Suicide Prevention

Healthy People 2000 “Violent and Abusive Behavior Progress Review” n n 20,000 Homicides n over 30,000 Suicides n which means an average of 50 people killed each day and almost 80 committed suicide

Healthy People 2000 Violent and Abusive Behavior Progress Review n n homicide rate dropped by 30% n suicide rate dropped by 14%

DOD Details Stress, Suicide Prevention Programs n 7 June 1999 Dr. Sue Bailey ( Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affair) unveiled the details of the two major policies announced by President Clinton;

n Expansion of the community approach to a Suicide Prevention Program. n Implement a combat stress control program

DOD-Wide Program n Air Force pilot model to be implemented throughout DOD by the end of 1999 which consists of: n Widely distributed public service messages by DOD Senior leaders that express concern about suicide and the importance of encouraging and protecting members who seek help

n Debrief people and units following traumatic events n Establish annual suicide awareness and prevention training n Integrate the delivery of services from MH, FA, HWC, FSC, C&YC, and the Chaplains

n Include suicide prevention in all professional military education programs n Develop a larger data base of those who commit and attempt suicide so risk factors and trends can be analyzed and preventive measures taken n Conduct unit risk assessment surveys and unit intervention as needed

Risk Factors associated with suicide victims n History of Mental Health Problems n Substance Abuse n Relationship Problems n Poor Coping Skills n Poor job performance n Social Isolation n Legal Problems n Previous Attempts n Financial Problems

Protective Factors n Establish social support in units n Teaching individual coping skills n Establishing a belief among military people that seeking mental health care is acceptable and ensuring privacy protection

Other Initiatives n DOD will emphasize the critical importance of leadership and education and make leaders more aware of the effects of combat stress on individuals and the military unit.

Combat & Operational Stress n Combat Stress Reactions are normal reactions to abnormal situations n Severe stress reactions occur when a person is overwhelmed psychologically, cognitively and/or physically

Combat & Operational Stress n Mild to moderate stress reactions may occur - n exposure to harsh environment n long duty hours n separation from family n Anticipation of horrible events n In Bosnia Southwest Asia 20% service members show a sufficient level of stress to warrant evaluation by a health care provider n 3% referred for full MH evaluation

Combat & Operational Stress n During WWII, the rate of Combat Stress casualties to wounded services members was about 25% in the European theater n During Vietnam the rate was about 10% -lower by comparison because of the type of fighting during the conflict

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