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SUICIDE AWARENESSAND

PREVENTION

Suicide Statistics United States Military Specific

Information on Depression Warning Signs/Risk Factors Ideation and Gestures Prevention and Intervention Resources

Objectives

“Suicide is a preventable personnel loss that impacts unit readiness, morale and mission effectiveness.”

“As such, preventing suicide in the Navy begins with promotion of health and wellness consistent with keeping Service members ready to accomplish the mission.”

OPNAVINST 1720.4A

OPNAVINST 1720.4A Service Member’s Responsibilities: It is everyone’s duty to obtain

assistance for others in the event of suicidal threats or behaviors. Commanding Officers (COs) Responsibilities: Have written suicide

prevention and crisis intervention plans that include the process for identification, referral, access to treatment and follow-up procedures for personnel who indicate a heightened risk of suicide.

Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC): Each Commanding Officer will appoint an SPC to aid in ensuring that the suicide prevention program is fully implemented. SPC’s are the subject matter experts at the command; therefore, any questions/concerns can be directed to him/her.

Each year: Approximately 750,000

people attempt suicide 44,193 Americans die by

committing suicide Suicide costs the United

States $51 billionEach day: On average, there are

121 suicides daily

United States Statistics

Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Suicide was one of the leading causes of death

for all military branches in 2015

True or False

Military Specific Statistics In 2015, 266 active duty service members and 213

reserve and National Guard members committed suicide

Navy - 43 completed suicides (lowest rate) Marines - 39 completed suicides Army - 120 completed suicides Air Force - 64 completed suicides

Source: 2015 Defense Department Suicide Event Report

Females attempt suicide more

often than males

True or False

Common demographics Gender: Male (F:98.3%, NF:64.2) Race: White/Caucasian (F: 70.7%, NF: 58.5%) Age: Under 30 years of age (F:58.6%, NF:81.3%) Military Grade: Enlisted (F:81%), JR Enlisted (NF:65%) Education: High-school graduate or below (F:55.2%, NF:86.2%) History of deployment (F:29.3%, NF:15.4%) Mood Disorders (i.e., depression) and Adjustment Disorders

were the most common mental health diagnoses (F:34.5%, NF:61%)

Failed relationships and legal issues were the most common psychosocial stressors

Defense Department Suicide Event Report Findings

Source: 2015 Defense Department Suicide Event Report

Medical condition that involves a person’s body, mood and thoughts

A family history of Depression can contribute to the onset, as well as a traumatic event, a serious illness and stress

Depression is not “the blues,” nor is it a weakness Most common mental health issue and is very

treatable through therapy, medication and lifestyle changes

Facts about Depression

Sad or empty mood Tearfulness, or “flat” Loss of interest Feelings of helplessness,

hopelessness and guilt Changes in appetite and/or

sleep Fatigue and loss of energy Inability to concentrate Thoughts of death and

suicide Symptoms last more than 2

weeks

Symptoms of Depression

Sussman’s Mental Illness Stigma Quiz

True or False:

1) There’s no real difference between the terms “mentally ill” and “has a mental illness.”2) People with mental illness tend to be dangerous and unpredictable.3) I would worry about my son or daughter marrying someone with a mental illness.4) I’ve made fun of people with mental illness in the past.5) I don’t know if I could trust a co-worker who has a mental illness.6) I’m scared of or stay away from people who appear to have a mental illness.7) People with a mental illness are lazy or weak and need to just “get over it.”8) Once someone has a mental illness, they will never recover.9) I would hesitate to hire someone with a history of mental illness.10) I’ve used terms like “crazy,” “psycho,” “nut job,” or “retarded” in reference to someone with a mental illness.

Mental Illness Stigma

A non-fatal suicide attempt should be taken seriously, not down-played as

an attention seeking act

True or False

Statements and non-fatal actions related to self-harm are an opportunity to help the Service member

Approximately ¾ of individuals communicate what they are thinking or planning either verbally or written

Rather than reprimanding someone who expresses suicidal thoughts, it is important to offer help and alternative answers

If not taken seriously and addressed, a thought may lead to an attempt. Get help

Ideation and Gestures

Difficulty in a personal relationship or increased

alcohol use are common warning signs in service

member suicides

True or False

Risk Factors Being victimized A loved one being

victimized Feeling trapped Serious legal problems Inability to deal with a

perceived “humiliating” situation

A traumatic event A separation, divorce or

break-up Losing custody of

children or unfair custody decision

A serious loss A serious illness Chronic physical pain

Risk Factors, cont.

Feeling taken advantage of A serious accident Unresolved abuse Inability to deal with a perceived

failure Drug and/or alcohol abuse A feeling of not being accepted

by family, friends, society Low self-esteem A horrible disappointment Bullying

Paucity of Research about suicide risk among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning military personnel and veterans

Studies of LGBTQ community have revealed much higher rates of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation

Two risk factors that appear to be particularly relevant to suicide risk in the LGBTQ population: victimization and decreased social support

Rate of suicide attempts is 4 times greater for LGBTQ people 4-6 times more likely to result in injury, poisoning, or

overdose that requires treatment

LGBTQ Active Military and Suicide Risk

The presence of risk factors guarantees a suicide attempt

True or False

Protective Factors Command cohesion/

camaraderie Healthy lifestyle Spiritual support Beliefs counter to suicide Family and community

support

Proactively seeking treatment

Positive attitude about getting help

Effective problem-solving skills

Humor

You Can Help: Intervention

Most of the time, people who plan to complete

suicide do not give any advance warning

True or False

Talk Talking or writing about death or suicide Talk about being a burden to others Talking about having no reason to liveBehavior Appearing depressed or sad most of the time Withdrawing from family & friends Acting impulsively or recklessly Giving away prized possessions Writing a willMood Feeling hopeless and helpless Feeling strong anger or rage Feeling trapped Loss of interest

Suicide Warning Signs

Talking with someone about their thoughts of suicide

may push them over the edge

True or False

Reassure the person that help is available and that you will help them get help

Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better

I know where we can get some help I can go with you to where we can get help Let's call to someone who can help . . .

Encourage the suicidal person to identify other people in their lives who can also help

Family Members Friends FFSC Religious Leader/Chaplain Family doctor

Don't hesitate to raise the subject You do not need to solve all of the person's

problems…Just engage them Ask about treatment

You Can Help: Ask About Suicide

Take ALL talk of suicide seriously Listen carefully & be genuine Reflect what you hear Do not worry about doing or saying

exactly the "right" thing. Your genuine interest is what is most important

Let the person express the emotions in the way they want

Never agree to “keep a secret” When in doubt, call 911 or base police

You Can Help: Show You Care

Get help but do NOT leave the person alone Know referral resources Suicide Prevention Coordinator

Reassure the person Encourage the person to participate in

helping process Outline safety plan

You Can Help: Get Help for Others

Call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1

Text the Military Crisis Line at 838255

Chat live online at http://www.militarycrisisline.net

Call the Marine Corps DSTRESS Line at 1-877-476-7734

Chat live online at http://www.dstressline.com

Intervention Resources

Department of the NavyCivilian Employee Assistance Program

DONCEAP

Employee Assistance Resources

Access to licensed counselors who provide in-person, short-term counseling

Family or relationship concerns Emotional issues Problems at work Legal and Financial troubles Crisis management

Work/Life Childcare (daycare, preschools, etc.) Eldercare (assisted living, in-home care,

etc.) Daily life (relocation, event planning,

etc.) Family (adoption, prenatal, etc.) Educational (nursery to graduate

school)

Call 1-844-DONCEAP (1-844-366-2327)

Counseling and referral services available on site at Washington Navy Yard

DONCEAP.foh.hhs.gov

Service DescriptionClinical Counseling Brief, solution-focused professional counseling for individuals,

couples, and familiesCrisis Response Counseling support to commands throughout the region following

a crisis or tragedyInformation & Referral Information and handouts addressing a variety of needs

Walk-in Support Immediate support for individuals in crisis, needing mental health services

Family Advocacy Program Mandated report to address concerns related to family violence and neglect

Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Advocacy, education, prevention, and support resources24/7 Victim Advocate response: 202-258-6717DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247

Exceptional Family Member Program Links families to resources within the military and community to support family members with special needs

Transition Assistance Management Program Services for Service members preparing to transition out of the military

Family Employment Readiness Program One on one assistance with job preparation and searches

Personal Financial Management Program Individual and family financial counseling and planning services

New Parent Support Program Assistance to new parents coping with the demands of parenting and military life

Currently Available at Washington Navy Yard FFSC

Contact our main number for additional questions or requests for support and services

202-685-0229

Washington Navy Yard, Building 154

NSAW Fleet and Family Support Center

Services also available on:

Joint Base Anacostia Bolling 202-767-4482NSA Annapolis 410-293-2641NSA Bethesda 301-319-4087