VICENZA, Italy -- Nearly 100 Soldiers and civilians of the Vicenza Military Community came together for the second annual Suicide Awareness Prevention Summit, hosted by the garrison here Sept. 20.
Many volunteers worked together at the event organized by the garrison's Army Substance Abuse Program.
Participants were divided into four groups and each of them spent approximately a half hour on several topics about prevention and awareness.
Organizers emphasized that suicide is preventable -- that many people contemplating suicide want to live, but are unable to see alternatives to their problems, viewing their situation as hopeless.
Suicide cuts across all ranks and ages as well as economic, social, religious and ethnic boundaries.
Recognizing warning signs can be the best way to help those in trouble. Warning signs include:
• Major life transitions
• Severe, prolonged or unmanageable stress
• History of abuse
• Feel sad, "blue" or in a depressed mood
• Experiencing relationship/family problems
• Financial concerns
• Have trouble eating or sleeping
• Losing interest in hobbies, work or school
• Lost interest in appearance
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs
• Significant weight gain or loss
• Can't think clearly, make decisions or get control
• Withdrawing from friends, loved ones or social activities
• Can't see things as worthwhile or a future without pain
• Recent or severe loss (job, death of friend, major illness, academic failure)
• Have family, marital or sexual problems
For local assistance, call the Chaplain Hotline at 0444-66-2273; Behavioral Health, 0444-61-9140; or the Military Family Life Counselors, 333-489-8967/345-077-0476.
The National Suicide Prevention Crisis line is a stateside number: 800-273-8255.
For more photos of the event, visit https://www.flickr.com/photos/usagvicenza/albums/72157688864165636.
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