PITTSBURGH -- September is Suicide Prevention Month. If you know someone who might be going through a difficult situation please reach out to them, as some people may contemplate or act upon suicide while facing a difficult situation. If the person you reach out to confides that they are considering suicide, be there for them and take appropriate actions to get them help before it’s too late. There are multiple hotlines available which offer free and confidential support including Military One Source, 1-800-342-9647, and the Veterans Crisis Line, 1-800-273-8255.
The military community offers a variety of resources to help individuals. Supervisors, first sergeants, commanders, Airman and Family Readiness Centers, Chaplains and Mental Health professionals are available and equipped to assist individuals in need. All mental health programs are geared toward suicide prevention and increasing resiliency. Unit-based resiliency training, stress and anger-management training, outpatient-counseling services, family advocacy and alcohol and drug abuse counseling are also offered.