How do you process and talk about suicide with your troops?

In my mind, don’t commit suicide can be refined to find the switch to turn off reasons to die with reasons to live. Many people want to die because they suffer tremendously. Sometimes it takes an infinite amount of courage to continue living because it is means sentencing oneself for more hurt. Turn that switch. It is the right COA.

I had the misfortune of having suicides and attempted suicides happening at every Duty Station I had. The best thing you can do is let people speak freely while dealing with the aftermath. In preparation and education you need to encourage folks to be open and learn who they work with. You can't tell someone is acting "off" if you don't know them or how they act normally. Once you know the signs it's easy to point out but the hard part is getting to know people so you see the signs. It's not always as easy as armchair quarterbacks will say it is. It's easy for people to be angry towards those committing or attempting suicide but the best you can do is learn to be empathetic to the situation. Anger doesn't help address or prevent the issue.

I've been in your shoes... I find that humor helps break the ice and get the other emotions working. I know saying 'reach out ' seems like a cop out... but it is truly the best approach. I will send out a quick text, or a stupid meme, or just some random shit to my battles that I know are hurting just to get then engaged. Sometimes it turns into an hours long or days long thread of conversations that I hope help them... I know for me, it helps keep me grounded. However, at the end of the day, they need to want the help and they need to be open and honest about it. I am sorry for your loss, brother