WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- During the month of September, we focus on suicide awareness as it is designated Suicide Awareness Month. The Department of the Air Force is committed to providing valuable information on its website to raise awareness and offer support.
While we have annual mandated training, we need to foster an environment throughout each day to support one another.
Take a moment each day to connect with others, as even a small interaction can make a significant difference to someone feeling hopeless or lonely. Show genuine care and empathy, as special training is not necessary to express concern. Ask how someone is doing and truly listen to their words and emotions.
Create an environment that encourages seeking help, ensuring everyone knows there is no shame in reaching out. Be aware that seeking and receiving help is protected by law against discrimination.
Instead of just noting signs of suicidal risk, such as hopelessness, anxiety or self-destructive behavior, aim for ACE: ask, care, and escort individuals to the help they need. Keep company with them until you can get that person to someone who can assist, such as someone from a helping agency, chaplain, mental health, supervisor or trusted colleague.
If you or someone you know would like to talk with someone, please reach out for help. Dial 988, then press 1 for a veteran manning the line to get the crisis line. You do not have to be in crisis to call a hotline number. Those manning the phones can assist if you have questions.
Other numbers you or someone can reach out to are listed below (websites are listed below the article in Related Links):
• Department of Defense Safe Helpline: 877-995-5247 or their website
• Domestic/Dating Violence Hotline: 877-785-2020 or their website
• Military One Source: 800-342-9647 or their website
• Military Family Life Consultants: 937-972-1054 or 937-203-6461, 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
• EAP: 1-866-580-9078
• Samaritan Crisis Care (local Dayton area): 24/7 at 937-224-4646
• SARC Office: 937-257-7272
• Suicide Prevention Program: See website link below