1 suicide awareness. 2 overview the af and suicide prevention suicide trend af study findings ...
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Suicide Awareness
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OverviewOverview The AF and Suicide PreventionThe AF and Suicide Prevention Suicide TrendSuicide Trend AF Study FindingsAF Study Findings Knowledge and BeliefsKnowledge and Beliefs Warning SignsWarning Signs Common CharacteristicsCommon Characteristics Adolescents vs. AdultsAdolescents vs. Adults Strategies for PreventionStrategies for Prevention ResponsesResponses Physical ConditioningPhysical Conditioning
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Study, Trend: USAFStudy, Trend: USAFHistoryHistory
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AF Study Findings 50% spoke of their intentions before
committing suicide 53% were clearly depressed 76% had relationship problems 43% had severe work problems
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Knowledge and BeliefsKnowledge and Beliefs
Occurs across all spectrums of society Often a cry for help May occur without prior warning Depression is a frequent precursor Females make more attempts All suicidal people aren’t depressed, mentally
ill, or insane
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Myths
Directly asking about suicide plants the idea
Ignoring a minor suicide attempt is preferable to addressing it
Suicide in a family increases the chance of other family members attempting suicide
Few professionals commit suicide
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10 Warning Signs
Specific talk about suicide Trouble eating or sleeping Withdrawal from friends or social
activities Loss of interest in hobbies, work, sex,
and school Giving away prized possessions
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10 Warning Signs
Previous suicide attempts Suffered a recent or severe loss Preoccupied with death or dying Loss of interest in personal appearance Increased use of alcohol or drugs
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Common Characteristics of Suicide Victims
Intense emotional pain Frustrated needs for security Suicide is seen as only solution Hopeless and helpless Stop pain by ending awareness Black and white thinking: death the only
answer
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Common Characteristics of Suicide Victims
Feeling of ambivalence; want to die, but want to live
Give clues about imminent suicide Want to run away from pain Lifelong pattern of poor coping skills
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Adolescent vs. Adult
Adolescent more impulsiveAdolescent more impulsive• Involve more anger, risk taking, and drugsInvolve more anger, risk taking, and drugs
Adolescents make more attemptsAdolescents make more attempts Family history of divorce or suicideFamily history of divorce or suicide Low self-esteem is commonLow self-esteem is common Heavily influenced by relationshipsHeavily influenced by relationships
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Strategies for Prevention
For yourself• Acknowledge your own clues and warning
signs• Seek assistance for depression• Talk with a trained confidant• Understand that life has cycles--good and bad
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Strategies for Prevention
For others• Immediate
• Remain calm• Don’t leave the person alone• Call for ER or Mental Health
• Long term• Promote unit wide sensitivity• Identify “at risk” personnel• Know your resources (chaplain, counselor,
etc.)• Be available and supportive
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Response to Suicide
Supervisor/CommanderSupervisor/Commander• Inform unit members of circumstancesInform unit members of circumstances• Don’t talk about detailsDon’t talk about details• Emphasize dealing with stressEmphasize dealing with stress• Request debriefing from Life Skills ClinicRequest debriefing from Life Skills Clinic• Conduct personal interviews with “at risk” Conduct personal interviews with “at risk”
individualsindividuals• Try to minimize the blame gameTry to minimize the blame game
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L
I
N
K
OOK
NQUIRE
OTE
NOW
The most important thing is to LOOK. This means to be aware of the indicators of potential vulnerability for suicideIf you become concerned, INQUIRE. Talk with them about what is going on
NOTE the seriousness of their concern. Ask directly if they are considering suicide.
KNOW how to get help!
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LINK
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Physical Fitness
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For additional resources on suicide awareness and prevention, go to:
•www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/sascasstats/
•https://www.afms.mil/phsd/PHSO/ToolKits/
Additional Resources
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Suicide Awareness