goes beyond the statistics to teach participants advanced techniques in identifying suicidal ideations, connecting with persons at risk, actively listening to their needs, and assisting people with thoughts of suicide to develop safe-plans. Participants also learn about the myriad of community resources available to help with suicide prevention.

One workshop participant told the instructors, "If I would have had this training a year ago, I honestly believe there would be a Soldier still alive who committed suicide. Great class."

Help is available. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide please talk to someone about it. You are not alone. You can also call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-235-TALK (8255) and press one if you are a veteran or current member of the military or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

If you are interested in attending a two-day ASIST workshop, tell your chain of command.

• Date Taken: 07.16.2015
• Date Posted: 07.20.2015 16:15
• Story ID: 170584
• Location: CAMP PENDLETON, CA, US