Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Chaplain Jonathan Alexander

Chaplain, BNCR & Headquarters

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Rank, in order, the following suicidal stressors according to a recent military study:

A: Substance abuseB: Legal or disciplinary issuesC: Military or work stressD: Relationship problems

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Q: What is the most prevalent stressor involved in suicides?

A: Relationship problems

And within relationships...

money, sex, and power (i.e. control)

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And within relationships...money, sex, and power (i.e. control)

The right rank:

A: Relationship problems (58%)B: Military or work stress (50%)C: Legal or disciplinary issues (38%)D: Substance abuse (30%)

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More than 80% of people who suicide suffer    from a mental health issue, usually mood          (e.g. depression), substance use, PTSD,                  or impulse control disorders.

Alcohol use and abuse are associated with approximately 25% to 50% of suicides.

The combination is quite lethal.

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Very important to know and remember some of the major causes

Suicide Risk Factors

Poor job performance/evaluation

Being passed over for promotion or career opportunities

Rejection or failed relationships

Debilitating sickness or illness

Death of a loved one

Bullying

Financial problems

Loss of social support systems

Facing NJP or other legal actions

Feeling shamed or humiliated

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Perhaps the most important risk factor for suicide is a severe, stressful event experienced as shameful or humiliating...(Barlow & Durand, p. 260)

Suicide Warning Signs“IS PATH WARM”

Ideation – Thoughts of suicide

Substance Use – Increased or excessive alcohol/drug use

Purposelessness – Seeing no reason for living

Anxiety – Anxiousness, agitation, nightmares

Trapped – Feeling as though there is no way out

Hopelessness – Feeling hopeless about oneself, others or the future

Withdrawal – Isolating from friends, family, usual activities, and society

Anger – Feelings of rage or uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge

Recklessness – Acting without regard for consequences

Mood Changes – Dramatic changes in mood, unstable mood

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A-C-E

ASK 

CARE

ESCORT 

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A-C-E

ASK

Do: 

Ask if s/he is thinking about suicide

Actively listen 

Acknowledge talk, behavior and feelings

Don’t:

Debate whether suicide is right or wrong

Discuss whether feelings are good or bad

Lecture them on how they should feel

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A-C-E

CARE

Do: 

Listen!

Discuss/care about issues and troubles

Don’t:

Encourage him or her to do it as a test

Act shocked at their desire to die 

Rush to try to “fix” or “cheer up” the person

Judge or minimize

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A-C-E

ESCORT

Do: 

Inform your chain of command; take them to medical/emergency room/chaplain, or call 911.

And do it NOW!

Don’t:

Leave them alone no matter what they say

Be sworn to secrecy

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Chaplain and confidentiality

Protective Factors

Coping skills

Self-efficacy

Problem – solving skills

Optimism

Personal control

Belonging

Social support

  Access to resources

  Interconnectedness

  Marriage

  Community 

  Spiritual affiliation

  Participation

  OK to seek help!

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Resources	

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Coordinator

National Suicide Prevention Hotline:  1-800-273-TALK(8255)

CGSUPRT:  1-855-CGSUPRT (247-8778)

Local CG Medical Clinic

Healthcare Provider

Unit Independent Duty Corpsman

Chaplain and Absolute Confidentiality

http://www.uscg.mil/worklife/suicide_prevention.asp

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Need Assistance?

To contact the Work-Life office closest to you, call 1-800-872-4957

For free expert guidance, counseling, and/or resources 24/7, contact... 

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Get the USCG HSWL app available on iOS or Android devices!!!

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Questions?

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