Suicide Awareness: A first sergeant's perspective

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Sean P. Houlihan
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  The holiday season can be a time for many people to feel depressed and lonely, which can lead to suicide or a suicide attempt. However, according to one Kunsan first sergeant, it can be avoided. 

Senior Master Sgt. Michael Edwards, first sergeant for the 8th Maintenance Squadron has been stationed here for 13-months. He has been involved in numerous suicide attempts and suicide ideations within his organization. From those experiences Sergeant Edwards said first-level supervisors are the key. First line supervisors need to be able to recognize changes in their subordinates behavior and attempt to intervene with the assistance of medical professionals. 

"Suicide is a permanent solution to issues normally of a temporary nature," said Sergeant Edwards. "Lean on someone you trust, seek assistance from your unit's leadership and support agencies, and think of the many lives that will be affected if you do attempt or complete suicide." 

According to Sergeant Edwards, some of the signs and symptoms people should watch out for include appearing depressed or sad most of the time, feeling hopeless, withdrawing from family and friends, sleeping too much or too little and making statements such as "how life isn't worth living" or "everyone would be better off without me." There are more symptoms, but the key is for people to get involved when they notice someone not acting like themselves. 

"Most people do show suicide warning signs, so we need to be aware of what the suicide warning signs are, and try to spot them in people," Sergeant Edwards said. "If we do see someone exhibiting suicide warning signs, we need to do everything we can to help them." 

Sergeant Edwards cautions people that there are cases of people who contemplate suicide, but don't show any signs or symptoms. 

"Many people hide their depression because there is still a strong social stigma against mental illness," he said. "Also, many people believe that they will be perceived as weak, so they also hide their depression." 

As supervisors and fellow Airmen, he said people must get involved in assisting a person contemplating suicide to seek help. He explained many people believe a common myth that their career will be hurt if they seek mental health treatment. 

"This is the furthest from the truth in most cases. Everyone in their lives has stressful situations where professional assistance can benefit them," he said. "Friends and co-workers cannot buy into the idea that 'protecting' a person who has thoughts of suicide is the best course of action. Don't live with the guilt of knowing you knew of a friend who had thoughts of suicide, but you choose not to seek assistance for your friend because 'you did not want to hurt their career.'" 

Sergeant Edwards said his squadron has implemented a common sense approach to suicide ideations due to the number of incidents within the squadron. He suggests that if someone you know appears to be depressed and is contemplating suicide, you should take them seriously. Other suggestions include: Listen to what they are saying. Take the initiative to ask them what they are planning, but don't attempt to argue them out of committing suicide. Instead, let the person know you care and understand and are listening. Avoid statements like, "You have so much to live for." 

Once you have listened to the person Sergeant Edwards said the next step is to have them seek help. "Encourage the person to seek the help of a mental health professional. Because the person probably doesn't think they can be helped, you'll probably have to be persistent by going with him," Sergeant Edwards said. 

He cautions everyone that if a person appears to be in danger of committing suicide imminently, to not leave them alone and remove any weapons or drugs that may be used. If possible, you should accompany the individual to the nearest emergency room or make sure someone else goes with them. Once the individual is in treatment, you should support your friend to help them to remember to take antidepressant medications and to continue any other therapy prescribed. 

Two of the main support functions Sergeant Edwards pointed out were chaplains and mental health providers. 

"These groups are a first sergeant's and commander's champion when it comes to assisting a service member who has suicide ideation," he said. "They are always the first to assist our Airmen in need." 

Sergeant Edwards said a suicide disintegrates families, demoralizes co-workers and dumbfounds leadership. 

"When a completed suicide happens it has long-lasting affects on the member's immediate circle of family and friends," he said. "A suicide event robs every one of joy and happiness, not to mention the ability to complete the Air Force mission. 

Airmen should be aware of their fellow Airmen not only during the holiday season but year round to help them out when they feel down and possibly thinking of committing suicide." 

For more information, contact the mental health at 782-4841 or the base chapel at 782-4300.