TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- One statistic that hits close to home for Airmen and families here is that more than 20 veterans die by suicide each day in the U.S.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Department of Veteran Affairs is calling on us to “Be There: Your Action Could Save a Life”.
“Suicide affects everybody,” said Director of Psychological Health for the 507th Air Refueling Wing, Jacqie Falkner, “We have suicides pretty much every day.”
For three years as the wing Director of Psychological Health, Falkner has provided psychological assessments and referrals to Citizen Airmen and civilians, as well as consultations to address mental or psychological issues.
Annual suicide prevention and awareness training is mandatory for all base personnel. However, due to the growing issue, senior leaders are making strides to ensure suicide awareness is brought to the forefront.
According to Falkner, the base does preventative work and outreach in their suicide prevention efforts—such as briefings about suicide during commander’s calls and civilian calls. Also, the Public Affairs Office circulates information on social media and emails in preparation for the Unit Training Assembly.
Although conversations about suicide have become a relevant topic, Falkner recognizes the negative perception of seeking mental health assistance among Tinker’s military members.
“We have a stigma with mental health,” said Falkner. “A lot of people who want to seek help, don’t, because of the stigma that if you go to mental health, you’re ‘labeled’. Making an appointment with the Mental Health clinic doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your career.”
The rate of suicide is two times higher among veterans versus non-veterans in Oklahoma, according to a report released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health in January 2015. In addition, death by suicide among Veterans in Oklahoma averaged 127 deaths per year between 2005 and 2012.
Nationally, the Department of Defense Quarterly Suicide Report reported there were 64 deaths by suicide among active duty Air Force, nine deaths by suicide among Air Force Reserve and 21 deaths by suicide among Air National Guard during 2015.
In order to reduce these rates, Falkner says it is imperative to identify the signs and signals leading up to suicide. There are a wide range of signs that can be exhibited by a person contemplating suicide, however, warning signs vary with each person.
“Suicide is going to affect everybody individually,” said Falkner. “Some signs could be due to challenges they are currently facing in life.”
According to Falkner, common signs can include depression and withdrawal, a sense of calm, giving away belongings, and in some cases, actually discussing their plans for how they will carry out the suicide.
Since warning signs vary from person to person, Falkner believes it is important to get know your people and Airmen.
“Every suicide is different,” said Falkner. “You need to be able to recognize the warning signs.”
If faced with a situation where a person you know is suicidal, Falkner insists you stay with them and get them the help they need.
“If someone had suicidal thoughts and they were intent on doing it, you should get that person help as soon as you can,” said Falkner. “We call it the warm handoff. We don’t leave them. We call 911 or take them to the emergency room. Do not leave that person alone. Be honest and direct, and ask, ‘Do you have a plan to hurt yourself?’”
Locally, help is available on and off base for those contemplating suicide. The 72nd Mental Health Flight and Falkner are available on base, while the VA Hospital is available in downtown Oklahoma City. There are also options available that can provide 24-hour support via phone including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Military OneSource.
Although reaching out for help can be difficult for those with suicidal thoughts and the people who care about them, Falkner gives some advice.
“Don’t feel like you’re alone,” said Falkner. “Tag somebody who has helped you recently. Go to your ‘for sure’, go to your supervisor, go to your wingman, and if you see someone who needs help, don’t shy away from them. You don’t need to be a professional to help someone who may be feeling down and thinking of suicide.”
It seems that the simplest way to help a person contemplating suicide is to “Be There”.
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, you can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 for help 24 hours a day.