Mental health: Pay attention, save a life

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Kelly White
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  "This is one statistic I share that always gets people's attention," said Senior Airman Samantha McCool, 35th Medical Operations Squadron mental health technician. "Suicide is something that can affect anyone - even here. It's not limited to any rank or service."

While the last recorded suicide on Misawa occurred five years ago, she said that shouldn't be viewed as an indicator there's no need for concern.

"It's a big deal," Airman McCool said, "Suicides are increasing Air Force-wide - as they are in all services. The Air Force has confirmed 56 suicides since Jan. 1, and we've had four people at Misawa attempt to commit suicide since Jan. 1."

Experts say that most often, people don't contemplate suicide because they want to die. They only want to end their pain.

"Even the most severely depressed person has mixed feelings about death, and most waver until the very last moment between wanting to live and wanting to die," according to the Suicide Awareness Voice of Education organization Web site. "The impulse to end it all, however overpowering, does not last forever."

This is why it's critical people be able to recognize the warning signs demonstrated by those with suicidal thoughts, and to help prevent them from taking suicidal action, said Airman McCool.

"The wingman concept is still a big part of suicide prevention," Airman McCool said. "As a medical health technician, I'm not going to be able to see a problem with someone as well as a friend, family member or coworker - someone who's close to them on a regular basis."

Through random surveys and patient questionnaires, mental health professionals have determined only 25 percent of suicides are prevented in the medical group, she added.

"Seventy-five percent of suicides are prevented somewhere else," she said. "That's huge and is the reason being a wingman is such a priority."

A simple wingman approach Airman McCool promotes during suicide prevention briefings she provides on base is "ACT."

A - Ask the person if they're thinking of committing suicide
C - Care for the person by removing them from a dangerous environment
T - Take the person to a professional who can help them

The most important thing for people who are in crisis - those feeling sad, hopeless or overwhelmed by a situation at work or home - is to know that there are people and resources available to help them, Airman McCool explained.

"Here at Misawa, we have tons of resources," she said. "People can come to mental health or the chaplain, and being overseas, we also have the military family life consultant - a licensed, credentialed mental health provider - who keeps no records."

Resources unassociated with the military are also available, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Counselors are available 24/7 by phone at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or via live chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

"There's always somewhere to go," said Airman McCool. "If there's someone you think is at risk for suicide, don't be scared to get them help. If you're someone who is having thoughts of suicide, know that we're here to listen. The hardest thing is coming through the doors the first time, but after that, it starts to get easier."