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Service members and their families who feel desperate, alone or hopeless, can receive immediate help. Suicide is not the answer. For assistance, call the Military Crisis line at 800-273-8255 and press 1; online chat, send a text message to 838255 or visit the website, www.militarycrisisline.net.

Photo by Nathan L. Hanks Jr.

Suicide Prevention Month: Reaching out for help critical

5 Sep 2014 | Joycelyn Biggs The Official United States Marine Corps Public Website

According to the 2012 suicide data report from the Veterans Administration, approximately 22 veterans commit suicide every day. A 2012 Department of Defense annual suicide event report stated the Marine Corps accounts for 42 suicides, in addition to six probable and 169 suicide attempts.

Although there is no single answer to prevent these occurrences, reaching out for help is critical, according to Caitlin Thompson, the deputy director for suicide prevention, Veterans Administration.

Removing stigmas that some service members and families have relating to getting that help is crucial, according to Jacqueline Garrick, acting director of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office. 

According to a VA fact sheet, veterans who reach out for help are statistically less likely to commit suicide than those who do not.

To ensure help is available, the VA has expanded access to mental health care services, increased capacity at the veterans/military crisis line, increased the number of mental health care providers and improved access to mental health services in pilot communities and hired providers in rural areas.

For the 5,800 veterans in the local area, the Albany VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic is available for those who may be in crisis or need to speak with someone.

The clinic relocated to Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany recently, and now includes mental health services.

Contemplating suicide is not as uncommon as some may think, according to Dr. Matthew Geyer, director of mental health services, Carl Vinson VA Medical Center, Dublin, Georgia.

“We speak with people having suicidal ideations on a regular basis,” said Geyer.

Geyer confirmed veterans who receive care are more successful in overcoming the crisis.

Reaching out for help is not limited to the person in crisis. Research from the VA indicates friends, family or fellow service members are sometimes the link to preventing a veteran from committing suicide. 

To assist those encountering a veteran having a suicidal crisis, the VA has created an initiative titled Operation SAVE to provide the helpful tips such as remaining calm, listen more than you speak, act with confidence, do not argue, use open body language, let the veteran do the talking, use supportive encouraging comments and be honest.

Health care professionals stress persons in crisis reach out for help. They advise friends, family and co-workers ask questions and offer assistance to those in distress. These simple acts may prevent a suicide and save a life.

If a person is not comfortable with going into an office, veterans can reach out to the veteran’s crisis line through the website, veteranscrisisline.net, which has a confidential chat line, by phone at 800-273-8255 and press 1, or text 838255.

For active-duty persons seeking help, Christine Morrison, registered nurse, certified case manager, Naval Branch Health Clinic, is available either in person or by phone at 229-639-8663.