Providing resources and easing the stigma: 81st RSC hosts Suicide Prevention Panel

Photo By Michael Mascari | A Soldier listens intently as a panelist discusses suicide as part of the Sept. 9 Suicide Prevention Panel at the 81st RSC Headquarters at Fort Jackson, S.C. The panel included experts from the military and civilian communities as part of Suicide Prevention Month.  

FORT JACKSON, SC, UNITED STATES

09.09.2015

Story by Michael Mascari 

81st Readiness Division

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Suicide prevention can be hampered by stigmas, attitudes or a lack of awareness that stop people from having honest conversations.

The 81st Regional Support Command hosted a Suicide Prevention Panel at its headquarters building on Fort Jackson Sept. 9, hoping to change this.

Col. Caryn “Suzie” Heard, 81st RSC Legislative Liaison sat on the panel, and said the event was important for the Fort Jackson community.

“It is important to share information and open the door for people to talk openly about suicide,” said Heard who represented the command staff for the event. “It helps to reduce the stigma and reluctance to discuss the topic. It also gives those who may be considering suicide resources to get help and open doors for them to be able to share their thoughts and feelings and reach out for help.”

The event was held as part of the RSC’s observance of Suicide Prevention Month. Sitting on the panel with Heard, was Northeast Presbyterian Church Chaplain Bobby Farmer, Widows of Opportunity founder and CEO Kim Richardson, Helen Pridgen, a social worker and Area director for the American Federation for Suicide Prevention, director of the 81st RSC Psychological Health Program Christina Wildly, and Garrison Chaplain Col. Mark Penfold.

Pridgen also addressed the 81st RSC during last year’s suicide prevention presentation, got involved in the American Federation for Suicide Prevention as a result of losing her own 25-year-old son Clay to suicide. She told the audience that it’s important to be able to discuss suicide without shame. Her organization funds research and raises awareness about the issues surrounding suicide. She encouraged leaders to have open and frank discussions with their organizations, and to pay attention to signs from staff and coworkers.

Some senior members of the 81st RSC in attendance shared their experiences, both personal and professional. Each reiterated the importance of being observant and willing to reach out to those who may be in need. Heard echoed those sentiments.

“Leaders need to be involved and know their personnel to be able to recognize the signs someone may be showing,” said Heard. “Leaders need to know the available resources to provide assistance. Leaders also have a responsibility to establish an environment where individuals can ask for help and share their feelings without worrying about being talked about, made fun of, or excluded.”

Penfold said the panel even taught him about some of the resources available to those at risk and believes it was valuable to those in attendance.

“It spreads the resource. Besides making people aware of what’s going on, it reminds us we are all involved in this together,” Penfold said. “You don’t have to be an expert to reach out. Most people who are at risk show signs, and it’s to people they know, they are close to or maybe people they work with. It’s rarely the professionals they reach out to first.”

For more information and resources, visit www.afsp.org. People in need of immediate assistance can call 800-273-TALK.

• Date Taken: 09.09.2015
• Date Posted: 09.18.2015 15:07
• Story ID: 176507
• Location: FORT JACKSON, SC, US