Suicide prevention rests on all our shoulders Published Jan. 23, 2009 By Col. Warren Berry 78th Air Base Wing Commander ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Note from Maj. Gen. Polly Peyer, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center commander: I invite all of you to read Colonel Berry's words which follow. Since taking command in August, I have been distressed by the number of suicides at Robins. But it goes deeper than just statistics. What I think about each time are the families, the co-workers, the friends who are affected by suicide. I think about and wonder what we, as commanders, supervisors, and friends could have done to help. All of you matter -- Team Robins cares. I remember waking up incredibly disoriented. It was, after all, 2 a.m. on a quiet, snowy night in Germany. I heard the voice on the other end of the phone, but nothing really registered. Embarrassed, I asked them to please repeat the message. "Sir, I'm sorry to wake you, but there's been a suicide on-base...someone from your unit." I was wide awake at that point. How could this possibly happen? Then came the name. "No way," I said to myself, "they must have the wrong person." I responded to the scene, and at the request of OSI, I identified the body. While I thought that would be the hardest part of this tragedy, I soon realized the most difficult moments lay ahead...notifying the family, telling the co-workers and dealing with the indescribable sorrow of each. That week, I vowed I would do everything in my power to never repeat that scenario. Some would argue that it's incredibly difficult to prevent a suicide. Maybe they're right, if you think of "prevention" as physically being there to interrupt the fatal act. But I'd argue we have plenty of preventive powers before it ever gets to that point. Others would argue we have a relatively small number of suicides, so we really shouldn't expend a lot of energy in prevention. I'd argue they are "dead wrong." You see, Robins AFB has played out a tragic scenario very similar to the one I described above eight times last year. Even more alarming is that our suicide rate is four times the national average. It doesn't have to be that way. We can't afford to have it be this way, because it affects us all - military, civilian, contractor, family members. And that's why we need your help, because suicide prevention starts with you! Those members of our base family who chose to commit suicide were in many respects just like you and me. The main difference is that they felt that the burdens they carried were simply too much to bear. In short, these valued members of our base community experienced relationship problems, financial problems, medical problems, and/or occupational problems that they believed were simply too insurmountable. What we have learned from these losses is that suicide doesn't discriminate. It affects all members of our base family, both military and civilian, and crosses all age groups, categories/levels of employment, religious creeds, races, and gender. Fortunately, if you and I work together to reach out to those who may be affected by thoughts of suicide, we can make a difference. We must foster the message: "YOU MATTER!" In whatever capacity you work, in whatever area you work: YOU MATTER! You see, things aren't insurmountable if you believe "YOU MATTER!" Someone's situation may not seem as dire if we tell them, "YOU MATTER!" And when it comes to being vigilant in suicide prevention, "YOU MATTER!" There are several ways we can all work together to ensure that our Team Robins members who may be at risk for suicide receive this critical message. First, encourage those in your organization to deal with stress and get the right help from one or more of our base support agencies (see inset). Second, educate yourself. An excellent source for suicide prevention information is the Air Force's suicide prevention website at https://www.afms.mil/afspp. The Robins Integrated Delivery System (http:// www.robins.af.mil/library/integrateddeliverysystem/index.asp) is also developing a program designed to assist dedicated and motivated individuals in organizations across the base to develop understanding, recognition, and skills to proactively engage those at risk for suicide. Volunteers are vital to the success of this program, so when the call for volunteers comes, please step up and take the challenge! Finally, promote communication and team-building among co-workers, units, and sections. It is important to remember that suicide is not prevented in the hospital emergency room nor in the mental health consulting room. Rather, it is prevented by you and a cadre of dedicated co-workers who work side-by-side with those that may need your help the most at a critical time in their lives. YOU are our primary defense against the tragedy of suicide across our installation. By staying engaged in suicide prevention and outreach, we can protect and prevent tragedy within our Robins Air Force Base family. We owe it to our fellow co-workers, and we owe it to their friends and family. Yes, "YOU MATTER" in more ways than you know.