| • Nearly 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year.
• Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds and 2nd for 24- to 35-year-olds.
• On average, 1 person commits suicide every 16.2 minutes.
• There is 1 suicide for every 25 attempted suicides.
• Suicides among active- duty personnel almost equals one a day, or 349 a year.
• 22 military veterans commit suicide every day.
• More United States military personnel have died from suicide than have been killed in Afghanistan since 2001.
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• Talking about dying
• Preparing to die (giving away belongings, saying goodbye to family and friends)
• Looking for ways to die
• Change in personality or emotions, behaviors, sleep patterns, or eating habits
• Low self-esteem
• No hope for the future
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• Ask open-ended questions, e.g., "How are things going?"
• Lend support/be willing to listen
• Share your concern for their well-being
• Remove any weapons, pills or rope
• Do not leave the Marine alone
• Seek professional help right away
* The most important thing to do if you are concerned or recognize warning signs is to TAKE ACTION. If a buddy is suicidal you may not get a second chance to save the Marine’s life.
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Resources are available to all Marines including active-duty, retired, Individual Ready Reserve, Active Reserve, Individual Mobilization Augmentees and Selected Marine Corps Reserve.
For additional information:
MCCS
DoSomething.org
Coming back with Wes Moore
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Recognize distress in your Marine
Note changes in personality, emotions or behavior.
Ask your Marine
Calmly question and if necessary ask directly, "Are you thinking about killing yourself?"
Care for your Marine
Don’t judge, control the situation peacefully and keep everyone safe.
Escort your Marine
Stay with your buddy and escort to chain of command chaplain, medical, or behavioral health professional.
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Chain of Command
Talk to your appointed Suicide Prevention Officer for your Marine unit, or contact the Chaplain at 504-697-8097. Your Chaplain is a confidential source of assistance that you can trust.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-TALK (8255)
800-342-9647
MIlitary OneSource
800-342-9647
DSTRESS Line
1-877-476-7734
or www.dstressline.com
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