ATOE-DNC-CU                                                                                                   

SUBJECT:  Policy Letter #7, Suicide Prevention

What to Do

In the event you suspect a person of contemplating suicide

1.  Take Threats Seriously.  Trust your suspicions.  It is easy to predict suicidal behavior when a person exhibits most of the factors in the checklist.  However, the warning signs from many people are very subtle.  Something like telling a loved one “goodbye” instead of “good night” may be the only clue.

2.  Answer Cries for Help.  Once you are inclined to believe someone may be contemplating suicide, you can help in several ways.  The most important thing is to not hesitate.  It is better to offer help early and be incorrect than to regret not doing so later.  The first step is to offer support, understanding and compassion, no matter what the problem.  

3.  Confront the problem.  If you suspect that a person is suicidal, begin by asking questions such as, “are you feeling depressed?” or, “have you been thinking about hurting yourself?”  Be direct.  Don’t be afraid to discuss suicide with the person.  Getting him or her to talk about it is a step in a positive direction.  Be a good listener.  Don’t make moral judgments, act shocked or make light of the situation.  Making comments such as “you should be grateful for what you have,” or pointing out, “you have it much better than most” may only deepen the sense of guilt the person already feels.  Instead, discuss these things in a broader sense and give the person the feeling that you and others actually care.

4.  Tell them YOU care.  Persons who attempt suicide most often fell alone, worthless and unloved.  You can help by letting them know that he or she is not alone, that you are always there for them to talk to.  Tell loved ones how much you care about them and offer you support and compassion.  By assuring that person that some help is available, you are literally throwing him a lifeline.  Remember, although a person may think he or she wants to die, he or she has an innate will to live and is hoping to be helped.

5.  Remove access to likely suicide tools.  Control access to weapons, medication or anything else he or she can used to commit suicide.  This control should not be exhaustive and deliberately apparent, but means of impulsive serious self-harm should be monitored.

6.  Get Professional Help.  The most useful thing that you can do is to encourage that person who is considering suicide to get professional help immediately.   If necessary, offer to go with or even take him or her to seek help.  The Army community offers many sources of help such, as Mental Health Services, and the Hospital Emergency Room for immediate intervention.  When danger is less immediate, the Family Life Center and the Chaplains Corp offer compassionate counseling and services.  Other sources of help include the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Centers, Army Community Services Center and the Chain of Command.

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