Photo By Tech. Sgt. Mozer Da Cunha | Staff. Sgt. Troy Kiel, 2nd Munitions Squadron munitions storage supervisor, talks to...... read more read more
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BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - September is National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, and Airmen are reminded of resilience resources available to them on and off base.
With suicide being a major issue in today's military, Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month aims to prevent as many unnecessary deaths as possible caused by risk factors such as a history of mental illness, legal and financial issues, hopelessness, relationship problems and a lack of social support.
"Knowing the signs is very important," said 1st Lt. Sadie Denoncourt, 2nd Medical Operations Squadron psychiatric nurse practitioner. "If you don't recognize them, there is a missed opportunity to help somebody."
Denoncourt also encourages co-workers to be engaged with each other.
"You have to know each other," Denoncourt said. "Recognize behavior changes and acknowledge it; ask your co-workers if they are doing all right."
Suicide threats should not be taken lightly, she added.
"If someone is talking about suicide, take it seriously," Denoncourt said. "Sometimes people talk about it, and we tend to think they are joking."
In addition to knowing the signs and engaging with their co-workers, Airmen are also reminded that there are multiple resources available to them.
"We want Airmen to know that there is always an option," Denoncourt said. "A lot of people are still unaware of all the services available on base."
Barksdale provides Airmen with counseling resources to include the Airman and Family Readiness Center, Behavioral Health Optimization Program, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, Military OneSource and the chaplains.
"Military OneSource provides Airmen with up to 12 free sessions with licensed counselors," Denoncourt said.
Airmen also have the option to contact BHOP, a mental health service embedded in the Family Health clinic available to all active duty, dependents and retirees.
Behavioral health consultants work directly with the patient's primary health care manager to develop solution-focused behavioral health interventions.
Airmen may also choose to see the chaplain, and any counseling sessions with the chaplain are completely confidential.
"There is a stigma involved when it comes to suicide, but talking about it is ok," Denoncourt said. "Talk to your Airmen, make sure they know they are not alone and that there is always an option."
For more information, contact the mental health clinic at 456-6600, chaplain office at 456-2111, or visit www.militaryonesource.com
| Date Taken: | 09.04.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 09.17.2018 15:54 |
| Story ID: | 293125 |
| Location: | BOSSIER CITY, LOUISIANA, US |
| Web Views: | 84 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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