September highlights suicide prevention Published Sept. 18, 2014 By Senior Airman Aja Heiden 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. -- 'Power of 1' campaign focuses on the idea that it takes just one person to notice signs of a co-worker experiencing suicidal thoughts to save a life, it teaches Airmen how to spot the risks and how to respond. In 2013, 296 suicides were reported for active-duty, reserve and guard members on active duty. During September's month-long focus on suicide prevention, the 'Power of 1' initiative aims to give Airmen the resources they need to get help. Some risks factors that can lead to suicidal thoughts include lack of social support, depression or anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, and belief there is no solution to life stressors, according to Capt. Veronica Sforza, member of the 482nd Medical Squadron, who's also a licensed clinical social worker. Stress is a part of everyone's life, but for some the pressure becomes overwhelming. The signs that stress has become too much for someone include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no reason to live, feeling trapped or being in unbearable pain, and withdrawing or isolating themselves. "If you believe that a fellow airman may be having thoughts of suicide, trust your instincts, remain calm, and talk with them about your concerns," said Rolando Edwards, Outreach Specialist for Air Force Reserve Command Psychological Health Advocacy Program. If you're concerned about a wingman and fear they may be suicidal there are steps you can take to keep them safe, which include asking if they're thinking about suicide. "Be direct," said Sforza. "Do not ask your wingman if they are OK; ask your wingman if they are thinking about killing themselves." Care for them. Listen to them and show understanding to provide relief for their stress. Remove anything that they can use to injure themselves. Escort them to the chaplain, a health care provider, or someone in their chain of command. Stay with the person until help arrives; never leave a suicidal person alone. If the person is unwilling to accept help, contact someone in their command or law enforcement, according to the ACE suicide prevention program. "For counseling or help and advice, take the individual to a chaplain, a Psychological Health professional, or supervisor," said Edwards. "Ultimately, the best thing you can do is let a professional know if a friend is talking about suicide or experiencing suicidal thoughts." Service members, family members, retirees, and veterans all have access to resources. By knowing what resources are available, you can help save the life of a fellow Airman. "Knowledge and understanding of the resources available can help boost public awareness related to mental illness to promote suicide prevention through the use of education and learning," said Edwards. "The Air Force advocates and endorses self-help behavior, and in most cases, the majority of Airmen who seek help on their own account don't have their career negatively impacted or affected." Although the campaign only lasts one month, the responsibility to fellow Airmen expands beyond this short time frame. The wingman concept expands beyond the realms of deployments; it's every Airman's job to look out for signs and symptoms of stress in those around them. "When an individual is wrapped in depression, they may not be able to see an alternative solution to fixing their problems," said Sforza. "This is where a wingman can help. They can see the signs and get help before it's too late." There are many resources available to aid Airmen who are having suicidal thoughts: The Military Crisis Line offers free and confidential peer support for service members, their family members, veterans and Department of Defense civilians at 1-800-273-8255. Confidential online chats are available at www.militarycrisisline.net. The Military Crisis Line also provides access to peer counselors in person or through text messaging at 838255. Airmen can visit their local Veterans Affairs center or clinic for help. Vets4Warriors offers peer support online at www.vets4warriors.com. The chaplain here can be reached at 305-562-7681. In an emergency situation the command post on base can help. For more information and resources, visit the Air Force Suicide Prevention website at www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/suicideprevention.