Air Force policies are driving airmen to take their own lives

This story is accurate. I, after my last deployment, I sought mental health...I was put on a no deploy profile but my command team did not know why as the reason is protested. I can understand coding someone that has access to nuclear weapons, is a pilot, or other aircrew member and especially missileers. Commanders need to know for readiness what the status of the members in their unit is...they do not need to know the reasons why...that is where the line is drawn. Unfortunately a lot of folks, this line has been crossed putting the faith in our system. A young Airman trying t get his life going or a seasoned veteran trying to get promoted won't even think about seeking mental health if they think it has the slightest chance of getting back to command. Even if command understands, they will still look at you different and challenge you on every mission to see if you are fit to go. I don't know the answer but I do know that it is n desperate need of repair...we are losing too many airman with a permanent solution to a temporary problem...suicide.

I fought against many of these policies when I was a commander. I made arrangements for my troops to see off base providers or we found ways to cover up the sessions....bio feedback; stress management rather than mental health but it shouldn't have to be that way PO1 William "Chip" Nagel

Despite suicide being a priority, it is not being meaningfully dealt with. Based on my own clinical research, many potentially can be thwarted. In the field, we refer to these as sentinel events. I've conducted a number of root-cause analyses and psychosocial autopsies. The risk factors are clearly identified. However, once the person feels hopeless, helpless, and worthless (suicidal triad) they have reached the point of no return.

It appears to me that the military and VAC's are yet to learn from the clinical research.
Rich