Wisconsin Guard: 'One suicide is far too many'

Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

The Wisconsin National Guard is capitalizing of the National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month campaign to reinforce its message that every Soldier, Airman, family member and civilian employee is important.

"No matter what an individual is going through, it's important for them to know they are supported and there are many resources to help them," said Army Staff Sgt. Dana Cowell, Wisconsin National Guard suicide prevention program manager.

The number of suicides among Wisconsin National Guard members has declined over the years, from seven in 2010 to five last year. There have been two suicides in the Wisconsin National Guard in 2012. While a welcome trend, Cowell said that the number remains too high.

"One suicide is far too many," Cowell said.

The Wisconsin Army National Guard - which makes up nearly 70 percent of the state's National Guard force - will conduct a "Suicide Prevention Stand-Down Day," keeping in line with the U.S. Army's suicide prevention initiative.

Unfortunately, suicides are occurring across every component of the Department of Defense. Jacqueline Garrick, acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office, told the Pentagon Channel and American Forces Press Service the Defense Department's theme for the month's observance, "Stand By Them," is a prompt to get involved when a friend or loved one seems distressed.

Cowell noted that reasons for every suicide vary, but two common identifiers have been noticed again and again: finances and relationship issues.

Ellen Magee, director of psychological health at the 115th Fighter Wing, says these issues can cause great stress in an individual, but that suicide is not the answer.

"It can be overwhelming when we have stress in more than one area of our lives at the same time," Magee said. "When we are overwhelmed, our brains are saturated with stress chemicals and they don't work as well. By discussing the situation with another person, we gain the ability to see other options and possibilities we other-wise wouldn't be aware of. In the Air National Guard we call this other person our "Wingman."

For Soldiers, this person is called a "Battle Buddy." But it's important to note that talking to anyone - a chaplain, a friend or a supervisor - can help relieve some stress.

Garrick said anyone suspecting possible suicidal impulses in a friend, co-worker or loved one also should be sensitive to changes in moods or behavior patterns.

Excessive risk-taking, substance abuse, giving away possessions and changes in life insurance arrangements are all possible indicators someone may be considering suicide, she said.

Beginning today (Sept. 12), the Wisconsin National Guard will launch a series of suicide prevention awareness month blogs to reinforce the message that help is available.