Warning signs, helping hands

  • Published
  • 47th Medical Operations Squadron
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  September marks the beginning of National Suicide Prevention Month and Laughlin is working to share the message that support is available when Airmen are overwhelmed, experiencing depression, hopelessness and helplessness.

As the Air Force and its sister services face an increase in suicides, everyone is encouraged to be more involved with those around them. In the Air Force, everyone is considered a wingman, whether military, civilian or contractor.

"We need to make clear the resources and tools available to support Team XL," said Capt. Donna Wanshon, 47th Medical Operations Squadron clinical social worker. "We need to look for signs of stress and problems and we need to be more aware."

One service member commits suicide each day and suicide now ranks as the second largest cause of death for service members, making the need for vigilance clear, Wanshon explained. The reasons behind the losses are varied and contributing factors include relationship and financial problems, sexual assault, domestic violence, legal involvement and investigation, alcohol and substance abuse and mental health issues.

"Suicide affects everyone. Think of those left behind," Wanshon said. "We are all family in the Air Force and you never realize how much and how far your impact makes."

Team XL deals with the same stressors common to all who serve such as deployments, work, and family troubles, Wanshon said. As a pilot training base, the stress of training is significant and for most military members, let alone those in training, it is difficult to ask for help. There is a misguided fear it will ruin a career. Seeking help early saves careers.

And that's the problem, she explained. Fear that talking will ruin a career, make a person look cowardly, or make the person concerned seem nosey.

"Talking about suicide doesn't harm, asking about it will only help," she said.
The first step in helping fellow wingmen is to be observant of those you live and work with.

"Day-in and day-out you work side by side with so many people," said Airman 1st Class Richard Rivera, 47th MDOS mental health technician. "You know your people the best."

Observable warning signs include isolation and decreased involvement in social activities, poor work performance, unkempt and untidy appearance, decreased concentration and task completion, drastic changes in mood and increased alcohol use. If these are noticed, it may be an indication of more serious problems and it's up to those around them to step in. Warning signs are an opportunity to intervene and assist the person to a helping agency.

By asking fellow Airmen direct questions, showing you care, and then helping get them the help and resources they need, a person can make a difference.

"If people see you really do care for them they will open up," Wanshon said.

Resources available at Laughlin include the Airmen and Family Readiness Center, chaplains, Health and Wellness Center, Mental Health Clinic, Family Advocacy Program, Military Family Life Consultant and the Area Defense Counsel. Most importantly are family and friends who are oftentimes readily available to identify the changes and assist an individual to a helping agency, said Wanshon.

"Anyone can look out for others, get involved and open up the dialogue," Wanshon said.

For more information contact mental health at 298-6422 and for immediate help contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 which has counselors available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.