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Suicide Awareness

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OverviewOverview The AF and Suicide PreventionThe AF and Suicide Prevention Suicide TrendSuicide Trend AF Study FindingsAF Study Findings Knowledge and BeliefsKnowledge and Beliefs Warning SignsWarning Signs Common CharacteristicsCommon Characteristics Adolescents vs. AdultsAdolescents vs. Adults Strategies for PreventionStrategies for Prevention ResponsesResponses Physical ConditioningPhysical Conditioning

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Study, Trend: USAFStudy, Trend: USAFHistoryHistory

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AF Study Findings 50% spoke of their intentions before

committing suicide 53% were clearly depressed 76% had relationship problems 43% had severe work problems

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Knowledge and BeliefsKnowledge and Beliefs

Occurs across all spectrums of society Often a cry for help May occur without prior warning Depression is a frequent precursor Females make more attempts All suicidal people aren’t depressed, mentally

ill, or insane

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Myths

Directly asking about suicide plants the idea

Ignoring a minor suicide attempt is preferable to addressing it

Suicide in a family increases the chance of other family members attempting suicide

Few professionals commit suicide

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10 Warning Signs

Specific talk about suicide Trouble eating or sleeping Withdrawal from friends or social

activities Loss of interest in hobbies, work, sex,

and school Giving away prized possessions

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10 Warning Signs

Previous suicide attempts Suffered a recent or severe loss Preoccupied with death or dying Loss of interest in personal appearance Increased use of alcohol or drugs

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Common Characteristics of Suicide Victims

Intense emotional pain Frustrated needs for security Suicide is seen as only solution Hopeless and helpless Stop pain by ending awareness Black and white thinking: death the only

answer

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Common Characteristics of Suicide Victims

Feeling of ambivalence; want to die, but want to live

Give clues about imminent suicide Want to run away from pain Lifelong pattern of poor coping skills

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Adolescent vs. Adult

Adolescent more impulsiveAdolescent more impulsive• Involve more anger, risk taking, and drugsInvolve more anger, risk taking, and drugs

Adolescents make more attemptsAdolescents make more attempts Family history of divorce or suicideFamily history of divorce or suicide Low self-esteem is commonLow self-esteem is common Heavily influenced by relationshipsHeavily influenced by relationships

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Strategies for Prevention

For yourself• Acknowledge your own clues and warning

signs• Seek assistance for depression• Talk with a trained confidant• Understand that life has cycles--good and bad

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Strategies for Prevention

For others• Immediate

• Remain calm• Don’t leave the person alone• Call for ER or Mental Health

• Long term• Promote unit wide sensitivity• Identify “at risk” personnel• Know your resources (chaplain, counselor,

etc.)• Be available and supportive

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Response to Suicide

Supervisor/CommanderSupervisor/Commander• Inform unit members of circumstancesInform unit members of circumstances• Don’t talk about detailsDon’t talk about details• Emphasize dealing with stressEmphasize dealing with stress• Request debriefing from Life Skills ClinicRequest debriefing from Life Skills Clinic• Conduct personal interviews with “at risk” Conduct personal interviews with “at risk”

individualsindividuals• Try to minimize the blame gameTry to minimize the blame game

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L

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K

OOK

NQUIRE

OTE

NOW

The most important thing is to LOOK. This means to be aware of the indicators of potential vulnerability for suicideIf you become concerned, INQUIRE. Talk with them about what is going on

NOTE the seriousness of their concern. Ask directly if they are considering suicide.

KNOW how to get help!

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LINK

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Physical Fitness

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For additional resources on suicide awareness and prevention, go to:

•www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/sascasstats/

•https://www.afms.mil/phsd/PHSO/ToolKits/

Additional Resources

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Suicide Awareness