September shines spotlight on military’s second leading cause of death

Photo By Greg Mobley | During Suicide Prevention Month and year-round the United States Marine Corps across all installations brings raise awareness of suicide prevention and mental health resources and to encourage communities to support Veterans, Servicemembers, and their families and friends. The Marine Corps DSTRESS Line provides a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, anonymous phone and chat and referral service using a ‘Marine-to-Marine’ approach. The call center is staffed with veteran Marines, Fleet Marine Force Navy Corpsmen who were previously attached to the Marine Corps, Marine spouses and other family members, and licensed behavioral health counselors specifically trained in Marine Corps culture. DSTRESS Line’s goal is to help callers improve total fitness and develop the necessary skills required to cope with the widely-varying challenges of life in the Corps. visit: www.dstressline.com or call: 1-877-476-7734  

CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH DAKOTA, UNITED STATES

09.01.2018

Story by Cpl. Nikki Morales 

Marine Corps Installations East       

Every month each year is dedicated to raising awareness for a variety of different diseases, mental health issues and more—suicide is no exception.
September is named Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and is used to raise awareness for suicide and educate individuals on the programs and services offered for those who are, or know someone who is struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideations.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States each year. Suicide is also the second leading cause of death for military members, according to the Center for Deployment Psychology.
”Suicide prevention awareness month is important due to the enormity of the problem,” said Dr. Michael Howard, clinical supervisor, Community Counseling Center, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River. “Across the United States, the national suicide rate is 13.3 per 100,000 people. In the active duty, national guard and reserve population, the rate is approximately 25 per 100,000.”
If a service member shows signs such as a decline in work performance, increased substance abuse, financial issues, relationship issues or starts getting rid of personal items, those indicators should not be ignored.
“There is help available; you are not alone,” said Howard. “We care about you and whatever you are going through, no matter how bad it is right now, it will get better. The pain you are experiencing right now is real, but it will only last a season.”
Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) offers a variety of resources available to Marines, Sailors and their family members.
“On Sept. 18 and Sept. 20, we will be hosting ‘Building the Warrior Within’ at Marston Pavilion on Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune and The Landing on MCAS New River respectively,” said Howard. “MCCS also offers a wide assortment of classes and workshops through the Family Advocacy Program, Community Counseling Program, Prevention and Education, Marine and Family Team Building and New Parent Support Program. There is a class or workshop to fit virtually any need or issue.”

• Date Taken: 09.01.2018
• Date Posted: 09.04.2018 10:02
• Story ID: 291271
• Location: CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH DAKOTA, US