- Talking about wanting to die or wanting to kill themselves
- Talking about feeling empty or hopeless or having no reason to live
- Talking about feeling trapped or feeling that there are no solutions
- Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Withdrawing from family and friends
- Giving away important possessions
- Saying goodbye to friends and family
- Putting affairs in order, such as making a will
- Taking great risks that could lead to death, such as driving extremely fast
- Talking or thinking about death often
- Displaying extreme mood swings, suddenly changing from very sad to very calm or happy
- Making a plan or looking for ways to kill themselves, such as searching for lethal methods online, stockpiling pills, or buying a gun
- Talking about feeling great guilt or shame
- Using alcohol or drugs more often
- Acting anxious or agitated
- Changing eating or sleeping habits
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Are you having thoughts of suicide?
- If so, how would you do it?
- Do you have access to the means to carry out your plan?
- When would you do it?
- Ask if the person is thinking about harming themself.
- Care about the person by listening and reassuring them that immediate help is available.
- Escort and encourage proactive use of resources.
- Dial 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line
- Calls outside the continental U.S. (OCONUS):
- Europe - call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118
- Korea - call 0808 555 118 or DSN 118
- In the Philippines, dial #MYVA or 02-8550-3888 and press 7
- Text: 838255
- Chat: scan this QR code (https://988lifeline.org/chat/)
- Check in - Check in on the Soldier, keeping their privacy in mind.
- Stay in touch - Make an effort to periodically reach out to the Soldier.
- Show your support - You and your commanding officers play a role in suicide prevention by showing your support for the Soldier as they return to duty.
Build Resilience and Improve your Quality of Life with Army MWR Cares presented by the U.S. Army Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness.
Seasons change. But one thing that stays the same is the support you get from MWR programs and services. And autumn means new things to do with MWR—from hiking in the autumn foliage to taking a class while the kids are in school to finding a new volunteer opportunity.
The Army has its share of stresses for Soldiers and their Families. Make them manageable with MWR. Do something fun! Learn something new! Develop life skills, from parenting to car care to finances! Enjoy a change of scenery!
So many offerings with MWR…and here are just a few:
School Support Services. Get a smooth start to the school year with your School Liaison Officer, a youth sponsor, and other assistance.
ACS Programs. ACS helps Soldiers and Families navigate the challenges of Army life, including deployments, marriage and parenting, finances, moving, and plenty more.
Library Online Resources. While the kids are in class, you can get smarter, too. Check out an eBook, magazine, or other electronic material without even coming in.
BOSS. Meet other single Soldiers, serve, and have a blast—like in the Esports Soldier Showdown V.
Intramural Sports. Put your skills to the test in a number of sports across your installation.
Outdoor Recreation. Experience the autumn splendor hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, boating…or enjoying other Outdoor Rec options.
Auto Skills. Get your car in shape for the cooler weather, no matter how experienced you are.
Fitness classes. Try out a new class featuring yoga, spinning, conditioning, dance, or other movement…and make some friends while getting toned.
Fall travel. Get away to a great location around the corner or across the globe—but don’t break the bank doing it.
Equipment Rental. Use the gear you need for a trip into the fall colors—without paying a fortune or needing storage space.
For more on staying ready and resilient, check out the U.S. Army Directorate of Prevention, Resilience and Readiness.
Suicide Prevention Program
Helpful Tips and Resources for Prevention
Suicide Prevention Month is observed each September, and the Army’s theme this year is “You Are a Light in Somebody’s Life.” In support of the Department of Defense’s year-round prevention efforts, the Army Suicide Prevention Program provides resources for prevention, intervention and support to those impacted by the loss of a loved one to suicide. The Army strives to develop healthy and resilient Soldiers, reduce stigma and build awareness of suicide and related behaviors.
Suicide is when a person harms themself with the goal of ending their life, and die as a result. Suicide is often preventable. Know the warning signs so you can help saves lives.
What to Look For
Leaders, Soldiers, Family and other community members should watch for these warning signs that someone may be considering suicide:
Other serious warning signs that someone may be at risk for attempting suicide include:
Intervention
Thoughtful probing may prevent a Soldier or loved one from attempting to take their life. By asking questions, you are building a connection—a key protective factor in intervention and suicide prevention. Questions also help all parties to establish an understanding of the risk. Direct questions about suicide do not increase suicidal ideation and may actually decrease it.
Questions to Ask
Be alert and engage with a Soldier or Family member before they become overwhelmed by life’s stressors and risk factors.
Training and Education Resources
The Army conducts annual suicide prevention training for all Soldiers using the Ask, Care, Escort (ACE) training model to increase awareness of risk factors, warning signs and available resources, as well as encourage intervention. When someone needs help, remember the following.
For ACE training resources, visit https://www.armyresilience.army.mil/suicide-prevention/pages/about.html.
Other Suicide Prevention Resources
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in distress 24/7. You can access by:
· Calls inside the continental U.S.:
Military OneSource is the Department of Defense’s 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. For more information, visit https://www.militaryonesource.mil/.
Postvention:
What do you do after an issue is identified and a Soldier returns to duty?
Our Responsibility
Suicide is not a normal response to stress. Suicidal thoughts or actions are a sign of extreme distress and should not be ignored. If these warning signs apply to you or someone you know, get help as soon as possible, particularly if the behavior is new or has increased recently. We have the responsibility to “Be a Light in Somebody’s Life.”
#BeThere for that person and #ConnectToProtect.
