Defense Department, VA Advise Families, Friends, Community to Be Watchful of Those at Risk  

In the past year or so, the overall suicide rate “in DoD” has started to decrease, according to Navy Cmdr. Angela Williams-Steele, a clinical psychologist and chief of evidence-based practices in the Deployment Health Clinical Center at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). Still, said Williams-Steele, whatever the indicator, the Department of Defense and the VA are vigilant about protecting individuals of all ages from the risk of suicide.

Central to this effort, Williams-Steel said, is to advise families, loved ones and anyone close to a person at risk of suicide that awareness, first and foremost, can save a life.

 “The key is awareness,” said Williams-Steele. “I think that is what DoD has really tried to do, which is make everybody aware—not just providers but the family members and patients themselves.”

Williams-Steele said there are a number of factors and warning signs that friends and loved ones should look for to recognize someone at risk.

“For people who present suicidal symptoms, we talk about warning signs,” she explained. “Some indirect warning signs would be if the person is using substances and it is something that they don’t usually do. We’re talking about alcohol, drugs and even smoking cigarettes. Williams-Steele said a sign might be feeling hopeless and behaving as if whatever is going on in their lives right now is never going to improve, or get better. Likewise, she said it is important to watch for mood changes.

“If they [become] really angry and full of rage and want to seek revenge against someone, and have reckless and risky behavior, and if they are starting to hang out all night, drinking and using drugs, these are signs,” said Williams-Steele. “It’s the kind of thing where they feel like they are stuck in a bad situation, and they just have no way to get out."

Displays of anxiety and sleep disturbance are other examples of mood changes. Friends and family also need to watch for a person who is sleeping all the time, and to be aware of displays of guilt and shame.

“They may be withdrawn socially, but used to be outgoing, and would hang out with friends and family—and all of a sudden they stay away from friends and family, and remain in their room or someplace by themselves,” Williams-Steele added.

There are many signs that people can watch for in an individual at risk. On its website, DCoE shares important information including common myths about suicide such as the idea that a friend or family member can’t do anything if someone is suicidal because they’re not an expert.      

“I think the biggest key is just being aware,” Williams-Steele said. “A lot of times people may have problems that you may not be aware of, or that they may not show you. So I think that people being aware that there is help available and that we are sensitive to the needs of other people is very important. If you think someone is suicidal, and you think they might harm themselves, you should let someone know. That is what is going to make a difference in someone’s life to keep them safe."

For more resources, visit the DCoE website and VA website.