September is Suicide Prevention Month. Recognizing the signs of suicide and reaching out to those in need can save lives.
“Military life can be challenging. And it is critical that we embrace this issue and take measures to create a climate that encourages service members to seek the help they need,” said Capt. David Jones, Navy Medicine East (NME) senior mental health executive and regional manager for Wounded, Ill, and Injured, Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury programs. “If you suspect someone may be having suicidal thoughts, take the situation seriously, and get the person connected to help through medical, the chaplain, or community support--your action could help save his or her life."
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 1999 to 2014 the suicide rate in the United States increased 24 percent, from 10.5 to 13 per 100,000 people. Furthermore, suicide was one of the 10 leading cause of deaths in the U.S. in 2014.
Know the signs of suicide: hopelessness, anxiety, self-destructive behavior such as alcohol or drug abuse and talk of death. Knowing these signs are half the battle; the other half is getting involved. NME offers countless resources to help Sailors and Marines and their families – from suicide prevention coordinators to chaplains -- people don’t need special training to safely talk about suicide risk or show genuine concern for someone in crisis.
“Everyday connections can make a big difference to someone feeling alone, in crisis or having thoughts of suicide,” said Jones. “There are many ways — calling, reconnecting, meeting for coffee, going for a walk together — that an individual can be there for service members, veterans and family members.”
The new Be There Peer Support Call and Outreach Center is staffed by veterans and military spouses who can offer you support for everyday problems. Active duty, National Guard and reserve members, and their families are eligible for unlimited and confidential calls, texts, or live chats 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from anywhere in the world. Call 844-357-PEER (7737), visit and chat at www.BeTherePeerSupport.org; or text 480-360-6188.
The Navy also has a Suicide Prevention Program that focuses on the key components in preventing suicide, from recognizing signs of stress and psychological health concerns to understanding ways to build resilience and strengthen coping skills. The Navy’s Suicide Prevention program is designed to empower individuals to take action when someone is in need.
In case of psychiatric emergency, individuals should call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
NME oversees the delivery of medical, dental and other health care services to approximately one million patients across almost 100 facilities in the eastern hemisphere—including the Tidewater Military Health System which brings together McDonald Army Health Center, Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and U.S. Air Force Hospital Langley. Plus, its public health activities extend globally. For more information, visit www.med.navy.mil/sites/nme.