A way out

  • Published
  • By Doris Lebby
  • Behavioral health office
Grand Forks AFB, ND --  "To the world you may be just one person, but to one person you may be the world." - Unknown 

Relationships make a difference in the military community. Many individuals at sometime in their lives have contemplated suicide. These people could be co-workers, spouses, friends and neighbors. People who commit suicide may be involved in some type of crisis in their lives. A spouse with no family ties or close friends in the immediate area may feel like there is no place to turn for help and could feel an inescapable sense of hopelessness while the military spouse is deployed. A co-worker who is experiencing relationship problems and other significant stress can also feel an overwhelming sense of hopelessness and loss of control. A friend encountering a serious legal conflict may also feel unable to cope with the situation. A neighbor who is depressed may feel like things will never change and start to withdraw from others in the community. 

Suicide is preventable. We must be aware of the difficulties facing co-workers, spouses, friends and neighbors. Everyone can look for the warning signs leading up to suicide such as drastic changes in behavior, withdrawal from friends or activities, increase use of alcohol or drugs, and comments about committing suicide. Individuals at risk need to feel supported. Listen to them. Ask them if they are thinking about suicide. If they are, stay with them until trained help is available. The Grand Forks Air Force Base behavioral health flight has available resources that can help or: 
- Contact your commander or first sergeant. 
- For after hours procedure, contact the command post at 747-6711 ask for the on-call life skills provider. 
- Call the depression and anxiety helpline 1-800-234-0038. 
- Call the North Dakota Suicide Helpline 1-800-472-2911. 
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-237-TALK 

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. Behavioral health flight activities for the month of September include a "We Have Hope" Awareness Education for military community members on suicide prevention in the Prairie Rose Chapel Annex from 10 to 11 p.m. today. Recognizing the warning signs and encouraging individuals to seek help can make a difference.