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September is Suicide Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class James L. Miller
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Across the U.S., September is observed as Suicide Prevention Month, and at Ellsworth, the month-long event serves as a reminder to be resilient, and look out for others who might need support during trying times.

Many Airmen might think resiliency means never having to ask for help or not ever contemplating suicide. However, resiliency is the ability to recover from adversity and understand the significance of having and asking for support to do so.

In order to raise awareness for suicide prevention, Ellsworth is emphasizing the wingman concept and the use of the Comprehensive Airman Fitness four pillars.

"Connecting with others and emphasizing the wingman concept is the goal of Suicide Prevention Month," said Capt. Steven Fisher, 28th Medical Operations Squadron acting mental health flight commander. "Our goal is to establish and foster a supportive environment where everyone is comfortable enough in their shops to be able to approach a wingman and know they can talk to them if they are having a bad day."

General signs Airmen, family and friends can look out for in others include being more withdrawn, irritable or less open, Fisher said. Other risk factors are relationship problems, work, legal issues, chronic illness or finances.

Fisher added that if, for some reason, Airmen do not feel comfortable talking to their friends or coworkers about their problems, there are other avenues available for help.

"There are many outside agencies to help if one needs it," Fisher said. "There's the mental health clinic available during regular duty hours, military family life counselors at the Airman and Family Readiness Center, as well as the option of using the resources provided by Military OneSource."

Stress affects everyone differently, and even though days may seem tough or unbearable, these trying times can be learning experiences to grow and improve, Fisher added.

"Tough times are opportunities to grow stronger," Fisher said. "It is like a muscle: you have to stress it out for it to get tougher."

To see stories of others who have gone through tough times and come out a better and stronger individual, visit www.realwarriors.net.

For those who need someone to talk to, a 24-hour talk line is available at (800) 273-2855.