Posted on Aug 27, 2022
SFC Platoon Sergeant
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Just trying to get everyone’s opinion. But recently went on a Europe Rotation and had several soldiers in the battalion fall of the manifest because they claimed suicidal ideations the day before the flight. This was 7 months ago and when the battalion came back many of those Soldiers were just hanging out on rear d. None have had any sort of chapter initiated. Any thoughts on what should happen?
Posted in these groups: 8eb5c10a Legal ServicesImgres Deployment
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Lt Col Charlie Brown
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This person definitely needs an evaluation. As a former commander, I would have initiated that as soon as those persons said what they did. So either they need treatment or discharge.
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COL Randall C.
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7 months of mandatory daily psychiatric counseling. Restricted to base because they may be a danger to themselves if out in the community (until a mental determination is made of course).
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SFC Casey O'Mally
SFC Casey O'Mally
2 y
Sir, that certainly sounds punitive.
The Army has made a very hard push to treat and view mental health the same as physical health.

So... if "several Soldiers" broke their legs the day prior to shipping - even if you suspected (but had no evidence) that it was a "break our leg to get out of deoyment" pact - would you recommend the same course of action?
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SSgt Forensic Meteorological Consultant
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In effect the minimum mandatory restrictions are counter-intuitive because if a person is going to do it, they will. If they are faced with such restrictions, they may not divulge that they have had ideations of imminent intent or being manic (Bi-Polar 1) and feelings that life is not worth it anymore. The worst side of Bi-Polar is the depression that goes along with a manic phase. I have Bi-Polar 1.

Secondly, ideations are not actions because a person can have ideations which are fleeting but marrying thoughts with actual intentions are a crisis. Calling [login to see] are de-escalation techniques that may mitigate those thoughts. Cognitive Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness can help with that. Being sequestered in a locked facility may not. I could have given up after my daughter was kidnapped, so coping is the best kind, eschewing a locked therapeutic environment for hopefulness. Even outpatient care presents opportunity being on base or not.

Thirdly what is therapy? What does it look like? Is the Baker Act or 5150 useful? These are meant for an immediate observation. A person can find ways around restrictions either by walking into traffic and they can do that on-base or off-base.

My nephew killed himself at home and no one knew his motives. He had no markers as to his potential demise. Education, service dogs and support groups he also but the therapy is more than just sitting around consuming snacks every few ideas. Immersing into society by soup kitchens or recreational therapy.

Be active, finding a purpose or dealing with a crisis in a favorable light.

Lt Col Charlie Brown COL Randall C. SFC Casey O'Mally MSG (Join to see)
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MSG Intermediate Care Technician
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Sooo....obviously suicidal ideation statements should not be taken lightly, however.....my eyebrow raises because multiple soldiers state this the day before? That's got hinky written all over it.
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SFC Instructor
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I had a Soldier on my team who claimed to be suicidal, he even took some medications but it was not true at all...at the end he was not allowed to re-enlist by not being able to pass APFT and tape...
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