# Suicide Awareness Prevention Month: Don’t Wait. Reach Out. 

/ Published Sept. 26, 2023
PHILADELPHIA, 
An Iraq War veteran, logistician and Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support leader underscores the importance of teamwork built on trust in developing sensitivity to others’ mental health challenges. 

“Topics staying in the shadows do nothing to help people, especially when we’re talking about suicide,” said DLA Troop Support Medical Director Army Col. Bruce Argueta.  

September marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Argueta encourages all to use this time as a reminder to understand signs of mental health challenges in loved ones and colleagues.  

“I strive to get feedback and make personal connections as much a possible as we return to the office, boosting morale as a leader, creating trust and a safe environment,” he said. “I really want to thank people to make them feel appreciated. Sometimes credit doesn’t go down to the individual and it is important to have genuine appreciation to recognize the value people bring to the workforce.” 

Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Denis McDonough stated in a Public Service Announcement, “suicide is preventable, and we can all play a role by checking in on each other and encouraging those who are struggling to seek the support they need.”  

With approximately 26,000 DLA employees across 48 states and 28 countries, identifying colleagues that may need support is important for active miliary, veterans and civilians alike. 

“Mental health is not visible like an open wound, so we need to make the extra effort to check in on each other, especially since your work family becomes your primary family,” Argueta said. “Building trust and a creating a safe space allows people to open-up.” 

According to the CDC, suicide survivors may experience serious injuries with long-term effects on their physical and mental health. Surviving family and friends can also experience their own trauma. 

“Finding a handful of folks you can talk to is vital, since human connection is important—connections with friends and family are significant,” Argueta said.  

Each DLA Troop Support employee contributes to the overall mission and  should feel they are a significant part in the DLA family.  

“[We all] should feel like an important part of the team and contributing to the overall mission,” Argueta said. “Once you get to know your colleagues, it is easier to identify how people like to be recognized for their achievements. 

Col. Argueta encourages everyone to take that moment to thank your colleagues. Recognizing individual values can also strengthen professional relationship built on trust. Creating protective environments from top down where people feel cared about, helps identify and support those at risk. 

“Any genuine leader who cares about their people strives to create trust in professional relationships,” Argueta said. “Let people know that as a leader you genuinely care about them and the workforce. Your second family is your colleagues. We must create a culture focused on interpersonal relationships. Cultural Improvement Team events are a great opportunity to create bonds and comradery.”  

The DLA Troop Support Employee Assistance Program is a confidential counseling and referral service that can help you and your family successfully deal with life’s challenges. EAP services are available at no cost to you.  Counselors can also provide referrals to community resources based on client needs, health insurance coverage, and financial resources. Contact the 24/7/365 EAP line by dialing  1-866-580-9046 and identify DLA as your servicing agency.  

**Additional Resources**

Military Crisis Line: A free, 24/7, confidential support is a click away via chat, phone via 988 [press 1], Text 838255. 

CDC Suicide Prevention Resource for Action: Provides tips and details proven strategies to reduce suicide.  

2023 Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Toolkit: Supporting larger Department of Defense suicide prevention campaign created by the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.