Fort Huachuca, Arizona -- In the same manner as it takes a community to raise a child, it's up to the Fort Huachuca community to ensure that no person is left behind when it comes to suicide prevention.
That was the message that came out of Fort Huachuca's Suicide Safety Stand-Down Day Dec. 10 at Barnes Field House, prior to the upcoming holiday block leave.
In keeping with that philosophy, the event was open to all permanent party, Department of the Army (DA) civilians, their Family members, the entire Fort Huachuca community and all members of the public to increase awareness.
This event was different from previous suicide safety stand-down events on Fort Huachuca according to Craig Hannum, Fort Huachuca Suicide Prevention Program manager. The forum included an 11-person panel of experts made up of Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels, a representative from the National Alliance of Mental Health Cochise County Coalition, Fort Huachuca Behavioral Health and other area suicide prevention professionals. Experts were available to answer questions and were guided by a series of PowerPoint slides.
One purpose of the event was to help curb the stigma of the reluctance of reporting and asking for assistance when someone is feeling down and having possible thoughts of suicide. Nationwide, the approaching holiday season leads to an increase in depression and suicide, according to mental health professionals nationwide.
"We did this before the holiday season opens up," said Hannum. "We do this for the entire military community because suicides and thoughts of suicide increase throughout the holiday timeframe. We want everyone to understand that we care."
Overall, the number of suicides involving Fort Huachuca personnel have been low, according to Hannum. The last suicide involving a Fort Huachuca active duty Soldier took place on Oct. 17 and was the first one involving a Soldier in more than four years.
"We've had some incidents involving contractors and [some] suicide attempts, but across the installation we've done a pretty good job [of keeping rates low]," Hannum said. He credits leadership engagement -- military, DA civilians and contractors -- for the installation's success.
From first-response law enforcement personnel to those with doctorates in their field, the panel included personnel available to answer questions and help curb the stigma of having people feel ashamed of reporting their thoughts, disrespected or losing security clearances that create reluctance of reporting or getting help.
"We even had a senior NCO [who] was having suicidal thoughts when she was young in her career and she talked about getting to the point where she is now and how the Army's Ready and Resilient campaign has been the foundation of her perseverance," Hannum added.
Mental health professionals are there to help, and resources are available 24/7. There are many sources for assistance both on and off post. People can ask for assistance through anonymous phone calls or in person and should choose whichever method they feel most comfortable with.
Those having problems with depression or thoughts of suicide should seek professional help as soon as possible. People should not be afraid. There is no shame or blame attached, and people should not be fearful. Those who seek counseling will not lose security clearances. Seeking professional help when thoughts of suicide occur is like "suicide first aid."
Tell someone if you are having suicidal thoughts, Hannum says. Get help. Suicide is a selfish act that has a ripple effect on Families and loved ones. Some suicides will affect people for several generations. Don't give up or stop asking for help.
Everyone is responsible to help each other work through incidents of depression or thoughts of suicide. Keep an eye on Family members or coworkers who are having financial, Family or health issues. Be especially watchful of those who've experienced the loss of a Family member, significant other or who are undergoing divorce. Encourage them to talk about their problems and be receptive to hearing about them.
While most people are not health care professionals, they can lend an ear to listen. While it can be uncomfortable, if a person seems in distress, ASK the person if he or she is thinking about killing himself. If so, CARE enough to assist them in finding professional help. If necessary, GUIDE them to their destination in keeping with the Army's ACE program.
If not sure what to do, call 9-1-1.
Everyone has a responsibility to help those who are depressed or suicidal. In order to prevent incidents of suicide, it is mandatory for those who are in the military to get other Service members the assistance they need. Do not be afraid to have a conversation with someone who may be suicidal. It can be just the trigger the potentially suicidal person needs to get help.
Everyone views the world through their own perception of reality, and their perception is not your perception. If someone is talking about suicide, take them seriously. The person may feel as they are alone. Reach out and ask the individual specific questions. Avoid expressions of sympathy but be emphatic.
People at greatest risk for suicide include those who have made previous suicide attempts, abuse drugs or alcohol, have medical problems, serious work-related or personal issues. If someone mentions suicide, take it for granted. Those who seem to have perfect lives don't necessarily have them.
If a person seems distressed and expresses the desire to kill him or herself, ask them how they plan to do it and keep them away from their chosen method. If, for example, they say they are going to use a gun which they have at home, don't let them go home.
Drugs and alcohol factor into many suicidal attempts. If a person is under the influence and expresses suicidal thoughts, take the person seriously and don't underplay it. Report the incident to someone who can help.
Thoughts of suicide can lead to homicide -- another reason to get help for those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
For more information about conducting Suicide Prevention Stand-Down Days, call 520.538.1287 or 520.678-5551.
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