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Suicide prevention: Be a good wingman

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Miranda Moorer
  • 36th Wing/Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The holiday season is usually a joyful time to be around friends and family; but for some, it can be a time of sadness and loneliness.

Many Airmen will be spending this holiday season far away from home.

During this time of the year, it is imperative that we pay special attention to the people around us and remember that we all play a big role in suicide prevention.

"Suicide prevention isn't just a leadership concern; it's everyone's concern," said Tech. Sgt. Conswelo Guillot, NCOIC of the 36th Medical Group Mental Health Clinic.
"It's our responsibility to be wingmen and look out for each other."

"Although CY07 [calendar year 2007] suicide attempts in PACAF are considerably lower compared to CY06, I am concerned about the recent surge of eight active duty suicide attempts across PACAF in the past week," said Maj. Gen. Edward A. Rice, Jr., Pacific Air Forces vice commander, Oct. 31. "These attempts involved Airmen E-3 through E-4, ages 17 through 25."

There were 33 active duty suicides in the Air Force in 2006, and 29 suicides in 2007, as of Oct. 12. In addition, there have been three active duty Reserve Component suicides in CY07.

Suicide Prevention training is mandatory and is now included in the annual Total Force Awareness Training.

Wingman Day is another venue used to address suicide prevention. It is a day that is held before the end of the year to remind Airmen of what being a good wingman is all about. It is also a day to discuss other stressors and how to cope with them. 


Tips provided by Andersen's Mental Health Clinic:

What are the warning signs of suicidal behaviors?
1. The person is talking about suicide
2. Isolation (being or staying alone)
3. Giving away things
4. Mood changes (acting down, sad, etc)
5. Change in behavior (risk taking)
6. Change in work performance (not completing tasks, late to work, lack of concentration, etc.)

What do you do when someone tells you they are suicidal?
1. Stay with them (escort them if you need to)
2. Contact a helping agency
3. Ask them directly if they are suicidal
4. Don't keep this a secret (tell someone from a helping agency, first sergeant or commander)
5. Don't judge
6. Take the statement seriously

For any questions or concerns, contact the Mental Health Clinic at 366-5125.