With help comes hope and life Published July 13, 2010 By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Around the Air Force, there has been an alarming rise in the number of suicides. As of July 1, there have been 29 deaths of active-duty Airmen linked to suicide this year. Although there haven't been any suicides here, the base community is not immune. According to mental health officials, being aware of the needs and actions of fellow wingmen, friends, family and co-workers is the primary step in preventing Airmen from taking their lives. "If someone is emotionally struggling or hurting, ask them about it," said Major Alicia Edwards, 35th Medical Operations Squadron mental health flight commander. "The best thing you can give somebody is your time and attention." Relationship factors, work stress and finances are among the top reasons that drive people to commit suicide, according to Air Force mental healthcare statistics. But there are many factors that cause stress in an individual's life that those close by may be able to identify. Stress of passing the physical fitness test, being away from home for the first time or changes in the work place are just a few factors, said Major Edwards. The compounding stress can put Airmen at higher risk of depression and even suicide. Suicide prevention comes with caring for people, getting to know people in work areas and paying attention to others in one's social circle, the major said. Being receptive to changing behavior patterns in others is part of the Wingman concept, which also serves as a foundation to suicide prevention. Abiding by the concept, Airmen should look after each and intervene when signs of distress are observed. Suicide prevention involves everyone, and shouldn't be left up for the mental health care professionals, said the major. "An Airman is more likely to prevent their co-worker's suicide, because they work with each other every day and should know their normal habits and routines," she added. "If you don't, that's a problem." "There is a common misconception there is nothing anyone can do for someone who wants to commit suicide, but that's not the case," the major said. "You have no idea how much of what you say or your interaction with them will turn around whatever direction they were in. It can be just a kind word or it can be taking five minutes out of your day to speak with them." When approaching someone about suicide, it is important to talk to them in a nonjudgmental way, according to Major Edwards. After discussing concerns with the individual, they may come to realize that they need help and offer to get treatment voluntarily. However, if a friend, co-worker or person is in distress and doesn't want to get seek help, and someone has intervened to the best of his ability, the major said concerns must be routed up their chain-of-command. "At some point, someone up the chain can try to intervene also, but recognize when there is a situation, it will get to a point where legal intervention, known as a 'command directed evaluation,' can be forced by an individual's commander to ensure the individual safety." Although roughly 96 percent of clients who use Misawa's mental health clinic as an avenue to get help come in on a voluntary basis, it's not the only resource available on base. Another option for those seeking life assistance is available through the Military and Family Life Consultant Program. This Airman and Family Readiness Center program is a non-medical program to help our service members and their families, said Essie Whitworth-Nurse, director of the A&FRC. Four consultants help offer an an array of counseling sessions focused on topics such as life skills, couples' communication, parenting skills, conflict resolution, and stress and anger management for adults and children, she added. The Office of the Secretary of Defense initiative allows service members and their families to see a counselor with no attribution or retribution. Counselors do not keep files or notes on patients, and names are confidential if used. It's a great program, said Ms. Whitworth-Nurse. The program at Misawa is the most highly utilized program in the Air Force, according to monthly data reports from OSD. The large number of users is due to the base's remote location and limited options to seek counseling off base, she added. Resource contact information include: Chaplains: 226-4630 Military & Family Life Consultant: 226-2147 Mental Health Clinic: 226-3230 Primary Care Clinic: 226-6200 Military One Source: 1-800-342-9647 "Situations can get a little browbeaten because there is fine line between getting in someone's personal business and wondering how to help them take care of a problem," said Airman 1st Class Joshua Scott, 35th MDG mental health flight technician. "If someone is down and depressed, the normal reaction is to not get involved, but get involved and ask, 'Are you ok?' It can ultimately save their life."