332 AEW/EMDG

1. Unclassified 332 AEW/EMDG I n t e g r i t y - S e r v i c e - E x c e l l e n c e SUICIDE PREVENTION Presenter: MSgt Belinfante Unclassified

2. SUICIDE PREVENTION PRE-TEST • People determined to kill themselves can be stopped • A majority of the people who committed suicide had been receiving mental health treatment • Suicide is the leading cause of death in the Air Force • People who talk or joke about suicide won’t do it • Most suicidal people have serious emotional problems

3. KNOW THE FACTS • Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the US • Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death in the Air Force • Many suicides can be prevented • Most individuals are temporarily overwhelmed by life events • 47% of victims give definite warning signs • Males complete suicide 3-4 times more than females • Females make 3-4 times more attempts than males

4. DEMOGRAPHICS • Civilian High Risk Population: Middle Age White Male • Age: Over 45 Years • Gender: Male-75% • Race: White-90% • USAF High Risk Population: Enlisted White Male • Age: 29 Years average • Gender: Male-94% • Race: White-88%

5. Male 17-24 years of age E-3s, E-4s Divorced or single Romance, work, legal, substance, financial problems Primary modes of death are firearms/hanging 12% sought help at LSSC 1 month prior to death No in-theater OIF/OEF suicides FY04 Suicide Profile

6. USAF SUICIDES • Air Force Active Duty Demographics • - 20 (CY 99) * 47 So far this year • - 35 (CY 00) • - 32 (CY 01) • - 29 (CY 02) • - 38 (CY 03)

7. RISK FACTORS • AF SUICIDES 2003 • Legal Problems - 74% (32% OSI Investigation) • Relationship Difficulties - 63% • Multiple Problems - 60% • Work Related Problems - 37% • Mental Health Issues - 37% • Substance Abuse - 29% (10% Drug/19% Alcohol) • Financial Problems - 24% • Involvement in criminal activity - 18%

8. BE AWARE OF • WARNING SIGNS • Drastic Changes in Behavior • Withdrawal from Friends/Social Activities • Preoccupation with Death • Making Final Arrangements • Giving Away Prized Possessions • Taking Unnecessary Risks • History of Depression or Substance Abuse • Talking About Suicide • Have Attempted Suicide Before

9. You should know … • --Leader’s Guide for Managing Personnel in Distress • “Suicide is not stopped by medical personnel in emergency rooms; it is stopped by addressing quality-of-life issues in the unit on a daily basis” • * “The major components of the Air Force Suicide Prevention Program are active leadership involvement, an emphasis on community involvement and a focus on prevention throughout the life of Airmen and their families, not just when they are suicidal”

10. 4 Dimensions of Human Wellness Physical Emotional • Items to discuss • Member’s self-esteem or current emotional state • (Happy, depressed, intense, hopeful, angry, impulsive, content) • Methods of coping with stress • Items to discuss • Member’s current exercise routine • Current tobacco/alcohol usage • AF Weight Standards • Any other issues dealing with physical well-being. • May refer to PCM or HAWC May refer to Life Skills, Chaplain or a trusted personal friend Social Spiritual • Items to discuss • Network of personal friends •  Group or community involvement, i.e. sports organizations, parent organizations, hobby groups, etc. • Personal/Financial/Legal/Relationship issues about which member would like to talk with someone • May refer to FSC, Life Skills, Chaplain, ADC • Items to discuss • Importance of spirituality or faith in member’s life • Role of spirituality or faith in dealing with life’s challenges •  Spiritual or faith issues about which member would like to talk with someone • May refer to Chaplain or religious leader

11. PROTECTIVE FACTORS • Unit cohesion and camaraderie • Peer support • Easy access to helping resources • Social and family support • Effective coping and problem-solving skills • A measure of personal control of life and its circumstances • Participation and membership in a community

12. DO’S • Know your Co-workers and Peers • Reassure. Stress that suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. • Be Aware of Warning Sings • Get Involved-Be Available-Show Interest • Be Direct – Ask If They Are Thinking of Suicide • If the Answer is Yes – Determine If They Have a Plan • Question Accessibility to Means • Take Action –Remove Means if Safe/Possible

13. DON’TS • Don’t be judgmental. Acknowledge Feelings. Don’t take it personally if you can’t help them “cheer up” • Don’t Put Them Off – Take Threats Seriously • Express Concern - Explain why you are worried. • Don’t Act Shocked – This will Distance You • Don’t Be Sworn to Secrecy – Seek Support • Don’t Lecture the Person • Don’t Leave Them Alone (Unless you are at risk for harm)

14. WHAT TO DO-LONG TERM • Promote Unit Wide Sensitivity to Risk Factors • Take Care of Your People • Identify Those at Risk and Get Them Assistance • Communicate - Look for Signs - Listen • Be Available • Enforce belief that it is okay to get help

15. WHO CAN WE CONTACT? • Life Skills Support Center 458-1766 • CASF Mental Health Team 458-1601 • Chaplains: 458-xxxx

16. L.I.N.K. • Look - Be aware of your people and their potential vulnerability for suicidal behavior • Inquire - Be direct and ask about your concerns • Note - Note their risk factors and level of risk • Know - Know how to get help and know your referral agencies

17. SUICIDE PREVENTION POST-TEST • People determined to kill themselves can be stopped • A majority of the people who committed suicide had not been receiving mental health treatment • Suicide is the leading cause of death in the Air Force • People who talk or joke about suicide won’t do it • Most suicidal people have serious emotional problems

18. WHAT TO DO AFTER • AN INCIDENT • Alert Critical Incident Stress Management Team • Provide support to survivors • Provide support to witnesses • Arrange for follow-up care and support as needed • Review policies on crisis response actions

19. Questions…Comments Thank you…