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CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. - The Marine Corps continues to make efforts to curb suicide rates, as more resources become available to battle the issue.
Marine Corps suicide rates dropped in 2010 by 6% and another 3% in 2011, according to the Suicide Prevention Program at Headquarters, Marine Corps. There were 32 suicides in the Marine Corps last year. As of August 2012 there have been 32 suicides in the Marine Corps this year.
Navy Lt. Dennis Kelly, the chaplain of 1st Radio Battalion and 1st Intelligence Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force, said even one is too many.
“It’s completely preventable,” he said. We may not be able to pick up some of the warning signs, but we can prevent people from getting to the point of desperation through programs and education. If people didn’t get to the point of ‘no hope,’ there would be no more suicide.”
There are many factors that can lead to someone attempting to take their own life. The Navy, Marine Corps and Marine Corps Community Services, provide counseling and help to those in need.
“There’s been a lot of focus put on how we can prevent this loss,” Kelly said. “We’re attacking the problem from a number of angles.”
Programs like the Never Leave a Marine Behind Program, local counseling services, a ‘de-stress’ hotline, and the National Suicide Hotline are examples of resources available to Marines or those in need. The Marine Corps Community Services Prevention and Education staff also provide training to highlight the resources available to Marines for suicide prevention.
“We encourage Marines and sailors to seek assistance when necessary,” said Marcos Justiniano, a prevention and education specialist with Marine Corps Community Services. “We understand it may be difficult to reach out for assistance. You have to have a healthy body, mind and spirit to be effective. There’s a wealth of resources available to assist Marines to get back on track.”
Chaplains, family readiness officers and engaged Marine leaders are dedicated to provide advice to Marines showing signs of depression.
Pete Diaz, the family readiness officer of 9th Communication Battalion, is able to connect with Marines in distress because of life experiences and hard times he’s been through, such as deaths of friends and family members.
“I’ve been there before,” Diaz said. “I never attempted it, but I’ve been depressed and really down before. There’s always a way to bounce back, and you don’t have to do it alone.”
Suicidal thoughts aren’t punishable but must be addressed before they become actions. Marines who face suicidal thoughts may fear if they bring up their issues they’ll face punishment or their career will be in jeopardy.
“The biggest thing we can all do, especially for those who might be suffering, is help them feel like it’s safe to come out and admit they need help and that something’s going on,” Diaz said. “What helps people out is the sense of not being judged or looked down upon. They need someone who’s willing to extend a hand and walk next to them, talk to them and laugh and cry with them.”
People take the suicide route when they feel like there are no other options, Kelly said. When times get tough, people can lose sight of what they enjoy in life.
“When we get stressed and things are hard, we cut out things we enjoy doing to focus on the problems,” Kelly said. “When you start getting in that frame of mind you’ve got to find something you enjoy and something to live for.”
Perhaps the biggest resource Marines have for suicide prevention is each other.
“I love helping someone see the beauty of a person,” Kelly said. “I enjoy seeing people come out of the bad place they’ve gone into. That’s what makes me want to come to work every day.”
People choose to live for a variety of different reasons.
Helping service members:
“My favorite reason for living is to positively impact as many individuals as I can, weather it’s through volunteering in the local community or providing classes to Marines and sailors aboard the installation,” said Marcos Justiniano, a prevention and education specialist with Marine Corps Community Services. “The fact that these men and women volunteered to wear this uniform and defend my freedom is enough inspiration for me to get up every morning and do my best in every activity I participate in to support them.”
Fulfilling bucket list:
“To achieve your bucket list,” said Staff Sgt. Robert Rayburn, the deputy family readiness officer of 9th Comm. Bn. “The reason I live is to achieve my bucket list.”
Family:
“I live for others, especially my family,” Kelly said. In those moments when things are not crazy, I look at my kids and they’re so beautiful. I want to be there to see what they grow into.”
Sharing:
“The best reason to live is the joy you share with other people,” Diaz said, pointing to his family photos on his shelf. “They’re my children and grandchildren and I’ll tell you right now, those little babies are definitely worth living for.”
| Date Taken: | 08.23.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.07.2012 16:49 |
| Story ID: | 94386 |
| Location: | CAMP PENDLETON, CALIFORNIA, US |
| Web Views: | 167 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Suicide awareness, even one is too many, by Sgt Joshua Young, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
