118: suicide prevention hotline available at Incirlik

ADANA, TURKEY

02.09.2012

Story by Senior Airman William O'Brien 

39th Air Base Wing

ADANA, Turkey - As an additional avenue for those in a crisis situation, the 118 hotline was established.

When someone dials DSN 118, he or she is connected to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or Military Crisis Line-Europe. The reason for establishing this line was because, in the U.S., there are several national and some local crisis hotlines; but overseas, even if the hotlines do exist, there could be a language barrier.

"Back in the states, they can just dial straight to a 1-800 number to a crisis hotline or a local hotline. Throughout Europe, there are a lot of non-English speaking countries," said Maj. Dennis Tansley, mental health flight commander. "The more resources, the merrier. We have us, the chaplains - we're both on call 24/7; but some may not want to talk to mental health because of the stigma and others may not want to talk to the chaplains because they don't subscribe to any of their religions. The 118 hotline gives them a free, anonymous way to get a hold of someone when they're in crisis."

The benefit of using the 118 hotline is the caller has complete confidentiality and can call from the privacy of his or her home.

"118 is anonymous and anyone can use it, just like a stateside crisis hotline," said Tansley. "That's part of the beauty of it for some of the folks."

For those seeking help locally or just prefer talking to people face to face, Incirlik offers several options including military and family life consultants, chaplains and the mental health clinic.

Military and family life consultants are trained to deal with issues that arise specifically from military life, are located in the Airman and Family Readiness Center in Bldg. 833. These consultants are able to provide non-medical counseling and can be reached at DSN 676-3926.

Chaplains are also available for confidential consultation to anyone who seeks it. Through the command post or law enforcement desk, chaplains can be reached at any time.

The mental health flight is also available at all times, providing walk-in service on an emergency basis.

"Don't be hesitant to contact us any time, day or night," said Tansley. "We're here for them. That's our mission. We're here to keep people in the fight, keep them in the game. We're here to salvage careers and lives and help people to learn how to help themselves."

The clinic provides on-call services like the chapel, and is staffed with two social workers, a psychologist and a technician who can talk with patients while they are waiting.

"Make use of your resources. Call the 118 number; you have us, the chaplains, military family life consultants, your friends and family, your unit," said Tansley. "Tap into any of your resources so you're reaching out for help before you hurt yourself or possibly end your life. There are solutions even though at the time it may not look like it. There's plenty of support and a safety net that's willing to get you back on your feet."

Beyond those who are trained to provide care to people in crisis, airmen should also look out for fellow airmen - and there are certain signs that may clue one into another's dire situation.

According to the Veterans Crisis Line website, a person in crisis may appear sad or depressed; seem anxious, agitated or unable to sleep; neglect personal welfare; withdraw from friends, family and society; lose interest in hobbies, work or school; express feelings of excessive guilt or shame; or talk about feeling trapped and saying that there's no solution to their problems.

The website states signs to look for in those contemplating or preparing for a suicidal act include performing poorly at work or school, acting recklessly or engaging in risky activities, showing violent behavior, tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death, giving away prized possessions, getting personal affairs in order, or seeking access to a means of harming oneself.

If one starts to notice such signs, it's important to take the steps outlined in the suicide prevention concept called "ACE."

"'A' is ask your wingman," said Tansley. "Have the courage to ask the question. Stay calm. Ask them directly, 'Are you thinking about killing yourself?' The next part, 'C', try to calmly control the situation. Actively listen and try to understand. When someone is listening to a person in distress that automatically produces relief. Remove any means that could be used for self-injury. 'E' is escort your wingman; never leave your buddy alone. Get them to someone in your chain of command, mental health, primary care, chaplain, anyone.

"The bottom line is to keep folks alive and keep them in the fight and also suggest folks get help when you think they might need it - not coerce, but suggest," said Tansley. "That's the whole wingman concept - taking care of yourself, taking care of each other, so we can move forward as a team."

At Incirlik, intermittent problems have been experienced. If one is trying to call DSN 118 and isn't able to connect, call the base operator to get connected.

• Date Taken: 02.09.2012
• Date Posted: 05.10.2012 03:19
• Story ID: 88202
• Location: ADANA, TR