Shipmates Looking Out for Shipmates Key To Suicide Prevention

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class(SW/AW) Michelle Rhonehouse, Navy Region Southwest Public Affairs

June 23, 2010 - SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, more than 33,000 people in the U.S. commit suicide every year. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65.

According to Capt. Gerald D. Seely, chaplain for Navy Region Southwest, the Navy is trying to get a handle on why Sailors take their own lives and how the amount of suicides can be decreased.

Seely explained that suicide prevention is everyone's responsibility.

"It is not just the mental health advisor's, the chaplain's or the commanding officer's job to watch out for Sailors. It's fellow shipmates looking out for each other," said Seely. "These are the folks you work with day in and day out. We have to stay engaged and alert. If we can do that, we could get a real handle on this issue."

There are many warning signs that may indicate that one of your fellow Sailors is at risk for suicide. Change in behavior, personality, irritability and low energy levels could be a red flag, said Seely.

"Some of the symptoms are a direct result of stressors in someone's life. Relationships and deployments are big ones," said Seely. "It's usually not just one thing, but a combination of stressors piled on top of someone. The more stress, the more at risk a Sailor could be."

If you know one of your shipmates may be thinking about suicide or is at risk of committing suicide, the response is the acronym ACT, said Seely.

- A, Ask. Don't be afraid to ask the question, "Are you thinking of suicide or of harming yourself?" it is a myth that by asking the questions one gives the person at risk the idea to harm themselves. The reality is that someone who is at risk for suicide has already experienced high levels of stress, may be suffering from depression, and, as a result, may not be able to see and understand all of their options to resolving their problems. So, asking the question does not trigger the idea of suicide. Instead, it enables the person at risk know that you are concerned and that symptoms are being noticed.

- C, Care. Let them know you care and want to help. It takes commitment and courage sometimes to show someone you care about them and are willing to get involved. You may be met with resistance but, sometimes we must walk through this resistance in order to help. This in and of itself can be healing. Empathy for another is a powerful thing.

- T, Treat. Get help. There are many resources such as a chaplain, your chain of command, medical, FFSC and hospital emergency rooms.

According to Seely, Sailors need to get away from the stigma that if they are depressed or have other mental health issues, they will get in trouble.

"The military over the past few years has become better at treating mental health issues," said Seely. "There is nothing wrong with going to talk to a trained professional at one of the many facilities the military offers. There is a lot of help out there."

For more information about suicide prevention, visit www.npc.navy.mil/CommandSupport/SuicidePrevention

Information from this story came from the Navy's Suicide Prevention website: http://www.suicide.navy.mil/