ANSBACH, Germany (Sept. 12, 2014) -- Repairing a small hole in the roof is significantly easier than repairing damaged walls, floors and furniture because one small hole in the roof was left unrepaired for months.
People considering suicide as an option may be dealing with one small issue left unrepaired, or they may be dealing with multiple issues. Typically, issues, whatever they may be, start out small and grow over time. However, there is a point when an issue multiplies or becomes more than we can cope with on our own.
It is imperative that when we ourselves, or when those people around us recognize something needs repairing, that we seek out assistance early. Issues are easier to fix when they are small. There is also fewer stigma associated with an issue when it is small. Everyone must continue working together to eliminate the stigma associated with asking for help by supporting and encouraging those in our lives who need help, to get help. The earlier we recognize that someone needs help (whether it is us or someone else), the sooner we can work on resolving issues and getting back to enjoying a healthy and productive life.
There are three types of resources available to prevent suicide, intervene in suicidal behavior, and assist people at U.S. Army Garrison Ansbach:
Prevention Resources:
-- The Franconia Army Substance Abuse Program, or ASAP, Suicide Prevention Program manager (phone: 09802-83-3625 or DSN 467-3625) works with units and agencies to provide suicide prevention training and can connect people with a variety of resources.
-- Army Community Service, or ACS, provides a number of classes relevant to managing stressors (such as financial management and relationship and new parenting classes).
-- Garrison chaplains offer services aimed at improving relationships and daily living. Soldiers and civilians are encouraged to routinely complete the new and improved Global Assessment Tool, or GAT 2.0, through AKO or https://army.fit.mil to confidentially assess their physical and psychological health.
Intervention Resources:
-- If you suspect someone is thinking about suicide, ask them directly, "Are you thinking of killing yourself?" Care for them by actively listening and understanding their situation. Escort them to an appropriate emergency resource. This process of ask, care and escort is known as ACE.
-- Emergency resources include the military police, on-call garrison chaplain, unit ministry team chaplain, Military Family Life consultant, National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (phone: 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118), and your chain of command. It's a good idea to identify and add emergency resource phone numbers to your cellphone now, before you need them.
-- See "Emergency contacts at USAG Ansbach" in the "Related Links" section above.
Treatment for anxiety, mental health, and behavioral issues with the potential to lead to suicidal behaviors is available from:
-- Military Behavioral Health
-- Army Substance Abuse Program for alcohol- or drug-related
-- Family Advocacy Program for family-related issues
-- Social Work Services
-- Military Family Life Counselors
-- Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.mil
Additional information and resources for Soldiers and civilians can be found online at the Department of the Army Suicide Prevention Program (www.preventsuicide.army.mil/), USAREUR Suicide Prevention and Awareness (www.eur.army.mil/SuicidePrevention/), or at the USAG Ansbach ASAP Facebook page (www.facebook.com/pages/USAG-Ansbach-Army-Substance-Abuse-Program/#!/pages/USAG-Ansbach-Army-Substance-Abuse-Program/300280103378793). See the "Related Links" section above.
Every suicide can be prevented, and even one suicide is too many.
Related Links:
Army Substance Abuse Program at USAG Ansbach
Behavioral Health Clinic at USAG Ansbach
Military Family Life consultants at USAG Ansbach
Suicide prevention contacts at USAG Ansbach
Emergency contacts at USAG Ansbach
Army.mil story: "Suicide prevention hotline now available in Europe"
USAREUR Suicide Prevention and Awareness
USAG Ansbach ASAP Facebook page
Army Suicide Prevention Program
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