Prevention of Workplace Violence

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Air National Guard
Briefings on
Suicide Prevention
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Suicide Prevention
Overview

• Personal Experience

• Myths

• Risk Factors

• Balancing Lifes Stress

• Symptoms of Risk

• What To Do If You Suspect Trouble

• What To Avoid Doing If You Suspect Trouble

• Key Ideas

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Personal Experience

• How many of you have had personal experience with
  someone who has attempted suicide?

• How many of you have had personal experience with
  someone who has been successful in suicide?

• You are welcome to share your story if you like

• If, at the end of our time together, you have
  painful memories that have been stirred, please
  stay after class. Do not carry them out with you.

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Myths

• People who commit suicide are mentally ill

• Talking about suicide will put the idea into
  another persons head

• Good circumstances prevent suicide

• People who are deeply depressed dont have the
  energy to commit suicide

• People who talk about suicide wont commit suicide

• People who threaten suicide, cut their wrists, or
  dont succeed with other attempts are not a risk
  for suicide

• People often commit suicide without warning

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Marilyn--A Case History

• Married, College student, with 2 little girls,
  editor of school paper, editor of school annual

• History of depression--but getting better

• Went around campus and said Goodbye to every
  office

• Called husband--talked him into coming home for
  lunch

• Shot herself in the kitchen

• Husband found her before the children came home
  from school

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Marilyn--In Hindsight 20/20

• She appeared to be Getting Better

• She said Goodbye

• She had a plan

• She had the means

• People didnt ask, Are you thinking about
  suicide?

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Risk Factors

• Financial Problems

• Relationship Difficulties

• Legal Problems

• Inability to Cope

• Family Violence

• Disciplinary Actions

• Poor Job Performance

• Under Investigation

• Alcohol and Drug Abuse

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Balancing the stress of Life is a difficult
challenge
Scale
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It doesnt take a lot to throw life out of balance
Scale
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What coping mechanisms do you find helpful in
dealing with your lifes stress?
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Symptoms of Risk

• Suicide Gestures

• Pessimistic Outlook

• Giving Away Items

• Increased Alcohol Use

• Talking About Suicide

• Weeping Easily

• Talking About Death

• Change in Eating Habits- Weight Loss

• Farewells

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Symptoms of Risk Continued

• Drop in Performance

• Increased Irritability

• Loss of Sense of Humor

• Social Withdrawal

• Continual Sadness

• Loss of Health

• Feeling Hopeless/Helpless

• Chronic Illness/Pain

• Change in Sleeping Habits

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Red Flags...
If someone displays a dramatic behavior or
personality change it is vital for supervisors
and co-workers to find out what is going
on-- Always Ask the individual
Are you considering suicide?
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What To Do If You Suspect Trouble
When Serving on Duty Status
Provide AID

• Ask Are You Thinking About Suicide?

• Intervene immediatelyBecome Involved

• Do Seek Help---Get Timely Advice From a
  Helping Professional

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If You Suspect The Person Is Suicidal
Save Their LIFE

• Locate Help Supervisor, First Shirt, Chapel
  
  Staff, Medical
  Staff, Friend

• Inform Chain of Command

• Find Someone to Stay with the Person

• Expedite Intervention--

Get Help Immediately
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What To Do If You Suspect Trouble
When Not Serving on Duty Status

Provide AID

• Ask Are You Thinking About Suicide?

• Intervene immediatelyBecome Involved

• Do Seek Help---Get Timely Advice From a
  Helping Professional

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What To Do If You Suspect Trouble
When Not Serving on Duty Status
Save Their LIFE

• Locate Help Crisis line, Hospital Emergency
  Room, Friend, Family, Police, Chaplain, Clergy

• Inform Family and Individuals Support Network

• Find Someone to Stay with the Person

• Expedite--Get Help Immediately

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What To Avoid Doing If
You Suspect Trouble Dont

• Ignore Warning Signs

• Warn Against Seeking Help

• Assume Minor Troubles are Unimportant

• Give Advice/False Reassurance

• Assume Someone is Immune from Self-harm

• Advise Drug/Alcohol Use

• Challenge the Individual to Just Do It

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Key Ideas

• People are the Air National Guards greatest
  asset and we want to preserve their careers by
  helping them deal with lifes stress

• Everyone is encouraged to seek help before
  letting their feelings get out of control

• Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness

• Seeking help doesnt necessarily end ones
  careerNot seeking help when needed will end a
  career

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Issues of Confidentiality
The Chaplain can be a tremendous source of help
and support by offering confidentiality to you
when talking about personal issues.
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This Concludes the Presentation on Suicide
Prevention
Do You Have Any Questions?