Changing the Legacy of Suicide

  • Published
  • By Capt. Robert Atisme
  • 48th Medical Group Mental Health Flight
As September begins and our attention turns from the joys of summer to upcoming fall activities, I want you to take a moment to think about your mental health.

Are you taking account and addressing your stressors in a healthy, solution-focused manner? This means getting adequate sleep, eating healthy, exercising, avoiding mood altering substances, etc. Are you taking appropriate action when the signs of distress are visible?

In 2010, the Air Force was impacted with the suicides of 54 Airmen. According to the number of suicides that have occurred thus far this year, we are projected to exceed last years' numbers.

The theme of this year's Suicide Awareness Week is "Changing the Legacy of Suicide". Do you know what the legacy is? How does one recognize when a person is contemplating suicide? The ability to recognize symptoms within yourself and others is key to changing the legacy of suicide.

Mental health professionals are here to work with individuals and assist when stressors arise. However, the reality is you might be the one with our community. By being aware and informed, you have the capability to save a life if you know what to look for.

Suicide is the result of an inability to cope, intolerance to physical and emotional pain as well as distorted thoughts or misperceptions. This decision may be the result of a single incident or stressor or a lifetime of loathing. Those who follow through with suicide are often faced with an avalanche of hopelessness. Caught up in a moment of despair, they conclude the world would be better without them. These thoughts lead people to believe they do not fit in this world.

The best resource to correct this problem is the powerful concept of wingman or buddy care. Buddies can help friends and coworkers in their time of need by linking them to helping resources.

During September, our goal is to educate servicemembers, family members, co-workers, and friends on how to better recognize the signs of depression and suicide. The majority of Airman who have committed suicide in the past 10 years were not known to the medical community, yet they gave out warning signals. What are the signs that you, as a community member and wingman, should look for?

Depressive symptoms:
· Feel sad or "blue," trouble eating or sleeping, excessive alcohol or drug use, intoxication or change in drinking pattern; stressful life events, feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and being trapped ("there's no way out")
· Belief things will never get better or change, or there is no hope for the future
· Expressions of worthlessness, guilt, shame or self-hatred
· Feeling like a burden ("everyone would be better off without me")

Signs someone may be considering suicide:
· Any talk about suicide, dying or self-harm, such as "I wish I hadn't been born", "if I see you again", or "I'd be better off dead"
· Preoccupation with death, dying or violence
· Writing poems or stories about death
· Searching the Internet for methods and seeking access to guns, pills, knives or other objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
· Making a will, giving away prized possessions, making arrangements for family members
· Withdrawing from friends and family, increasing social isolation, desire to be left alone
· Self-destructiveness: increased alcohol or drug use, reckless driving, unsafe sex, taking unnecessary risks as if they have a "death wish"
· A sudden sense of calm and happiness after being extremely depressed can mean the person has made a decision to commit suicide

Research indicates when signs of a potential suicide are noted early, with support individuals are likely to not contemplate suicide and get the help they need. Because suicide is preventable, recognizing the signs and symptoms to provide the necessary support when an individual is experiencing difficulties may save a life.