332 AEW/EMDG I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e Presenter: MSgt Belinfante Unclassified SUICIDE PREVENTION

People determined to kill themselves can be stopped A majority of the people who committed suicide had been receiving mental health treatment Suicide is the leading cause of death in the Air Force People who talk or joke about suicide won’t do it Most suicidal people have serious emotional problems SUICIDE PREVENTION PRE-TEST

KNOW THE FACTS Suicide is the 11 th leading cause of death in the US Suicide is the 2 nd leading cause of death in the Air Force Many suicides can be prevented Most individuals are temporarily overwhelmed by life events 47% of victims give definite warning signs Males complete suicide 3-4 times more than females Females make 3-4 times more attempts than males

DEMOGRAPHICS Civilian High Risk Population: Middle Age White Male Age: Over 45 Years Gender: Male-75% Race: White-90% USAF High Risk Population: Enlisted White Male USAF High Risk Population: Enlisted White Male Age: 29 Years average Gender: Male-94% Race: White-88%

FY04 Suicide Profile Male years of age E-3s, E-4s Divorced or single Romance, work, legal, substance, financial problems Primary modes of death are firearms/hanging 12% sought help at LSSC 1 month prior to death No in-theater OIF/OEF suicides

USAF SUICIDES Air Force Active Duty Demographics Air Force Active Duty Demographics - 20 (CY 99) * 47 So far this year - 35 (CY 00) - 32 (CY 01) - 29 (CY 02) - 38 (CY 03)

RISK FACTORS AF SUICIDES 2003 Legal Problems - 74% (32% OSI Investigation) Relationship Difficulties - 63% Multiple Problems - 60% Work Related Problems - 37% Mental Health Issues - 37% Substance Abuse - 29% (10% Drug/19% Alcohol) Financial Problems - 24% Involvement in criminal activity - 18%

BE AWARE OF WARNING SIGNS Drastic Changes in Behavior Withdrawal from Friends/Social Activities Preoccupation with Death Making Final Arrangements Giving Away Prized Possessions Taking Unnecessary Risks History of Depression or Substance Abuse Talking About Suicide Have Attempted Suicide Before

You should know … --Leader’s Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress “Suicide is not stopped by medical personnel in emergency rooms; it is stopped by addressing quality-of-life issues in the unit on a daily basis” * “The major components of the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program are active leadership involvement, an emphasis on community involvement and a focus on prevention throughout the life of Airmen and their families, not just when they are suicidal”

PhysicalEmotional 4 Dimensions of Human Wellness Items to discuss Member’s self-esteem or current emotional state (Happy, depressed, intense, hopeful, angry, impulsive, content) Methods of coping with stress Spiritual Items to discuss Importance of spirituality or faith in member’s life Role of spirituality or faith in dealing with life’s challenges Spiritual or faith issues about which member would like to talk with someone May refer to Chaplain or religious leader Social Items to discuss Member’s current exercise routine Current tobacco/alcohol usage AF Weight Standards Any other issues dealing with physical well-being. May refer to PCM or HAWC Items to discuss Network of personal friends Group or community involvement, i.e. sports organizations, parent organizations, hobby groups, etc. Personal/Financial/Legal/Relationship issues about which member would like to talk with someone May refer to FSC, Life Skills, Chaplain, ADC May refer to Life Skills, Chaplain or a trusted personal friend

PROTECTIVE FACTORS Unit cohesion and camaraderie Peer support Easy access to helping resources Social and family support Effective coping and problem-solving skills A measure of personal control of life and its circumstances Participation and membership in a community

DO’S Know your Co-workers and Peers Reassure. Stress that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Be Aware of Warning Sings Get Involved-Be Available-Show Interest Be Direct – Ask If They Are Thinking of Suicide If the Answer is Yes – Determine If They Have a Plan Question Accessibility to Means Take Action –Remove Means if Safe/Possible

DON’TS Don’t be judgmental. Acknowledge Feelings. Don’t take it personally if you can’t help them “cheer up” Don’t Put Them Off – Take Threats Seriously Express Concern - Explain why you are worried. Don’t Act Shocked – This will Distance You Don’t Be Sworn to Secrecy – Seek Support Don’t Lecture the Person Don’t Leave Them Alone (Unless you are at risk for harm)

WHAT TO DO-LONG TERM Promote Unit Wide Sensitivity to Risk Factors Take Care of Your People Identify Those at Risk and Get Them Assistance Communicate - Look for Signs - Listen Be Available Enforce belief that it is okay to get help

WHO CAN WE CONTACT? Life Skills Support Center CASF Mental Health Team Chaplains: 458-xxxx

L.I.N.K. Look - Be aware of your people and their potential vulnerability for suicidal behavior Inquire - Be direct and ask about your concerns Note - Note their risk factors and level of risk Know - Know how to get help and know your referral agencies

People determined to kill themselves can be stopped A majority of the people who committed suicide had not been receiving mental health treatment Suicide is the leading cause of death in the Air Force People who talk or joke about suicide won’t do it Most suicidal people have serious emotional problems SUICIDE PREVENTION POST-TEST

WHAT TO DO AFTER AN INCIDENT Alert Critical Incident Stress Management Team Provide support to survivors Provide support to witnesses Arrange for follow-up care and support as needed Review policies on crisis response actions

Questions…Comments Thank you…