We're in this Together: One Suicide is One Too Many

[nitpicker]

http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=82987

We're in this Together: One Suicide is One Too Many

Story Number: NNS140828-23Release Date: 8/28/2014 3:55:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Johans Chavarro, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West, Detachment Hawaii

PEARL HARBOR (NNS) -- Starting in September the Navy will be promoting the message "Every Sailor, Every Day," to encourage all Sailors, leaders, families and members of the Navy community to strengthen their connections with those around them in accordance with Suicide Prevention Month.

Unfortunately, suicide is currently one of the top causes of death in the Navy, claiming the lives of approximately 44 Sailors in 2013 alone and, according to Navy Personnel Command, 39 lives so far in 2014.

While these statistics suggest a decrease in frequency of total suicide fatalities from previous years, the numbers show that some Sailors are still finding themselves with nowhere to go and no other option.

(snip)
According to Lt. David Broderick, a psychologist at Makalapa Mental Health Clinic Pearl Harbor, in addition to the web of resources that target raising awareness, reduction and response to suicide, it is also increasingly important to "get ahead of the problem" and address the social challenges and stigmas that may lay at the crux of the issue.
(snip)

From September 1-30, "I Pledge to ACT," a web-based effort, will take place to encourage all Sailors, families and members of the Navy community to take steps in building personal resilience, supporting their shipmates and intervening if they notice signs of distress. The pledge is completely anonymous and available to all audiences through the NPC website, www.public.navy.mil.

For more information about suicide prevention, visit
www.chaplain.navy.mil - Navy chaplains have 100 percent confidentiality and cannot break this without the person's consent. If someone isn't sure where to start, chaplains can also help someone figure out where they need to go for help.

www.militaryonesource.mil - Referrals are made to local community providers. Services are not connected to service record.

www.suicide.navy.mil

www.suicideoutreach.org

Or call the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-TALK (option 1) or www.veteranscrisisline.net/activeduty.aspx for confidential support 24/7.