The 11 elements addressed in professional military education are: leadership involvement; addressing suicide prevention through professional military education; guidelines for commanders on use of mental health services; unit-based preventive services; wingman culture; investigative interview policy; post-suicide response (postvention); integrated delivery system and community action information board; limited privilege suicide prevention program; commander’s consultation assessment tool; and suicide event tracking and analysis.
Suicide prevention is addressed through professional military education by providing periodic and targeted suicide prevention training for Airmen, specifically oriented to the individual’s rank and level of responsibility.
“Research has consistently demonstrated that ‘connectedness’ or maintaining meaningful social relationships with others is a primary factor in preventing suicide,” said Atismé. “The AFSPP seeks to reduce the number and rate of active-duty suicides.”
According to Atismé, the time for intervention by a coworker, parent or friend is when problems are first noticed.
“Research across the board in every helping agency shows us if we catch the problems when they’re small, they don’t impact their families or the mission [as much].
“One of the foundations of the Suicide Prevention Program is the wingman culture, which encourages the community to practice healthy behaviors and make responsible choices,” said Atismé. “Through annual training requirements, the SPP teaches us to recognize the signs and symptoms of distress in self and others, fostering a culture of early help-seeking behaviors.”
Atismé explained that sometimes a military member might think it’s a bad career move to seek help for depression and/or suicidal ideations, but he gives a resounding “no” to that thought.
“Airmen are encouraged to seek help early, and by doing so will likely avoid adverse consequences that could become problematic in the work place,” Atismé said. “Help-seeking behaviors will often help the member avoid workplace problems and have more support because they are actively seeking treatment.”
He explained that the same rules are applicable to civilian workers who actively seek support services early on to help resolve issues they are experiencing. When civilian or military members don’t seek help for their problems, it can have a negative impact on their employability.
The mental health clinic is available to provide mental health support to active-duty members and their families and to eligible veterans. The staff can also help with dependents, treating adolescents to older adults.
“Additionally, we work closely with the helping agencies to promote healthy lifestyles and help seeking behaviors,” said Atismé.
Atismé suggests the key to more successful outcomes for mental health issues is to seek help sooner rather than later.
On Sept. 27, the installation Integrated Delivery System helping agencies are hosting a 5K walk/run to highlight suicide prevention and bring awareness to the SPP and community resources.
For more information on suicide prevention, visit the following resources:
http://www.airforcemedicine.af.mil/SuicidePrevention/
https://www.betherepeersupport.org/resources/suicide-prevention/
Military One Source, www.militaryonesource.mil, 800-342-9647
Military and Family Life Consultant, 937-716-6720
Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1) 1-800-273-8255 (24/7) Press 1 for veterans line 2) or text: HOME or MATTERS to 741741 or text 838255.
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