Suicide is a serious public health concern that takes an enormous toll on Families, friends, co-workers, communities, military personnel and veterans. Worldwide, nearly 3,000 people commit suicide daily and one million people die by suicide every year.

Nationwide, suicide is the tenth leading cause of death and suicide rates are at an all-time high for veterans. More than 100 active-duty Soldiers die every year from suicide.

Preventive measures to improve resiliency

All of us can wrest meaning and purpose from the lives lost to suicide by focusing on suicide prevention and surveillance. These are some behaviors, thoughts and actions that can mitigate the negative effects of emotional stress:

*Actively and frequently participate in social activities

*Commit to practices that maintain good physical health such as engaging in regular physical exercise, eating a healthy diet and devoting an adequate amount of time to sleep

*Limit consumption of alcohol and abstain from illicit drugs

*Seek out a mentor in which to confide

*Develop and maintain spiritual fitness

*Avoid isolation when faced with stressors

*Learn to regulate emotions and avoid impulsive behavior

*Recognize, accept, and face fears

*Nurture good relationships, which may include counseling

*Practice help-seeking behavior as a sign of strength

Warning signs

Despite our best efforts, suicidal behavior remains difficult and predict. However, having an awareness of the risk factors for suicide can aid in the prevention of these deaths. Recognition of risk factors is an important part in awareness and intervention.

Some risk factors include:

*Drug or alcohol abuse

*Violence in the home or social environment

*Pending disciplinary or legal problems

*Excessive debt

*Significant interpersonal losses

Many individuals contemplating suicide give warning signs that could include:

*Depression, irritability, rage, or anger

*Isolation and withdrawal from social situations

*Loss of interest in and enjoyment from activities

*Talking or hinting about suicide, a wish to die, or desire to kill somebody else

*Expressions of hopelessness and helplessness

It is important that we are aware of the stressors and behaviors associated with suicide and supporting ourselves and those around us who are struggling.

Get involved

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, take these thoughts seriously, listen without judgment and get immediate help by a professional for evaluation and treatment. Do not be afraid to ask people if they are having thoughts of suicide. Some people who are suicidal see no other alternative solutions to their problems, and your interaction with them can provide an alternative solution to life's problems. People who are in immediate danger of hurting themselves should not be left alone, and they should not be given access to means of committing suicide.

Decrease stigma

One of the greatest barriers to preventing suicide is a culture that shames people into believing it is not safe to seek help. Ninety percent of people who commit suicide suffer from a potentially treatable mental illness or psychosocial stressors that can be mitigated. We must encourage each other to seek help when needed, reinforce the personal courage that it takes to ask for assistance and normalize the subject of suicide.

Resources

Fort Drum has many resources available to aid those who might be struggling with suicidal thoughts. The chain-of-command is an excellent support system and should be used as a resource to make sure a Soldier can get the help he or she needs.

Chaplains are a great resource for Soldiers and their Families, and they also provide suicide awareness training at the unit level. Unit ministry teams are available to provide pastoral care in a confidential setting to address issues such as grief and relationship enhancement.

Get help

If you or someone you know has attempted suicide and there is a life-threatening emergency, call 911.

For other urgent behavioral health concerns, specialists are available for walk-in appointments from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Department of Behavioral Health, Bldg. P-36, Wilcox Clinic. Routine behavioral health appointments can be made by calling the appointment line at 315-772-2778. Individuals in suicidal crisis can also contact a mental health provider through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

Each of us is responsible to take care of ourselves and of those around us. There is help for those who are suffering with depression and other mental disorders, and there is help for those who are in crisis.

In the spirit of caring, take another's hand or lend your hand to another -- you might just save a life.