Suicide prevention starts with a conversation

Courtesy Photo | A graphic, created July 29, 2013, in Newport News, Va., depicts the official crest of the future U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78). (U.S. Navy photo illustration/Released)  

UNITED STATES

09.10.2016

Story by Seaman Brigitte Johnston 

USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78)           

The 11th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk in Virginia Beach brought together those who advocate for suicide prevention and awareness in a show of solidarity. Organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), groups formed teams to walk and raise money that the organizations will use for research, education and awareness.
Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 1st Class Sandra Bannister, assigned to Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), organized the team from Ford for the walk this year.
“In 2015, we lost [Machinist’s Mate (Nuclear) 2nd Class] Michael Connell,” said Bannister. “A year prior to that, we lost [Machinist Mate (Nuclear) 3rd Class] Micah Farrell. We’ve lost two shipmates in two years.”
When Bannister walked in honor of her best friend, Farrell, Sept. 12, 2015, it was only five days later that Ford lost Connell. In both cases, neither Sailor showed any of the typically reported warning signs, said Bannister. What did happen was erratic behavior that could only be recognized by their peers as out of the ordinary.
“[Those are] factors where a conversation should start,” said Chief Religious Program Specialist Steven Zurek. “Should it start with ‘Are you thinking of suicide’ right off the bat? No. But ‘what are you thinking about?’ Then maybe that leads to the question of ‘are you thinking about suicide?’”
As Ford’s suicide prevention coordinator, Zurek brings suicide prevention and awareness to the crew, deals with the crisis response plan and provides suicide prevention training. Promoting awareness opens up a dialogue, which teaches others how to help those at risk of suicide and gives those at risk the resources to seek help, said Zurek.
“People don’t want to talk about it because it’s taboo,” said Bannister. “The more we talk about it and the more we make it a conversational topic, the less people are going to be afraid to come forward, to bring up their issues, talk about depression and to not feel like something is wrong with them.”
Most people at risk of suicide want to tell their story but may be reluctant to share if a reliable avenue isn’t opened up to them to talk about it, said Zurek. Recognizing warning signs such as alcohol abuse, poor relationships, financial troubles and other erratic behavior give others a chance to intervene and ask the tough questions.
“Nobody knows your shipmates better than you do,” continued Zurek. “You have to have that conversation. ‘How are you doing? Are you okay?’ You know when things are changing. Be educated on the topic. Look for those invitations for help.”
Though September is Suicide Prevention Month, suicide prevention should happen 365 days a year.
For more information on suicide prevention and helpful resources go to www.suicide.navy.mil or www.veterancrisisline.net.

• Date Taken: 09.10.2016
• Date Posted: 12.15.2016 19:06
• Story ID: 217918
• Location: US