The Windsock
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September 26, 2013
A7
Suicide Prevention Month aims to heighten awareness PFC. VICTOR A. ARRIAGA MCAS CHERRY POINT
Suicide deaths among armed forces personnel exceeded the number of lives lost in combat during 2012, according to Department of Defense statistics. It was not bullets and roadside bombs but suicide that left 349 families of American service members grieving in 2012. Among them were 48 families of active duty Marines left with a few military mementos and many questions. During National Suicide Prevention Month many organizations highlight these tragic facts, seeking to re-focus attention on awareness of the signs of distress, available resources and most importantly, on prevention of such needless loss of life among the nation’s warrior class. Victor Foster said suicide prevention must be on Marines’ minds year-round, not just during Suicide Prevention Month or around major holidays when the subject is one at the forefront of conversation throughout the Department of Defense. “Just because it is Suicide Prevention Month, doesn’t mean we can’t heighten awareness all year,” he said. “If we could do that and save at least one life, then we’ve been successful.” Foster, a prevention and intervention specialist with Marine and Family Programs, says it is up to Marines to
recognize when a brother or sister needs help. “We need to recognize, ask and care for individuals showing any red flags,” said Foster. “We try to help Marines look for any behavioral differences in their fellow Marines with training and awareness.” Marines suffering from stress, financial trouble, workrelated problems, substance abuse, personal setbacks, or a loss of a loved one may be at higher risk for depression and suicidal ideation. Threatening to hurt or kill oneself, talking or writing about death, increasing alcohol or drug use and withdrawing from friends, family and society are all warning signs to which all Marines should pay particular attention. If fellow service members express intent to harm themselves in any way, immediately escorting them to get the help they need is not just an available option but a duty. “We have counselors here who can help any Marine who is struggling,” said Foster. “We offer programs that need to be taken advantage of so we can set Marines up for success and not allow them to hit a wall in their lives.” Cherry Point resources such as chaplains and the Naval Health Clinic’s mental health professionals are available on a walk-in basis for those seeking immediate help. Additionally, Marine and Family Programs offers anger management classes, family advocacy programs and clinical
counseling to help service members learn how to better handle stress in their lives. Cherry Point’s senior enlisted advisor, Sgt. Maj. Benjamin L. Pangborn, says that when a Marine commits suicide, it affects everyone. “When this kind of thing happens, everyone starts questioning themselves asking ‘Did I miss something?’ or ‘Did I do something wrong?’” said Pangborn. “The whole unit is affected, and it’s very hard for us to move on even if we did everything we could have done.” Pangborn urges Marines to step up if they see a Marine having a bad day. Ask how they are doing, and if they need help point them in the right direction. The important thing is to never leave their side and show them what help there is, he said. “Spend that extra time with the Marine and ask the hard questions,” said Pangborn. “If we lose one Marine to suicide, then that is one too many.” The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is free 24 hours a day and can be reached at 1-800-273-8255. The DSTRESS line, exclusively for Marines, Sailors and families to receive anonymous counseling from veteran Marines, former corpsmen and licensed behavioral health counselors, can be reached at 1-877-476-7734.
CPL. DANIEL A. WETZEL
The nation observes September as suicide prevention month. For those in the armed forces, it’s a time to raise awareness and remember the service members lost to suicide. There have been 30 suicides in the Marine Corps so far this year according to Department of Defense statistics. Last year’s 48 suicides was the highest number since the Pentagon started filing suicide reports in 2008.
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