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  • September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and this year’s theme is “Connect to Protect.”

    ‘Connect to Protect’ during Suicide Prevention Month

    September is Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month and this year’s theme is “Connect to Protect.”
  • U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Waters, 325th Fighter Wing equal opportunity noncommissioned officer in charge, poses for a photo April 6, 2020, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. Waters has been leading the movement against suicide awareness and prevention. (Courtesy Photo)

    Just keep swimming

    U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Justin Waters, 325th Fighter Wing equal opportunity noncommissioned officer in charge, has been leading the movement in educating Tyndall on Suicide Awareness and Prevention.
  • To help raise awareness and in an effort to prevent future suicides, Airmen, family and friends participated in the H.O.P.E. Walk at Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia, September 27, 2019.

    Suicide Prevention Walk Brings H.O.P.E

    Every day, approximately 123 individuals take their own lives in the United States. Of those individuals, U.S. military members and veterans make up 18 percent of adult suicides.
  • To seek help for suicidal ideations, contact the Military Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255. Other resources include: 20th Fighter Wing chaplain corps: (803) 895-4673; 20th Fighter Wing mental health: (803) 895-6199; National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255.

    Just be there

    Ask. Care. Escort. These are the instructions military members are given when they suspect someone has suicidal ideations. The military stresses the importance of the wingman concept and being there for each other. I did not realize how pertinent those concepts would be in my life when I initially heard them at my first duty station.
  • Tech. Sgt. Noah Stamps, 325th Fighter Wing chaplain corps superintendent, speaks to an audience of Airmen and civilians Aug. 27, 2019, at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida. The installation hosted multiple guest speakers during a tactical pause to talk about suicide prevention and awareness. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Clayton Lenhardt)

    Rescued to be a rescuer

    September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and much emphasis is being put on a mental health crisis that has impacted military members. Tech. Sgt. Noah Stamps, 325th Fighter Wing chaplain corps superintendent, works in an office where individuals can go and talk about life issues with full confidentiality. His career field is one where helping fellow Airmen talk and work through tough times is an everyday thing. Earlier this year, however, Stamps was the one reaching out for help.
  • There is no shame in reaching out for help, asking for help, or letting others know you are lost.

    Commentary: watching out for lost wingmen

    6,079. That’s the number of veteran suicides for 2016, the most recent year reported. In some ways it’s just a random number and hard to put into any type of perspective. In many ways it’s sobering, sad, disturbing and disappointing. There will probably never be answers for the question of why people commit suicide.
  • Mental illness can take many forms; it can hide behind wide smiles and exuberant personalities avoiding detection. It can also be exhibited through warning signs like changes in behavior related to a traumatic event, giving away prized possessions, loss of interest in activities of interest and social isolation. Connect with your Airmen and peers so you can identify changed behaviors and warning signs. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Staff Sgt. BreeAnn Sachs)

    The monster within

    The monster within -- A letter to those suffering in silence
  • Suicide Prevention & Social Media

    Air Force psychologist considers social media’s role in suicide prevention

    Social media connects us to more people than ever before, but these contacts may not be the type that help build resiliency. Strong interpersonal connections play a critical role in suicide prevention. Used correctly, social media can be an important tool in the suicide prevention toolbox for commanders, friends, and family.
  • Be there, be aware: help prevent suicide

    Be there, be aware: Help prevent suicide

    When we focus on our health, it’s easy to pay attention to physical health versus mental well-being. Ignoring mental health concerns like anxiety and depression can lead to worsening symptoms and more serious issues. For some people, these issues may include an increased risk of suicide.
  • September is Suicide Prevention Month throughout the United States. During the month, organizations provide information about identifying warning signs of suicide, increase the understanding of what leads to suicide and promote helpful resources. The Air Force encourages Airmen who identify an individual considering suicide to use the A.C.E. model: ask directly if a person is considering suicide, care by actively listening and removing means for self-injury, and escort the person to a helping organization. For more information, visit the Air Force suicide prevention website at www.af.mil/Suicide-Prevention. (U.S. Air Force illustration by Airman 1st Class Kathryn R.C. Reaves)

    Suicide Prevention Month raises awareness, promotes understanding

    Throughout September, organizations across the United States make efforts to raise awareness of a mental health issue affecting many demographics.
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