FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
“Take Action” is the theme for this year’s Suicide
Prevention Awareness Month, encouraging people to intervene and help their
battle buddies receive the right help at the first sign of suicidal thoughts.
U.S. Army South is providing training to its members and
reminding them of the importance of not only knowing the signs of suicide, but
also knowing where to go to get the right care including behavioral health
care.
“In training we talk about Soldiers seeking help through
their chaplain and behavioral health provider,” said John Dale, supervisory
suicide prevention program manager for Army South. “We talk about leaders
reducing the stigma of seeking behavioral health. We empower Soldiers and
Department of Army civilians in being able to identify the warning signs and
risk factors of suicide and help them identify some protective factors to
combat the risk factors in their lives.”
One of the resources available for service members, their
dependents and civilian employees is the Behavioral Health Services on Fort Sam
Houston where they can receive care on a walk-in or referral bases by trained
professionals.
“The most important part is to ask for help,” said Col.
Steve Lewis, director of psychological health at the San Antonio Military
Medical Center. “For some people, that is the hardest part. There remains a
stigma of seeking behavioral healthcare that requires personal courage and strength
to overcome when seeking care. We have dedicated professionals ready to help
Soldiers who are struggling with distress and thoughts of suicide.”
Although there are many warning signs of suicide, the Army’s
suicide prevention training program “Ask, Care, Escort.” has been a helpful
tool for Soldiers, civilians and family members to use as a guide to recognize
and react accordingly to prevent a possible suicide.
The behavioral health clinics are staffed by
multi-disciplinary teams of behavioral health professionals to include
psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers and psychiatric
nurse practitioners all dedicated to providing quality and compassionate care.
“Soldiers and family members experiencing psychological
distress, especially depression, substance use disorders and other disorders
like post-traumatic stress disorder are at heightened risk for suicide so it is
imperative that everyone is aware of what help is available to them,” Lewis
said.
In order to reduce the number of suicides in the military,
individuals and leaders have the responsibility to take action and encourage
anyone who is experiencing emotional or psychological distress to seek
professional help.
“This year, as the Army observes Suicide Prevention Month in
September and supports the National Suicide Prevention Week, I challenge each
of you to ‘Take Action,’” noted Maj. Gen. K.K. Chinn, Army South commanding
general, in his written message to members of his command. “Take action to help
a friend, family member or Soldier. Take action to increase your personal
resiliency. Take action to keep our Army Strong.”