Emotional
Bias, prejudice, stigma, and discrimination discourage many people from seeking help, or even from sharing the psychological distress that could lead to suicidal behaviors. In some cases, cultural or religious beliefs that oppose suicide may help protect some individuals from suicidal behaviors. In others, they may present barriers to help seeking, and can increase the distress of those who have been bereaved by suicide. Broad communication, public education, and public policy efforts are needed to promote mental health, increase understanding of mental and substance abuse disorders, and eliminate barriers to help seeking. These efforts should increase awareness that no one is immune from experiencing these difficulties. Seeking treatment should be seen not as a sign of weakness, but as a step toward recovery
Social
Social attitudes, bias, and stigma often present barriers to treatment and undermine the recovery of persons with mental or substance use disorders. Friends and family, health professionals, and others may at times be overly protective or pessimistic about what someone with a mental or substance use disorder will be able to achieve. These attitudes can undermine the person’s hope for the future and ability to recover. A better understanding of crisis, trauma, and recovery can help individuals and groups within the Army Family promote resilience and wellness among all. It is important to increase awareness that, in most cases, individuals who have a behavioral or substance use disorder can recover and regain or attain meaningful lives and service.
Physical
Clinical and community-based programs and services play a key role in promoting wellness, building resilience, and preventing suicidal behaviors among various groups. Clinical preventive services, including suicide assessment and preventive screening by primary care and other health care providers, are crucial to assessing suicide risk and connecting individuals at risk for suicide to available clinical services and other sources of care.
Spiritual
Your unit chaplain can be a good resource if you need assistance.
If you do not know how to contact your unit chaplain, you can contact the on-call chaplain at (337) 208-2868.
Many institutions, agencies, and organizations on post and in the community have a role to play in promoting health, reducing risk factors, increasing protective factors, training personnel who are in contact with individuals with suicide risk, and providing support to individuals in crisis. A few examples include: health care organizations, veterans service organizations, faith-based organizations, law enforcement institutions, schools, youth-serving organizations, and of course, the work place. Engaging these and other on-post and community groups can greatly expand the reach of suicide prevention efforts, making it possible to provide assistance and support to individuals who may be most vulnerable and/or underserved.
Family
If you are a family member who needs assistance, contact BJACH behavioral health at (726) 780-2566/2567 during normal duty hours or any of the After Duty Hours points of contact listed in the box above.
Do:
Trust your instincts that the person may be in trouble.
Communication needs to include mostly listening.
Talk with the person about your concerns.
Ask direct questions without being judgemental:
Are you thinking about killing yourself?
Have you ever tried to end your life?
Do you think you might try to kill yourself today?
Determine if the person has a specific plan to carry out the suicide:
Have you thought about ways you might kill yourself?
Do you have pills or weapons in the house?
Remember:
Don't leave the person alone.
Don't swear to secrecy.
Don't act shocked or judgmental.
Don't counsel the person yourself.