JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO, Texas –
During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, Joint Base San Antonio brought light to the subject by hosting numerous events to build awareness and emphasis the resources available to those in need.
Last week, three renowned speakers participated in JBSA’s National Speakers Tour. Kristen Christy spoke Sept. 26 about life without her husband and how his choice affected their family. Frank King, a television writer, comedian, and humor columnist, spoke Sept. 28 about his lifelong battle with depression and thoughts of suicide. And on Sept. 29, Kevin Hines talked about his failed attempt to commit suicide when he jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge and how he then became a suicide prevention and mental health advocate.
The speakers all provided inspiring stories and provided information on resources for those thinking of harming themselves, emphasizing the new 988 support line.
Senior Master Sgt. Carlos Cervantes, superintendent of the 502nd Equal Employment Opportunity office, attended Christy’s session at JBSA-Fort Sam Houston.
“I think this is a fantastic opportunity that we don’t always take advantage of, to just take a knee and focus on important matters when it comes to our business in the Air Force,” he said. “I have always focused on providing that care to our fellow Airmen and Guardians, but just taking the time out of my day to sit down and focus inward and assess, ‘how am I doing,’ is important.”
Cervantes appreciated Christy’s willingness to share the difficult topic with others.
“It definitely made me think, with Kristen Christy’s message, everything that she went through with her family. It took an enormous amount of strength to share her story today, and the courage it takes to share her story in front of us makes me really think about me and my family,” he said. “I really want to thank her.”
Other events held on JBSA during September were a 5K Run for Life, the Drive Out Suicide golf tournament, Strike Out the Stigma student bowling tournament, We Care Day, and several presentations and panel discussions.
Suicide Prevention and Awareness month may be over, but the responsibility continues, and prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs and taking them seriously.
“Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life, and there are national and local mental health services which offer telephone, chat, text and other resources for people who are at risk of suicide,” according to Texas Health and Human Services.
Learn how to help someone who may have suicidal thoughts or feelings with the HHS wallet card at: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/sites/default/files/documents/suicide-prevention-wallet-card.pdf. This card lists warning signs and identifies specific steps to take to help someone, as well as resources to get help.
One of those resources is the new 988 line, which is always available to get help for yourself, a family member, friend, or teammate.
In the United States, 988 serves as a universal entry point so that no matter where you live, you can reach help, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
988 offers 24/7 access to trained crisis counselors who can help those experiencing mental health-related distress. That might be thoughts of suicide, a mental health or substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
People can also text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for themselves or if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.