Written on November 13, 2009 at 1:02 pm by

To Prevent Suicide Ask for Help at First Warning Signs

Filed under DoD News {no comments}
DCoE Outreach Center

DCoE Outreach Center

By U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Loree K. Sutton, MC, USA
Director of the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury

The invisible pain of war and life are real, as Ernest Hemingway put it, “The world breaks everyone, and many become stronger at the broken places.”

 Our men and women in uniform are coming home after multiple deployments from Iraq and Afghanistan different than when they left—their loved ones have changed as well. Whether deployed or on the home front our friend, spouse, child or buddy may be struggling with a moral injury, psychological trauma, or medical illness. Our military family is all in this together, we must remind each other that we are NOT alone and reaching out IS a sign of courage and strength.

As a community we can educate ourselves on the resources available to those struggling with the seen and unseen injuries of combat.  If left untreated the psychological health issues our warriors face can manifest in several ways and be compounded by pain, anxiety, substance misuse, and conflicted relationships and be fatal. The greatest threat to the health and well-being for our warriors, veterans and their loved ones is stigma. It is deadly, toxic, hazardous, and must be eliminated.

The book Why People Die by Suicide by Dr. Thomas Joiner helps us to identify three emotional elements a potential suicide victim may be feeling—perceived or real. As human beings we all want to belong. Quite often someone contemplating suicide may feel invisible or alone. They may see themselves as a burden to their friends and family. And they are often desensitized to violence, pain and injury—virtual or real—that was once seen as abnormal. As fellow human beings, we have a duty to reach out and fight for life—you are not alone.  We are all in this together.

We owe our warriors, veterans and their families our very best. If you are worried about someone who is demonstrating some of the warning signs and think they may be contemplating suicide, take action by expressing your concern and asking if they are feeling hopeless or suicidal. If so, reach out for professional help immediately, and escort them to safety. 

By acknowledging and being aware of the risks and resources available we can assist those we know as well as others who take courage from our example.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/.

If you would like more information on psychological health and traumatic brain injury, please contact the DCoE Outreach Center toll-free at 866-966-1020, by email at resources@dcoeoutreach.org or via instant message at www.RealWarriors.net. We are eager to get your feedback to continuously improve our ability to connect with you… There simply is no greater privilege.

Check out these other posts:

Recent Comments

DoDLive on Tumblr

  • photo from Tumblr

    The only African-American ace of World War II, and a former Tuskegee Airman, went on to have a career in the Air Force, as well as success in the business world.

    Lee A. Archer joined the Army in 1941 with high hopes of becoming a pilot, but was initially denied because of his race. When the Army’s policy changed about a year later, Archer was accepted to the training program for black aviators at the Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama.

    Archer is best known for a day in late 1944 when he was involved in a series of dogfights over German-occupied Hungary. Flying a P-51 Mustang fighter, Archer shot down three German fighters. He would go on to add two more German fighters to his credit to become the first and only African-American ace of the war.

    As a civilian, Archer enjoyed even greater success, serving as vice president for urban affairs with General Foods, as CEO of North Street Capital Corp. and chairman of Hudson Commercial Corp. He also served on the board of directors of Beatrice International Foods and the Institute for American Business.

    Read the rest of his story here.



  • Navy Lt. Aaron Lanzel is on a mission, his goal to join the U.S. Olympic track team this summer in London. Lt. Lanzel is working out daily at U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. He trains daily in a couple of events, the 1500 and 3000 meter run. This is his second try at being a US Olympian, an active duty U.S. Naval officer, he’s hoping this time, that he can make the team and run for his country.


  • photo from Tumblr

    navyhistory:

    On 7 February 1800, USS Essex became the first U.S. Navy vessel to cross the Equator. This 1799 image of Essex was painted by E. Tuffnell, R.N. (Retired). NHHC Photograph Collection, NH 72804-KN.