U.S. Army Garrison - Detroit Arsenal, Mich. -- The U.S. Army Garrison-Detroit Arsenal teamed up with the TACOM Life Cycle Management Command for a Suicide Prevention Walk Oct. 16 to recognize the U.S. Army's Suicide Prevention efforts and create awareness for local programs.
A beautiful fall day allowed for near 60 participants to attend the kick-off rally in front of Building 230. Col. Ronald Shun, TACOM LCMC chief of staff, and Alan Parks, Detroit Arsenal garrison manager, conveyed messages of hope and watching out for fellow humans.
The Suicide Prevention Walk entailed walking in unity to the sixth floor of the parking garage, taking a couple laps around the top deck and returning to the front of Building 230.
"When we walk and bond with our co-workers, we do not realize that some co-workers, friends and family members are so overwhelmed with stress and depression that they cannot appreciate these moments," stated Jay Bunton, a garrison employee. "We try to deal with our problems in our own way, but sometimes forget that we are not alone."
Warning signs for suicide include problems sleeping, mood swings, giving away possessions and sudden happiness after a long bout of depression. Sudden happiness could be sign that the person has made a decision to end their life. Additional signs of crisis are performing poorly at work and feelings of failure. Persons most at risk have untreated depression, a history of trauma or are hindered by the stigma of weakness if they ask for help.
Our co-workers need encouragement to get through rough times and they need to recognize that holding the stress inside is not the solution. Suicide affects not only those that are close but casual relationships as well.
For more information about local suicide prevention programs at the Detroit Arsenal, please contact the garrison employee assistance office staff at 282-8127.
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