7/29/2019 Suicide Facts What Military Families Should Know

1/2

Wrg SgsThinking about suicide and making suicide plans are themost serious signs and require immediate assistance. Theseinclude:

Talking about, threatening, or wanting to hurt/kill selObtaining means to kill/hurt sel (e.g., obtainingfrearm, pills)

Conveying thoughts o death (e.g., such as othersbeing better o without me, never wanting to wake upagain

Other warning signs include:Increase in alcohol or other substance useHopelessness (e.g., does not see way the situation willchange)

Helplessness (e.g., eeling trapped, there is no way outo this)

Worthlessness (e.g., eeling that he/she is not valued,not one would miss me)

Withdrawal (e.g., rom hobbies, amily, riends, job)Irritability, anger

C C

Continued on reverse side

Suicide Facts:What Military Families Should Know to Help

Loved Ones Who May Be At Risk

Suicide has increased dramatically inthe military since the start o the globalwar on terrorism. Family members and

military leaders are all working togetherto address the needs o our servicemembers, and to get them the help and

care that will restore their hope andrelieve their stress.

Suicide is the 11th leading cause o death amongAmericans. While suicide is a difcult topic to discuss,

it is an important one or military amilies because thenumber o suicides is rising within the military population.The increased operational tempo, redeployment, combatexposure injury, and the impact on marital and amily

relationships create extreme stress and are contributing

actors. Additionally, the reluctanceo service members to seek treatmentplays a role in the delay in getting care.

Suicide, by defnition, is atal aloss to the amily and the nation.Those who attempt suicide and

survive can be let with serious injuriessuch as broken bones, brain damage,

organ ailure, and permanent physical disability. Suicideaects ones amily and community and leaves eelings

o despair, grie, and anger. Like any health problem, it isimportant to educate onesel about suicide. The more you

know, the more likely you are to identify warning signs and tohelp prevent the loss or injury of a loved one.

Rsk Frs

Men are 4 times more likely than women to dierom suicide. However, 3 times more women thanmen attempt suicide. In addition, suicide rates are

high among young people and those over age 65.Several actors can put a person at risk or

attempting or committing suicide, but having theserisk actors does not always mean that suicide will

occur.

Prior suicide attemptFamily history o mental disorder

Alcohol or other substance abuseFamily history o suicideFamily violence, including physical or sexualabuse

Firearms in the home, the method used in morethan hal o suicides

Suicide has increased

dramatically in the military

since the start of the global

war on terrorism.

A Health Campaign o Uniormed Services University o the Health Sciences, www.usuhs.mil, and theCenter or the Study o Traumatic Stress, Bethesda, Maryland, www.cstsonline.org

7/29/2019 Suicide Facts What Military Families Should Know

2/2

Place local contact inFoRmation heRe

a Sps

I you are experiencing any o these signs/symptoms,please seek help. I someone you know is experiencingthese symptoms, please oer help. I you think someone

is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get theperson to seek immediate help rom his/her doctor, bringthem to the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911.I possible, try to eliminate access to frearms or other

potential means or sel-harm.

Rsurs

National Suicide Prevention Lieline: 1-800-273-TALK(1-800-273-8255)

Suicide Prevention Resource Center: www.sprc.orgAmerican Association o Suicidology: http://www.suicidology.org/web/guest/thinking-about-suicide

Military Onesource: 1-800-342-9647,www.militaryonesource.com

Courage to Care is a health promotion campaign o Uniormed Services University

and its Center or the Study o Traumatic Stress (CSTS). CSTS is the academicarm and a partnering Center o the Deense Centers o Excellence (DCoE) or

Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Uniormed Services University o the Health Sciences

Bethesda, MD 20841-4799 www.usuhs.mil