- Hello, my name is Chief Master Sergeant Teresa Renson.
I am the Command Chief for the 168 Wing.
Today, I would like to discuss a topic
which I am very passionate about, Suicide Prevention.
According to the Annual Pentagon Report,
541 service members died by suicide in calendar year 2018.
That's the highest number since the Department of Defense
began collecting data in 2001.
Today, I would like to discuss some ways
we can help to prevent suicide.
We can start by building a connection.
Meaningful connection to others is a valuable tool
in the prevention of suicide.
Airmen must be active in reaching out
of to others who may be in distress,
in to resources for themselves and others.
Please refer to the Suicide Prevention Handbook
for resources.
Signs of distress, stress is a normal part of our lives.
Occasionally, stressors overwhelm our ability
to cope and may results in symptoms
and trigger a state of distress.
Common signs of distress include, mood changes
such as depression or anxiety, irritability,
agitation or anger, difficulties with sleep,
too little or too much, withdrawing from family,
friends or others.
Identifying distress in ourselves and others
is important to preventing negative effects.
Examples of coping skills to implement when in distress
include exercise, mindfulness, meditation,
recognizing the expressing gratitude,
engaging in creative activities,
practicing resilient skills
and connecting with friends, family or nature.
Ask Care Escort, symptoms in states of distress
maybe overwhelming and lead to having thoughts
of death, self-harm or suicide.
It is important to ask someone directly.
Are you thinking about harming yourself or of suicide?
Do not avoid this important question.
The next step is to convey that you care
about that person's well-being
and their answer to you questions.
This can be done through active listening like paraphrasing,
clarifying, eye contact or attend to posture.
Communicate empathy and listen to what
the person is saying and feeling.
Escort a person who has expressed current thoughts
of self-harm or suicide to get professional help
to prevent suicide and demonstrate that you care.
Empower a person without overwhelming them in this process
by letting them choose from two to four
appropriate resources.
Most important, is getting the person to the next level
of care or resource.
Do not leave a person in distress alone.
Be sure to follow-up in the days and weeks
after a connection to help is made.
Go SLO, building time and space between
the Airmen in distress and their access to lethal means
including firearms and medication
can reduce the risk of suicide attempts and deaths.
When you recognize Airmen in distress and use ACE,
remember to also go SLO.
Help implement use of safes, locks
or outside of the home storage of lethal means.
Please reference the two attachments
located on the DPH website.
Suicide prevention is everybody's responsibility.
One life lost is too many.