Overall well-being vital to suicide prevention

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Keith A. James
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  As the later months of the fiscal year approaches, September highlights an important topic in today's society -- National Suicide Prevention Month.

A month where not only health professionals and suicide survivors raise awareness and provide vital knowledge about suicide prevention but a time where Airmen, Sailors, Marines and Soldiers can showcase their continued support and be needed allies to individuals whom may be experiencing suicidal thoughts.

"It's important to bring awareness because it's an ongoing issue and is the type of issue that is never going to be completely stamped out," said Chaplain (Capt.) Daniel Call, an 18th Wing chaplain. "One suicide affects everybody; it's like a ripple effect."

Maintaining your own personal well-being is vital and becoming a complete person requires various changes to your lifestyle or habits, he continued.

Establishing a healthy diet, exercising regularly and developing hobbies are some examples of possible changes and can be accomplished through base intramural sports, dieting classes, and by seeing what the world has to offer.

Also, taking that extra step by conducting community involvement activities, staying active in a religious or spiritual group or even being a mentor are other great ways to contribute to someone's overall well-being.

"Suicide prevention is a proactive approach to dealing with a very real problem that we are facing within the military and civilian sector," Call said. "Prevention is being proactive in an individual's total well-being, ensuring they are spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially, and mentally fit in a comprehensive fashion."

Knowledge is the key to supporting those in need. Being well informed on the signs and symptoms is critical and can be the difference in saving somebody from taking their own life. Maintaining good rapport with fellow wingmen, listening to what a person has to say, taking the topic of suicide seriously, noticing changes in behavior, and not being afraid to ask tough questions are ways to help someone contemplating suicide.

According to Mental Health, the high-risk population for military personnel includes individuals who are caucasian, between the ages 18-25, the ranks of E1 to E4 and who have less than three years in service.

Studies show that men are a higher risk for completion of suicide, while women are the highest for suicide attempts.

"It's something that could affect any and everyone," Call said. "But caring enough and reaching out is the biggest thing we as military personnel can do."

Suicide is real and understanding that it is an issue that can be prevented is a major step toward helping to eliminate potential suicide cases.

As the Air Force continues to provide awareness on the topic of suicide, prevention programs are in place to help, and put Airmen back on the right track.

Agencies on Kadena that provide assistance include:

Chaplains: 634-1288
Mental Health Clinic: 634-3272, Option 2, Option 2
Family Advocacy Program: 634-0433
Suicide Hotline: 645-8255
Military Family Life Consultants: 634-3915 or 090-8518-0939