Families key to suicide prevention in the National Guard

Families key to suicide prevention in the National Guard
Staff Sgt. Blair Heusdens
Florida National Guard



ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla., (7/27/10) - The National Guard faces unique challenges in tackling suicides.

Where Soldiers on active duty have access to military healthcare and the constant support of peers and leaders, National Guard Soldiers spend just one weekend a month with their unit, making it difficult to track changes in behavior and mood.

Families serve as a vital link for identifying suicidal behavior and tendencies in National Guardsmen, according to the Florida Guard's psychological health expert.

"Often, the most important person in suicide prevention is the family member," said Stephanie Lincoln, the director of Psychological Health for the Florida National Guard. "I'm not - and the leadership is not - with the Soldier 24/7 or in contact with them every day."

Suicide is a problem that continues to plague the U.S. military at all levels; though not all trends are as clear-cut as one might think. According to data from Lincoln, the Army's suicide rate for the month of June hit 32, are cord since the beginning of the overseas contingency operations in 2001.

As of July of this year, the Army National Guard reported 58 suicides,already nearing the 64 suicides in 2009.

The reasons may surprise some, however. A majority of the Guardsmen who commit suicide - 32 out of 58 in 2010 - have never deployed. In contrast, 56of the 77 suicides among active duty Soldiers this year were Soldiers who had previously been deployed.

Those most at risk in the Army National Guard are males between the ages of 20-24 who have served for about two years. Although the reasons behind many suicides will never be known, it is clear that there are differences among the active and reserve components when it comes to suicides.
read more here
http://www.ng.mil/news/archives/2010/07/073010-Families.aspx


Maybe if you watch this video you'll have a better idea why we all have to get involved.