Fort Hood recognizes Suicide Prevention Month, provides help resources

Fort Hood recognizes Suicide Prevention Month, provides help resources


Posted: Sep 12, 2011 7:25 PM EDT

By Amanda Stairrett - email


LTG Donald M. Campbell Jr., III Corps and Fort Hood commander, signed a proclamation Sept. 6, recognizing September as Suicide Prevention Month. Go here to hear what Campbell said on the issue.

By Brandy Gill
Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center

"Tragically, we've seen that soldiers attempt suicides for various reasons," Sargent said. "Numerous deployments, financial problems, drug and alcohol addiction, difficulties at work, family dynamics, everything impacts a Soldier's relationship with the Army, family and friends. Regrettably, these reasons aren't worthy of taking a precious life."

For past generations, suicide was a taboo topic in open conversations.

Times have changed and so has the perception of those who seek help because they are struggling with thoughts of doing harm to themselves, especially in the Army. The change in how people view suicide has resulted in a new war the Army has chosen to fight – preventing suicide.

COL Patrick D. Sargent, commander of Carl. R. Darnall Army Medical Center, says it's normal for soldiers to have feelings of anxiety, hopelessness, frustration, anger and sadness.

"But thoughts about suicide are a sign of a serious problem. Don't ignore or hide your feelings, seek help, let us help you prevent something tragic."

Preventing suicide may not seem like a war the Army needs to wage, but according to July information from the Defense Department, there were 22 potential suicides among active duty soldiers and 10 potential suicides among reserve component soldiers.

Three of those deaths have been officially ruled as suicides and the rest are still under investigation, but for a nation at war, even one suicide is one too many, GEN Peter W. Chiarelli, vice chief of staff of the Army, said.
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