Divorce, financial problems, recent loss of a family member or friend and duty problems, such as an article 15, are reasons why someone may contemplate, if not act on suicide. Help somebody in need by getting help for them. (U.S. Air Force photo illustration/Senior Airman Joshua J. Seybert)

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Suicide Prevention: It’s everyone’s responsiblity

Published Feb. 11, 2011
By Senior Airman Jonathan Hehnly
911 AW/PA

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- The Air Force Reserve Command continues to focus on suicide prevention as suicides within the Air Force increase.

According to Stars and Stripes News, Air Force suicides are at its highest in 17 years with 54 suicides in 2010. AFRC emphasizes the responsibility of every wingman to look out for other members and prevent suicides from happening.

"It all starts with the wingman program," said Capt. Randall Gernhardt, 911th Security Forces Squadron operations officer.

It is important to have an awareness of the people around you. Some suicide warning signs are depression, changes in normal behavior, giving away possessions, withdrawing from friends and family, or talking or writing about death or suicide.

If you become aware of any of these suicide indicators the first thing you need to do is ask directly if they are going to do it, Maj. Nicole Santoro, the officer in charge of mental health, said.

If you are with someone who says they have a plan to hurt themselves, stay calm, control the situation and keep them from doing anything rash. Tell them you are going to get help. If off base call the local police, contact the family, or take them to the emergency room. If on base get them to mental health.

"The big thing is never leave them alone," said Maj. Santoro.

"Some really want help, but just do not know how to ask for it," said Capt. Gernhardt.

There are a lot of resources available to help those in need. Options on base include chaplains, family support, the mental health clinic at the 911th Aeromedical Staging Squadron and there are always fellow wingmen. Maj. Santoro really recommends Military One Source which provides 12 free confidential sessions.

"There should be no stigma when going to mental health," said Maj. Santoro. "Everyone needs help or someone to talk to at some point."

Maj. Santoro stressed the point that members can come and talk for as long as they need to get their issues resolved. The mental health specialists are here to get the ball rolling on getting help.

"When a person comes to mental health everything is confidential until they say it's serious than it's a security issue," said Maj. Santoro. "We have to notify security forces for their safety."

"We are not out there to arrest them but to keep them from hurting themselves or someone else," said Capt. Gernhardt. "Even if only here once a month, they're still part of the family and we have to help."

For more suicide prevention information you can visit http://afrc.wingmantoolkit.org/press-and-partners.html or call the Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.