‘One suicide is too many’

by Eve Meinhardt
Paraglide




The holiday season is a time to enjoy Family and friends. As people come together to celebrate, it is also a good time to make sure those you love aren’t contemplating an irreversible solution to problems they may be experiencing.

“While we do not find an increased rate of suicides during this time of year, it doesn’t mean someone should not be vigilant or pay attention. It is still important to keep an eye on your friends, Family and coworkers, watching for changes in behavior or life events that may lead them to contemplate suicide,” said Col. Ed Crandell, chief, Womack Army Medical Center Department of Behavioral Health. “It can be a stressful time of year.”

A lost job, an illness in the Family, a failed relationship or a military punishment can potentially lead someone to consider ending their life. Crandell said signs to look for include changes in behavior; hopelessness; helplessness; social isolation and declining performance. If a person suddenly becomes uninterested in previous activities, self critical or moody, it is important to ask them how they are doing and if they may be considering suicide. Increased alcohol use can also be an indicator.

“Alcohol is a disinhibitor,” said Crandell. “It helps someone take an action they may not otherwise take. A high number of suicide attempts occur under the influence.”

While there are indicators and behaviors to look for, every case is different, said Crandell. There is no single factor that links each person who commits suicide.

The ACE card Soldiers and Department of Army civilians receive helps start the conversation when a peer’s behavior appears to be suicidal. The card tells people to ask your buddy whether he or she is thinking of killing themselves; care for your buddy and remove any means of self injury; and escort your buddy to someone who can care for them.

“The cornerstone to ACE is to ask,” said Ric Kuhlbars, manager, Fort Bragg Suicide Prevention Program. “If you think someone is suicidal, bring them to the hospital. Only a professional can make that decision and when someone’s life is on the line, they need a behavioral health specialist.”

Kuhlbars encourages people to not only care about their friends, Family and coworkers, but to be mindful of themselves and how they are feeling.

“We often have the mentality that ‘I can fix everything, I don’t need someone else’ or thinking that our problems aren’t that big of a deal compared to others,” he said. “We all have so much going on, but we each have different coping mechanisms and skills. What may be nothing much for one person can seem insurmountable to someone else.”

The key is not being afraid to ask for help. Maj. Gen. Daniel Allyn, deputy commanding general, XVIII Airborne Corps said the Army’s leadership and behavioral care providers are working hard to eliminate any stigma associated with Soldiers seeking or accepting mental health care.
“It’s okay to seek help of any and all kinds to keep us on the path to wellness,” said Allyn. “We are talking openly about seeking help, and Soldiers are listening and acting to protect their buddies.”

Crandell said behavioral health care is available to Soldiers and their Family members 24 hours a day, seven days a week through walk-ins, appointments and after duty hours for emergency situations at the WAMC Emergency Room. For non-life threatening situations, he said that the chain of command and Family life consultants are valuable resources.

“One suicide is too many,” said Crandell. “You may think that you’re going to lose a friend if you tell them you’re worried that they may be suicidal. You might. But if you do nothing, you absolutely will lose a friend with no chance of ever getting them back. Never be afraid to try to get someone the help he or she needs.”