Photo By Candy C Knight | The 2d Theater Signal Brigade hosted a “How to Talk to Your Kids About Suicide...... read more read more
WIESBADEN, Germany — In a world where mental health awareness is increasingly vital, 2d Theater Signal Brigade leadership encourages its members to have open dialogues about suicide prevention among military families.
As part of National Suicide Prevention Month, the brigade hosted a crucial “How to Talk to Your Kids About Suicide Prevention” class.
The class is particularly significant in the military community, where the unique challenges and stressors can impact the mental health of both service members and their families.
Facilitated by Laura Reid, a program specialist from USAG Wiesbaden’s Family Advocacy Program, and working together with the Army Substance Abuse Program’s Suicide Prevention Coordinator, the class provides parents and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to talk to their kids about suicide and suicide prevention.
“The overall goal is to teach parents and caregivers how to guide these important conversations with confidence with children and youth of any age,” Mrs. Reid said.
Attendees of the class can expect to explore a variety of topics critical to understanding and preventing suicide among youth. These include recognizing signs of distress, understanding the impact of cyberbullying, and accessing crisis resources.
“Suicides affect everyone, including families with children,” said U.S. Army Capt. Matthew Hagy, Commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2d Theater Signal Brigade. “It is important for everyone to be able to speak about suicide, how to recognize it, and how to prevent it with all of their family members.”
Notably, the class does not shy away from addressing the stigmas that often hinder open dialogue about mental health.
“We start with an icebreaker on what participants have learned about mental health over the course of their lifetimes and weave in discussions about stigmas and barriers throughout the class,” Mrs. Reid said.
By starting with an icebreaker that encourages participants to share their perceptions of mental health, Reid skillfully weaves discussions about cultural, religious, and personal barriers throughout the training, fostering a supportive environment for honest reflection.
For some attendees, including Capt. Hagy, the topic of suicide holds a deeply personal significance, shaping their perspectives and fueling their commitment to address mental health issues within the community. Their individual stories serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of suicide on families and communities.
“Two of my peers committed suicide while I have been in the Army,” Capt. Hagy said. “September is a sobering reminder that you can never truly know what your battle buddies are going through until you start asking the hard questions. The more we normalize talking about suicide prevention, even with children, the more comfortable we will be in helping prevent it.”
The class is a result of the feedback from a parent who identified a need for more community education to help parents and caregivers engage in conversations with children and youth about suicide and suicide prevention. Feedback such as this highlights the crucial role of the community in addressing mental health issues.
“During this class, I learned that even young children can grasp a very somber topic like suicide,” Capt. Hagy said. “Tailoring the amount of detail to children of a specific age is key to their understanding. Using the conversation framework provided in this class gives me the confidence to discuss sensitive topics with my nephews, if and when I need to.”
For individuals who wish to continue their learning, the ACS FAP provides follow-up sessions — both individual and group-based — upon request.
This ongoing support ensures that individuals feel reassured and equipped to handle mental health issues. Additional resources are available, including access to Military Family Life Counselors, Behavioral Health services, and Chaplain support.
Furthermore, the Army Substance Abuse Program offers Ask-Care-Escort: Suicide Intervention training, reinforcing the commitment to equip individuals with the necessary skills to intervene during crises.
For those interested in accessing ACS resources, support is readily available by calling during business hours or visiting the ACS office. Following their social media platforms will also keep families informed of upcoming classes and events.
In this essential conversation about suicide prevention, every voice counts, and every effort brings us one step closer to creating a culture of understanding and support for our children and families.
“If you haven’t heard from a close friend, family member or loved one
recently, please call them and let them know that they are loved and have worth,” Capt. Hagy said. “A five-minute conversation can have a lasting impact on someone in need.”
| Date Taken: | 09.18.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 11.14.2025 02:39 |
| Story ID: | 551072 |
| Location: | WIESBADEN, HESSEN, DE |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Suicide Prevention Class helps parents have open conversations with children, by Candy C Knight, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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