The fight to save Airmen starts here

  • Published
  • 66th Medical Squadron Mental Health Flight
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  Suicide Prevention day is Sept. 10 and serves as a reminder that the fight to save fellow Airmen starts right here at home station. This is a year-long effort and everyone must remain vigilant to the warning signs in order to prevent more needless tragedies from occurring. Suicide can devastate families, units and communities and everyone has the capacity to make a difference.

Labor Day marked the end of the summer and with it, a close to the Critical Days of Summer. During this time, Air Force members are more likely to take advantage of outdoor activities and increased daylight and to travel and experience new things, all of which carry higher levels of risk for injury and death. The Air Force has devoted a great deal of time and attention to increasing awareness of these risks, in hopes that Airmen will be more conscious of the dangers faced when enjoying leisure time.

Many commanders are breathing a sigh of relief as this time of heightened risk has passed, yet the single greatest killer of Airmen, both civilian and military, remains an ever present threat to those that serve.

Suicide has taken more of the ranks than current combat operations, with more than 80 total force suicides in each of the last three years. The trend is not unique to the Air Force, as other services have been noting the same alarming spike in suicides. This past July, the Army saw the single greatest number of suicides in a month since this statistic was first publicly released in 2009.

The skills required to intervene do not require an advanced degree or credentials to perform therapy. The golden rule of suicide prevention is: if worried about someone, express concern and provide support. Too many people overlook changes in behavior or concerns for coworkers because they are worried about overstepping a boundary. Simply put, it is always better to ask someone how they are doing than wish someone had asked.

Not every suicide is predictable or necessarily preventable, but many individuals who commit suicide demonstrate some or many concerning behaviors, including expressing emotional distress and hopelessness, talking about death, engaging in risky behaviors and social isolation. If noticing something different about someone worries you, it is essential to act on the concern.

Start by asking how they are doing and offer support. Be open about observations and remember the tough questions are always the most important ones to ask. If someone is worried about another's safety, it is always ok to ask them if they are thinking of suicide.

Hanscom is a very unique and diverse community. Resources are abundant and available at any time. It is easy to overlook the dramatic difference that we make in the lives of others on a daily basis. Even a simple gesture of support and expression of compassionate concern may be the difference that saves the life of someone seen every day.

If someone admits they are thinking of suicide, consider it an emergency. Do not leave them alone and make sure to stay with them until they are with someone who can insure that they will be safe. There are many resources on base that can help, including Mental Health, the base chapel, Military and Family Life consultants and many others who are always available. Never be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for advice if concerned about someone.

People at any of these resources can be contacted in the event of an emergency, 24 hours a day, by calling the Command Post at 781- 225-6962.