MILITARY LIFE

How to Help

If you think a fellow Marine, family member, or friend might be suicidal, help by taking action. People who kill themselves see suicide as the only remaining solution to their problems. If an individual has displayed any warning signs for suicide or, if you get a "sense" that he or she may act, don't wait. Take action! Remembering the Marine Corps Values of Honor, Courage and Commitment, can empower us to make a difference in the life of someone who might be at risk for suicide. Suicide can be prevented. Below are some tips on how to help.

Here are some ways to be helpful to someone who is threatening suicide:

  • Be direct. Talk openly and matter-of-factly about suicide.
  • Be willing to listen. Allow expressions of feelings. Accept the feelings.
  • Be non-judgmental. Don't debate whether suicide is right or wrong, or feelings are good or bad. Don't lecture on the value of life.
  • Get involved. Become available. Show interest and support.
  • Don't dare him or her to do it.
  • Don't act shocked. This will put distance between you.
  • Don't be sworn to secrecy. Seek support.
  • Offer hope that alternatives are available but do not offer glib reassurance.
  • Take action. Remove means, such as guns or stockpiled pills.

Remember:  R. A. C. E.

RECOGNIZE – THE SIGNS OF DISTRESS

-          Note changes in personality, emotions or behavior
o        Do you notice they tend to go out drinking more often than they did before?
o        Do you notice they stopped going out as much as they did before?
o        Do they have a tendency to “fly off the handle” about “small things”?
o        Do they react differently than before to any type of stressor?
o        Has their behavior resulted in administrative counseling or NJP?
-          Note withdrawal from co-workers, friends and family
o        Do they find reasons to work late or avoid spending time with family or friends?
o        When asked by co-workers if they want to go have some fun do they constantly find reasons not to go?
-          Note changes in eating or sleeping patterns
o        Do they seem to sleep every chance they get or make excuses to not go to sleep?
o        Have dark circles and red eyes become the daily norm?
-          Warning signs are early indicators of heightened suicide risk. This might include:
o        Planning a way to kill or harm themselves
o        Seeking access to pills, weapons or other means
o        Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
 
ASK – ABOUT THE SIGNS OF DISTRESS…AND SUICIDE IF APPROPRIATE
-          Calmly question the person about the distress you observed:
o        Understand that talking about these issues is a necessary step even though it is often uncomfortable for both people.
o        Interact in a manner that communicates your genuine concern.
-          If warning signs are present, you must ask about suicide:
o        Ask directly: “Are you thinking about killing or harmingyourself?”
o        “Do you wish you were dead?”
-          Asking the question is often just what the person needs to be able to talk about their thoughts or feelings to someone.
 
CARE – ABOUT THE MARINE AND SHOW IT
-          Actively listen, don’t judge
o        Nod your head and encourage the person to tell you more.
o        Show them you care about what they are saying and that you are not passing judgment on their thoughts or feelings.
o        Don’t tell them they are wrong or right, stupid or selfish. It’s their feelings. Just listen and stay with them.
-          Peacefully control the situation;
o        Accept that the situation is serious and deserving of attention
o        Keep everyone feeling safe and secure.
o        Do not attempt to use force to remove means of suicide.
 
ESCORT – THE PERSON TO SAFETY
-          Never leave an individual in distress by themselves
o        Do everything you can to encourage the individual to get help as quickly as possible
-          Tell them you would like to escort them to the chain of command, chaplain, medical, a behavioral health specialist or professional with whomthey would feel comfortable.
o        It is okay to let the Marine select the first stop.
-          If the person states that they have been to seen someone before or have been in treatment before but it wasn’t successful
o        Try asking; “What if this is the time it does work?”
o        Suggesting that treatment or professional assistance might work affirms to the person that you have their best interest at heart and that there is hope.
 
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts should be referred to a health care provider who can evaluate their condition and provide treatment. 
 

 

Pardon the mess, we are currently in the process of restructuring these pages.  If you require further assistance or information, please contact Michelle Dewald, HQMC SPP (Suicide Prevention Program), at michelle.dewald@usmc.mil or by phone 703-432-9787.  Thank you