Chaplain: Suicide not superficial

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
Barksdale Air Force Base, La. --  In 2013, more than 41 thousand suicides were reported nationwide, translating to one suicide every 13 minutes.

September is National Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, and the 2nd Medical Operations Squadron reminds Airmen to be on the lookout for warning signs and help a fellow wingman.

Capt. Sadie Irving, 2nd MDOS psychiatric nurse practitioner, encourages co-workers to be engaged with each other and not miss an opportunity to help someone.

"We have multiple classes for prevention and resiliency, but they are underutilized. I think part of it is the stigma," Irving said. "Some people feel they can't leave work or that they'll have to tell someone what their issues are to be able to go to the class. Some people avoid them because they don't want to be seen by their peers. Furthermore, we don't disclose any [personal identifying] information unless it's related to safety or duty limitations, and even then we can only disclose information to commanders and first sergeants."

Other resources to aid Airmen and their families are Military OneSource, the Behavioral Health Optimization Program and 2nd Bomb Wing chaplains.

"Chaplains walk with Airmen through this journey to get them back on the right track," said Capt. Kennie Neal, 2nd BW chaplain corps. "You fit into the big picture, and we'll repaint that picture with you. Everything you tell a Chaplain is confidential. We've had training regarding suicide prevention and to assist Airmen with making better decisions."

Chaplain Neal advises Airmen to openly engage and support people so they can help when issues like suicide are treated superficially.

"Its about finding that spirituality," he said. "I know there will be difficult times but I know someone cares for me and my burdens won't always be there. The situation will pass eventually, but its how we choose to allow it to pass."

For more information, contact the 2nd Medical Group's Mental Health clinic at 456-6600, the base chaplain at 456-2111 or visit www.militaryonesource.mil.

Information in this article is provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. All statistics are based on a 2013 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.