Presenter: MSgt Belinfante

1
Unclassified
SUICIDE PREVENTION
Presenter MSgt Belinfante
Unclassified
2
SUICIDE PREVENTION PRE-TEST

• 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 wont do
  it
• Most suicidal people have serious emotional
  problems

3

• KNOW THE FACTS
• Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in
  the US
• Suicide is the 2nd 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

4

• 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
• Age 29 Years average
• Gender Male-94
• Race White-88

5
FY04 Suicide Profile

• Male
• 17-24 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

6

• USAF SUICIDES
• 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)

7

• 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

8

• 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

9

• You should know
• --Leaders 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

10
4 Dimensions of Human Wellness
Physical
Emotional

• Items to discuss
• Members self-esteem or current emotional state
• (Happy, depressed, intense, hopeful, angry,
  impulsive, content)
• Methods of coping with stress

•  Items to discuss
• Members current exercise routine
• Current tobacco/alcohol usage
• AF Weight Standards
• Any other issues dealing with physical
  well-being.
• May refer to PCM or HAWC

May refer to Life Skills, Chaplain or a trusted
personal friend
Spiritual
Social

• Items to discuss
• Importance of spirituality or faith in members
  life
• Role of spirituality or faith in dealing with
  lifes challenges
•  Spiritual or faith issues about which member
  would like to talk with someone
• May refer to Chaplain or religious leader

• 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

11

• 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

12

• DOS
• 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

13

• DONTS
• Dont be judgmental. Acknowledge Feelings. Dont
  take it personally if you cant help them cheer
  up
• Dont Put Them Off Take Threats Seriously
• Express Concern - Explain why you are worried.
• Dont Act Shocked This will Distance You
• Dont Be Sworn to Secrecy Seek Support
• Dont Lecture the Person
• Dont Leave Them Alone (Unless you are at risk
  for harm)

14

• 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

15

• WHO CAN WE CONTACT?

• Life Skills Support Center 458-1766
• CASF Mental Health Team 458-1601
• Chaplains 458-xxxx

16

• 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

17
SUICIDE PREVENTION POST-TEST

• 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 wont do
  it
• Most suicidal people have serious emotional
  problems

18

• 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

19
QuestionsComments
Thank you