ASAP to host events for suicide awareness this month

By Adrienne AndersonSeptember 11, 2013

FORT BENNING, Ga., (Sept. 11, 2013) -- Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, according to the Centers for Disease and Control. And in 2010, an average of 105 people committed suicide every day.

"Suicide effects every age bracket, race, creed, culture … there's not one (group of people) that I know of that's not been impacted by it," said Denise Stephens, Suicide Prevention Program manager.

That's why this September, which is Suicide Prevention Month, Army Substance Abuse Program is hosting events to help Soldiers, their Families and Department of Defense civilians understand how they can help prevent suicide.

It's also a time for individuals to reflect on themselves and see if they may have any signs that put them at risk, she said. By seeing the signs early, a person can take preventative measures and build their resiliency to ensure they stay healthy.

The events hosted by ASAP will arm people with the information they need to help themselves or others, Stephens said.

SuicideTALK, aimed at Family members, helps people identify risk factors and warning signs in loved ones, as oftentimes they are the first to notice something may be wrong, Stephens said.

In Our Own Voice helps people to understand the importance of getting help, she said.

"It really helps us look at stigma," Stephens said. "That stigma is something we all may face but the positive point is being able to break through that stigma to get the help you need or (others may need).

The ASAP events are as follows:

•Each Wednesday in September is SuicideTALK, an hour-long lunch and learn discussion exploring suicide awareness, prevention and resources. Each session is from noon to 1 p.m. at Tedford Wellness Center, 7th Cavalry Road. Family members of active-duty and retired Soldiers are invited to attend. To reserve seating, call 706-545-5441.

•In Our Own Voice -- 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sept. 19 in Room E106, McGinnis-Wickam Hall. A presentation presented by National Alliance on Mental Illness. Guest speakers share personal stories about living with a mental illness and overcoming stigma. To reserve seating, call 706-545-5441.