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{
SUICIDE AWARENESSAND
PREVENTION
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Suicide Statistics United States Military Specific
Information on Depression Warning Signs/Risk Factors Ideation and Gestures Prevention and Intervention Resources
Objectives
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“Suicide is a preventable personnel loss that impacts unit readiness, morale and mission effectiveness.”
“As such, preventing suicide in the Navy begins with promotion of health and wellness consistent with keeping Service members ready to accomplish the mission.”
OPNAVINST 1720.4A
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OPNAVINST 1720.4A Service Member’s Responsibilities: It is everyone’s duty to obtain
assistance for others in the event of suicidal threats or behaviors. Commanding Officers (COs) Responsibilities: Have written suicide
prevention and crisis intervention plans that include the process for identification, referral, access to treatment and follow-up procedures for personnel who indicate a heightened risk of suicide.
Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC): Each Commanding Officer will appoint an SPC to aid in ensuring that the suicide prevention program is fully implemented. SPC’s are the subject matter experts at the command; therefore, any questions/concerns can be directed to him/her.
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Each year: Approximately 750,000
people attempt suicide 44,193 Americans die by
committing suicide Suicide costs the United
States $51 billionEach day: On average, there are
121 suicides daily
United States Statistics
Source: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
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Suicide was one of the leading causes of death
for all military branches in 2015
True or False
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Military Specific Statistics In 2015, 266 active duty service members and 213
reserve and National Guard members committed suicide
Navy - 43 completed suicides (lowest rate) Marines - 39 completed suicides Army - 120 completed suicides Air Force - 64 completed suicides
Source: 2015 Defense Department Suicide Event Report
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Females attempt suicide more
often than males
True or False
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Common demographics Gender: Male (F:98.3%, NF:64.2) Race: White/Caucasian (F: 70.7%, NF: 58.5%) Age: Under 30 years of age (F:58.6%, NF:81.3%) Military Grade: Enlisted (F:81%), JR Enlisted (NF:65%) Education: High-school graduate or below (F:55.2%, NF:86.2%) History of deployment (F:29.3%, NF:15.4%) Mood Disorders (i.e., depression) and Adjustment Disorders
were the most common mental health diagnoses (F:34.5%, NF:61%)
Failed relationships and legal issues were the most common psychosocial stressors
Defense Department Suicide Event Report Findings
Source: 2015 Defense Department Suicide Event Report
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Medical condition that involves a person’s body, mood and thoughts
A family history of Depression can contribute to the onset, as well as a traumatic event, a serious illness and stress
Depression is not “the blues,” nor is it a weakness Most common mental health issue and is very
treatable through therapy, medication and lifestyle changes
Facts about Depression
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Sad or empty mood Tearfulness, or “flat” Loss of interest Feelings of helplessness,
hopelessness and guilt Changes in appetite and/or
sleep Fatigue and loss of energy Inability to concentrate Thoughts of death and
suicide Symptoms last more than 2
weeks
Symptoms of Depression
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Sussman’s Mental Illness Stigma Quiz
True or False:
1) There’s no real difference between the terms “mentally ill” and “has a mental illness.”2) People with mental illness tend to be dangerous and unpredictable.3) I would worry about my son or daughter marrying someone with a mental illness.4) I’ve made fun of people with mental illness in the past.5) I don’t know if I could trust a co-worker who has a mental illness.6) I’m scared of or stay away from people who appear to have a mental illness.7) People with a mental illness are lazy or weak and need to just “get over it.”8) Once someone has a mental illness, they will never recover.9) I would hesitate to hire someone with a history of mental illness.10) I’ve used terms like “crazy,” “psycho,” “nut job,” or “retarded” in reference to someone with a mental illness.
Mental Illness Stigma
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A non-fatal suicide attempt should be taken seriously, not down-played as
an attention seeking act
True or False
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Statements and non-fatal actions related to self-harm are an opportunity to help the Service member
Approximately ¾ of individuals communicate what they are thinking or planning either verbally or written
Rather than reprimanding someone who expresses suicidal thoughts, it is important to offer help and alternative answers
If not taken seriously and addressed, a thought may lead to an attempt. Get help
Ideation and Gestures
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Difficulty in a personal relationship or increased
alcohol use are common warning signs in service
member suicides
True or False
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Risk Factors Being victimized A loved one being
victimized Feeling trapped Serious legal problems Inability to deal with a
perceived “humiliating” situation
A traumatic event A separation, divorce or
break-up Losing custody of
children or unfair custody decision
A serious loss A serious illness Chronic physical pain
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Risk Factors, cont.
Feeling taken advantage of A serious accident Unresolved abuse Inability to deal with a perceived
failure Drug and/or alcohol abuse A feeling of not being accepted
by family, friends, society Low self-esteem A horrible disappointment Bullying
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Paucity of Research about suicide risk among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning military personnel and veterans
Studies of LGBTQ community have revealed much higher rates of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation
Two risk factors that appear to be particularly relevant to suicide risk in the LGBTQ population: victimization and decreased social support
Rate of suicide attempts is 4 times greater for LGBTQ people 4-6 times more likely to result in injury, poisoning, or
overdose that requires treatment
LGBTQ Active Military and Suicide Risk
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The presence of risk factors guarantees a suicide attempt
True or False
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Protective Factors Command cohesion/
camaraderie Healthy lifestyle Spiritual support Beliefs counter to suicide Family and community
support
Proactively seeking treatment
Positive attitude about getting help
Effective problem-solving skills
Humor
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You Can Help: Intervention
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Most of the time, people who plan to complete
suicide do not give any advance warning
True or False
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Talk Talking or writing about death or suicide Talk about being a burden to others Talking about having no reason to liveBehavior Appearing depressed or sad most of the time Withdrawing from family & friends Acting impulsively or recklessly Giving away prized possessions Writing a willMood Feeling hopeless and helpless Feeling strong anger or rage Feeling trapped Loss of interest
Suicide Warning Signs
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Talking with someone about their thoughts of suicide
may push them over the edge
True or False
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Reassure the person that help is available and that you will help them get help
Together I know we can figure something out to make you feel better
I know where we can get some help I can go with you to where we can get help Let's call to someone who can help . . .
Encourage the suicidal person to identify other people in their lives who can also help
Family Members Friends FFSC Religious Leader/Chaplain Family doctor
Don't hesitate to raise the subject You do not need to solve all of the person's
problems…Just engage them Ask about treatment
You Can Help: Ask About Suicide
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Take ALL talk of suicide seriously Listen carefully & be genuine Reflect what you hear Do not worry about doing or saying
exactly the "right" thing. Your genuine interest is what is most important
Let the person express the emotions in the way they want
Never agree to “keep a secret” When in doubt, call 911 or base police
You Can Help: Show You Care
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Get help but do NOT leave the person alone Know referral resources Suicide Prevention Coordinator
Reassure the person Encourage the person to participate in
helping process Outline safety plan
You Can Help: Get Help for Others
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Call the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1
Text the Military Crisis Line at 838255
Chat live online at http://www.militarycrisisline.net
Call the Marine Corps DSTRESS Line at 1-877-476-7734
Chat live online at http://www.dstressline.com
Intervention Resources
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Department of the NavyCivilian Employee Assistance Program
DONCEAP
Employee Assistance Resources
Access to licensed counselors who provide in-person, short-term counseling
Family or relationship concerns Emotional issues Problems at work Legal and Financial troubles Crisis management
Work/Life Childcare (daycare, preschools, etc.) Eldercare (assisted living, in-home care,
etc.) Daily life (relocation, event planning,
etc.) Family (adoption, prenatal, etc.) Educational (nursery to graduate
school)
Call 1-844-DONCEAP (1-844-366-2327)
Counseling and referral services available on site at Washington Navy Yard
DONCEAP.foh.hhs.gov
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Service DescriptionClinical Counseling Brief, solution-focused professional counseling for individuals,
couples, and familiesCrisis Response Counseling support to commands throughout the region following
a crisis or tragedyInformation & Referral Information and handouts addressing a variety of needs
Walk-in Support Immediate support for individuals in crisis, needing mental health services
Family Advocacy Program Mandated report to address concerns related to family violence and neglect
Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Advocacy, education, prevention, and support resources24/7 Victim Advocate response: 202-258-6717DoD Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247
Exceptional Family Member Program Links families to resources within the military and community to support family members with special needs
Transition Assistance Management Program Services for Service members preparing to transition out of the military
Family Employment Readiness Program One on one assistance with job preparation and searches
Personal Financial Management Program Individual and family financial counseling and planning services
New Parent Support Program Assistance to new parents coping with the demands of parenting and military life
Currently Available at Washington Navy Yard FFSC
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Contact our main number for additional questions or requests for support and services
202-685-0229
Washington Navy Yard, Building 154
NSAW Fleet and Family Support Center
Services also available on:
Joint Base Anacostia Bolling 202-767-4482NSA Annapolis 410-293-2641NSA Bethesda 301-319-4087