Army maintains strong focus on suicide awareness

Keenly aware of the stresses associated with being a Soldier on deployment or at home, the Army has mandated that all military personnel be aware of the risk factors attributed to suicide. This includes knowing how to respond if someone is showing signs of suicidal behavior.

Chap. (Col.) Gerald Stone is acting director of Fort Belvoir's Family Life Center. Since his arrival on post, he has taught many classes related to suicide awareness, which are now an annual requirement for all units. According to Stone, the purpose is quite clear.

"Our effort is to raise everyone's thinking and to teach people how to be preemptive in getting others help," Stone said. "In many cases, people who show signs of suicide just need reassurance that help is there and that people are around who care."

Among the main causes of suicide are failed relationships, legal or financial trouble and occupational/operational issues. However, there are numerous warning signs that people should be cognizant of, Stone said. As distress leads to unhealthy behavior, he noted those closest to a Soldier are always in the best position to recognize any significant changes.

Some of these changes include comments suggesting thoughts or plans of suicide; the giving away of possessions; a withdrawal of social activities; reckless driving and an obsession with death. But even Stone admits none may be more damaging than one's feeling of isolation. That's why the Army has developed a technique called "buddy care," which encourages Soldiers to confide in one another and talk to members of their unit when personal problems arise.

"We want people to ask questions and let that person know you're willing to help. It's very important to take action and get involved," Stone said. "We even encourage accompanying that individual in getting help. Showing a concern for his or her well-being goes a long way in this process and can make all the difference in the world."

Based on earlier studies conducted by the Army, suicide rates among Soldiers have increased since 2004. That year, a total of 67 suicides were reported, of which 13 were among active, deployed personnel. In 2006, the Armed Forces Medical Examiner reported 99 suicides-with the number of cases increasing to 30 among deployed Soldiers.

While Soldiers are trained periodically on the symptoms involving suicide, Stone says it's the feeling of hopelessness that tears away at those who feel there's no other alternative.

"In the case of the Army, there's a lingering myth that suicides increase during the holidays, but I haven't seen any research supporting that myself," Stone said. "When Soldiers believe things aren't going to improve in life, that's when they lose all hope and decide that this is what they want to do. That can happen at any time during the year."

As part of their ongoing initiatives, the Army has focused on helping Soldiers deal with relationship issues, in addition to developing a suicide prevention task force where trends are identified and resources are integrated at all levels of the department. To ensure veterans with emotional problems have access to trained professionals, the Department of Veteran Affairs has launched a national suicide prevention hotline. It's toll free 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

The following are additional resources available in helping Soldiers who may be at risk for suicide:
• www.us.army.mil/suite/page/334798chppm
• www.apgea.army.mil/dhpw/Readiness/suicide.aspx
• www.armygI.army.mil/hr/suicide