FORT MEADE, Md. - Sailors assigned to U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/ U.S. Tenth Fleet (FCC/C10F) attended a Life Promotion Luncheon in honor of suicide prevention month Sept. 27.
September is being recognized throughout the Navy as suicide prevention month. This year’s theme is “Thrive in Your Community.”
“Problems rarely get solved by ignoring them,” said Chief Religious Program Specialist (SW/FMF) Michael Dagg. “Every September, we gather to promote awareness of this significant public health issue.”
“We know, some of us all too well, that the statistics of those who commit suicide pale in comparison to the impact it has on our community.”
The luncheon was held by the command to celebrate life, discuss prevention, and encourage sailors to focus on inspirational thoughts.
“The Life Promotion Luncheon is not only about promoting awareness and discussing prevention, it's also about focusing on life protection and life promotion,” said Dagg. “We will be exploring those things which help support and sustain life.”
“It is those resources that could transform a situation of danger into one of safety for a person at risk of suicide.”
Sailors were given yellow ribbons to serve as a symbolic pledge to make suicide prevention accessible to everyone and remove barriers for help.
“The yellow ribbons signify one's acknowledgement and support for suicide prevention,” said Dagg. “It also represents a commitment to prevention efforts in making our community safer from suicide.”
According to Dagg, sailors should take care of themselves in order to care for those in need.
“Being mindful of self-care and recovery now not only provides protection for the future, but will help us to be better prepared to take care of our shipmates that might be suffering in silence,” said Dagg.
Dagg encourages sailors to be vigilante and look for possible warning signs among fellow shipmates.
“Proactive leadership, flexible guidance, respect and care are key ingredients in preventing suicide,” said Dagg. “There are many reasons people miss, dismiss and avoid talking with someone about suicide. Don't be one of them.”