To Prevent Suicide Ask for Help at First Warning Signs

Filed under DoD News by on November 13, 2009 at 1:02 pm {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.

Seeking Care is a Sign of Strength: DCoE’s Real Warriors Campaign

Filed under DoD News by on June 17, 2009 at 1:44 pm {no comments}

By Brig. Gen. Loree K. Sutton

As warriors, paying attention to physical, spiritual and psychological health are key components to resiliency and life after deployment. Maintaining a strong mind, body and spirit keeps us safe, healthy and able to function in our daily lives.

For many returning home, this life balance is crucial. To help warriors cope with the psychological impact of war, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) recently launched the Real Warriors Campaign.

By visiting the Real Warriors Web site, service members, veterans and their families can chat with health resource consultants from DCoE’s Outreach Center. Individuals can also call 1-866-966-1020 to talk with our Outreach Center consultants 24 hours a day, any day of the week.

 

In addition, on the Real Warriors Web site warriors can view videos of actual service members tell how they sought help and benefited, and read tips on preparing to deploy, dealing with deployment, and dealing with coming home. When warriors see and hear other service members successfully facing these challenges, they can find a source of encouragement to get the help they may need. It is a powerful lesson: “If they can reach out and get better, then so can I.”

Today, warriors often fear that asking for help will damage their career, cost them respect, or make them look weak. We want them to know that just the opposite is true: Reaching out is an act of strength and courage. With your participation, the campaign will be a success in eliminating the discrimination of stigma. Stigma is a deadly toxic hazard. Together, we can end it.

Visit www.realwarriors.net, download the Web banners and place them on your Web site. Download print materials for distribution among your unit and encourage others to do the same!

It takes Real Strength to fight Real Battles – we invite you to join the Real Warriors Campaign journey today. We’re all in this together – perhaps that is our greatest blessing and strength.

You are NOT alone –

Brig. Gen. Loree K. Sutton

DCoE Director

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