How would you Deal, Help, or Treat a fellow soldier that discusses committing suicide, or that distances themselves from other Soldiers?

SGT Vince Albert Dickson — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:45:25 -0500

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 25 at 2016 8:52 PM

CW3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 20:52:51 -0500

DA PAM 600-24:
4–1. Suicide intervention
a. Intervention attempts to prevent a life crisis or behavioral disorder from leading to suicidal behavior, and includes managing suicidal thoughts that may arise. At its most basic level, intervention may simply include listening, showing empathy, and escorting a person to a helping agency. This is something that can be done by any Soldiers, Army Civilians, and Family members with minimal training at the unit level. Army-approved training for this level includes suicide prevention training (ACE) programs for Soldiers, leaders, Army Civilians, and Families.
b. Intervention may also include the use of more advanced skills by trained personnel who are capable of providing a greater level of crisis intervention, screening, care, and referral. All company-level junior leaders and first-line supervisors may receive training in intervention that enhances skills, knowledge, and confidence to intervene in a crisis. This training can take many forms, from specified suicide intervention training to broader crisis intervention training.
The approved Army program for suicide intervention training is the 4-hour ACE–Suicide Intervention (SI) training.
c. An even greater level of intervention is provided by formally trained gatekeepers. Primary gatekeepers can be chaplains, FAP workers, and health care personnel whose primary duties involve assisting people who are more susceptible to suicidal ideation. Secondary gatekeepers are personnel who, by the nature of their job, may come in contact with a person at risk. These can include law enforcement, inspectors general, and Red Cross staff members.

Response by SSG Billy Falla made Feb 25 at 2016 9:29 PM

SSG Billy Falla — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 21:29:33 -0500

It's ok to know the regulations but at the end the only thing it counts how much you care about your fellow Soldier. When you have Soldier giving all those signs don't be afraid to ask directly about him or her about killing themselves. Sometimes you need to be patient and rephrase the question. I'm a ASIST trainer please feel free to contact me if you need any help more than available to help

Response by LTJG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 1:45 AM

LTJG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 01:45:02 -0500

If I suspected someone was suicidal I would just ask, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?" I don't believe asking that question would cause harm.

If a service member is talking about committing suicide, I would get them to medical quickly and ensure they are not left alone. It would be arrogant to guess what is a benign amount of suicidal thought or to believe that I am qualified to treat another service member.

Response by TSgt Melissa Post made Feb 26 at 2016 4:12 AM

TSgt Melissa Post — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 04:12:46 -0500

I actually have had to talk to a Marine who attempted it and was looking to try again. The difficult thing was that I was all the way across the country and had no one else that was closer that I knew to help him. I tried everything I knew as an Airman letting him know that there was other ways out, that people cared about him, that I even looked up to him. I had to put him in my shoes a few times. We went through many discussions from me being the gentle caregiver, to my turning into a I guess what they would call a DI (?) telling him to buck up he was a Marine after all not a wimp looking for a way out. I know that sounds harsh but our conversations had gotten to that point, sometimes you have to pull their bootstraps for them. He is still alive as far as I know. I last spoke with him in December. He was getting help, and had someone with him 24/7.

I hate to say this too but sometimes you also have to come to the question of are they serious or just doing it for attention? I was beginning to wonder if this marine was doing it for attention because if he really wanted to commit suicide, he could have very easily.

I have known four individuals in my life commit suicide. One of them was a former squadron member and it occurred just recently. This is an unfortunate situation that is plaguing our military and hopefully will be reduced to none soon.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 26 at 2016 9:15 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:15:21 -0500

Most important thing is to make them aware that they are not alone, and that you sincerely care about their welfare. At the same time discuss the Soldier's intentions with their Chain of Command and get them the proper help such as Behavioral Health, or Chaplain if that is their thing IMMEDIATELY! Remember that Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) card that your command gives you, be sure to use it. I've been down that dark path before (not ashamed to admit it) and it took somebody to show me that they really cared about me and how to build a ladder to climb back up. So I married her.

Response by SSG Michael Scott made Mar 10 at 2016 12:05 PM

SSG Michael Scott — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 12:05:07 -0500

A-Active Listening
C-Caring
E-Escort to support