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Suicide in the National Guard

●. ●. ●. ●. ●. ●. In 2009, 339 Warriors Killed in Action; 343 Suicides. Between 2001-2006, US Suicide Rate Increased 1x per 100K; Army Rates Increased 10x per 100K. Suicide Rates Increasing Among All Ranks. Veteran Population 66% More Likely to Die by Suicide.

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Suicide in the National Guard

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  1. ● ● ● ● ● ● In 2009, 339 Warriors Killed in Action; 343 Suicides Between 2001-2006, US Suicide Rate Increased 1x per 100K; Army Rates Increased 10x per 100K Suicide Rates Increasing Among All Ranks Veteran Population 66% More Likely to Die by Suicide Nearly 10,000 Service Members Return Home Each Month and Need Support in Different Ways Mental Illness a Contributor but Adjustment Disorders and Substance Use More Significant Suicide in the National Guard (Kaplan et al., 2007; McCarthy et al., 2009; National Guard Bureau, 2009)

  2. PHP MISSION and GOALS The mission of the NG Psychological Health Program is to advocate and support NG members and their families by promoting mental fitness and personal wellness for operational readiness. Our Goals Are To: 1) Aid in the retention of experienced and qualified service men and women. 2) Integrate psychological fitness in daily life. 3) Reduce stigma associated with seeking assistance for mental health and substance abuse issues. 4) Decrease barriers to treatment by facilitating access to resources.

  3. What is Psychological Health Program? A National Guard sponsored program Confidential support for Guard and Reserve members and their families A high quality, comprehensive service that is NG and Reserve member specific Assistance for NG and Reserve members, commanders and supervisors Consultation and support on organizational and individual health care situations which have an impact on NG/R member’s reintegration to civilian life Consultative guidance and advice to state and territory NG/R senior management on state specific mental health needs National Guard Psychological Health Program

  4. Relationship Management: Overview of Program Team DPHs dedicated to NG/R state offices and territories Mission The mission of the NG/R Psychological Health Program is to advocate and support NG members and families by promoting mental fitness and personal wellness for operational readiness. Team member responsibilities Primary points of contact to 54 NG/R state offices and territories Liaison with programs and community agencies. Oversee and coordinate mental health counseling and resource services National Guard Psychological Health Program

  5. Mental health counseling and support services Accessed via telephone or face-to-face Eligibility: Guard members and their families Staffed by DPHs Assessment, referral, resource identification Interface with other NG/R Programs Private Service National Guard Psychological Health Program PHP Overview Psychological Health Program

  6. Stigma Reduction Stigma: an attribute, behavior, or reputation which is socially discrediting in a particular way. it causes an individual to be classified by others in an undesirable, rejected stereotype rather than in an accepted, normal way. (Wikipedia.org) 9/7/2014 5

  7. Stigma goes beyond the misuse of words and information, it is about disrespect. Our society tends not give the same acceptance to behavioral disorders as we do to other medical disorders. Many behavioral health issues involve changes in the brains chemistry due to extreme prolonged stress, life circumstances, medical issues etc. Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 6

  8. Myths about behavioral health issues: The individual is: Unstable and emotionally weak Attention seeking, Trying to get out of their job or mission A danger to themselves or others Unintelligent Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 7

  9. Myth: “People who need behavioral health care should be locked away in institutions.” Fact: Today, most people can lead productive lives within their communities thanks to a variety of programs, and/or medications. Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 8

  10. Myth: “A person who has had a behavioral health issue can never be normal.” Fact: People with behavioral health issues can recover and resume normal activities. For example, Mike Wallace of “60 Minutes”, who has clinical depression, has received treatment and today leads an enriched and accomplished life. Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 9

  11. Myth: “Persons with behavior health issues are dangerous.” Fact: The vast majority of people with mental disorders are not violent. In the cases when violence does occur, the incidence typically results from the same reasons as with the general public such as feeling threatened or excessive use of alcohol and/or drugs. Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 10

  12. Myth: “Persons with behavioral health issues can work low level jobs but aren’t suited for important or responsible jobs”. Fact: Persons with behavioral health issues have the capacity to work at any position depending on their professional abilities and motivation. (SAMSHA.gov) Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 11

  13. Be informed about the subject of which you are dealing. Remember 1 in 4 people in the United States deal with some sort of behavioral health issue per year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the military after accidents. (APA) Stigma Reduction 9/7/2014 12

  14. REMEMBER: It takes the strength of a Warrior to ask for emotional help.

  15. Other Resources Available to You State Family Program Directors MFLCs 12 sessions, short-term solution focused therapy (STFT) TAAs Chaplains SARCs ESGR September 7, 2014 14

  16. Psychological Health Program QUESTIONS? September 7, 2014 15

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