Lt. Col. Arnold Staton, CAP
Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death among all Americans and the second leading cause of death among young (10-34) Americans. In 2019 (the latest year for which national statistics are available) there were 130 suicides per day or five suicides every hour in the United States. The 2019 suicide rate in Alabama was 16.4 per 100,000, which is higher than the 2018 U.S. rate of 14.5 per 100,000 (Age-adjusted rates were 16.3 per 100,000 and 13.9 per 100,000 respectively).” (Suicide Prevention, 2022) If those statistics did not show that suicide was issue of concern statistical data obtained from the Centers for Disease Control Online Database (Underlying Cause of Death, 2018 – 2021, n.d.) shows that both nationally and in Alabama from 2019 – 2021 Suicide is the third leading cause of deaths among teenagers 15 – 19 years old. This fact should place a huge sense of urgency on all of those who work with youth to not only be aware of this threat but to be actively engaged in its prevention.
So, who is ultimately responsible for working to prevent suicide? At its core suicide prevention is the ultimate safety issue, and as such working to prevent it is the responsibility of every member senior and cadet. While commanders have the overarching responsibility for ensuring the safety and well-being of the personnel, we all must work together to recognize those members of our CAP-Family who may be struggling.
Suicide is something that does not present clear cut signs and symptoms. The following list are just a few items listed in the Air Force Family Suicide Prevention Discussion Manual and is just a starting point.
- Changes in mood or personality to include serious anger or sadness.
- Unexplained relief from serious stress.
- Making a plan for suicide.
- Withdrawing from people and activities.
- Increased use of alcohol or other substance.
- Onset or increased feeling of Hopelessness, Helplessness, Worthlessness.
- Withdrawal (from family, friends, or unit) (Family Suicide Prevention – Discusion Manual)
So, with any safety issue recognizing and being able to identify risk factors are key to prevention, and while this is in by no means meant to be an all-inclusive list the following are just a few factors that can serve as warning indicator that someone is vulnerable to self-harm or suicide. Especially these factors are seen in conjunction with other factors and/or warning signs.
- Prior suicide attempts
- Family history of suicide attempts or mental illness
- Unresolved emotional trauma
- Relationship problems
- Family violence, neglect, or abuse
- Unresolved anger
- History of mental illness
- Alcohol and substance abuse
- Lack of social support and a sense of isolation
When we have identified someone who needs help, and our priority is to take the protective steps to get them the help they need. Some protective factors include.
- Engagement in effective clinical care.
- Easy access to resources and support for seeking help.
- Family and community support.
- Support from ongoing medical and mental health care.
- Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution and non-violent ways of resolving disputes.
- Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide and promotes self-preservation instincts.
Just as important as knowing what to look for is to know what resources we have at our disposal to help others and equip ourselves. The following is a list of both Alabama specific and National resources to provide help for someone at risk, and to sources of information for unit leaders to gain additional information and training on this subject.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources for At-Risk Individuals
|
|||
|
|
|
|
|
|
Call Center
|
Phone Number
|
Hours / Website
|
Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline |
988 |
24hrs / 7 days a week / 365 day a year https://988lifeline.org/ |
Funded by SAMHSA (Federal agency within the Dept of Health and Human Services HHS) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crisis Services of North Alabama (CSNA) |
256-716-1000 (Crisis Line) |
24hrs / 7 days a week / 365 day a year https://www.csna.org |
Huntsville and North Alabama Region |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Crisis Center |
205-323-7777 (Crisis Line) |
24hrs / 7 days a week / 365 day a year https://www.crisiscenterbham.com |
Birmingham and Central Alabama Region |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lifelines Counseling Services |
251-602-0909 (Counseling Appointment) |
0800 – 1600 Monday – Friday https://www.lifelinesmobile.org |
Mobile and South Alabama Region |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Resources for Unit Leaders
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Sponsor (General
|
|
|
|
Knowledge and Resources)
|
Link
|
Notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Association of Suicidology (AAS) |
One of the oldest and most respected sources for all suicide prevention allies. For the community, professionals’ helpers, crisis response workers, and more. Has a School Suicide Prevention Accreditation Program. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) |
Is the headquarters/national association for all the state chapters who work to prevent suicide. Lots of assistance for suicide bereavement survivors, and much more. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Youth.gov |
This site offers a lot of information to counter bullying. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive Suicide Prevention & Resources Directory |
Compiled and maintained by the Alabama Suicide Prevention & Resources Coalition (ASPARC). |
|
|
|
|
|
______________________________________
References
Family Suicide Prevention – Discusion Manual. (n.d.). Retrieved from Department of the Air Force Resilience: https://www.resilience.af.mil/Portals/71/Documents/Family%20Suicide%20Prevention%20Training/Small%20Group%20Discussion%20Guide.pdf
Suicide Prevention. (2022, August 30). Retrieved December 1, 2022, from Alabama Department of Public Health: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/suicide/ Underlying Cause of Death, 2018 – 2021. (n.d.). Retrieved April 10, 2023, from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://wonder.cdc.gov/controller/saved/D158/D321F151