Special Report
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, recognize warning signs, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and remind those who may be struggling that help is available.
For the Wiregrass Military Veteran First Responders Coalition (WMVFRC), however, suicide prevention is not limited to one month on the calendar. It is part of a continuing mission to strengthen the network of support available to those who have dedicated their lives to serving others.
The WMVFRC brings together organizations, agencies, professionals, advocates and community members with a shared purpose: connecting military members, veterans, first responders and their families with resources supporting their mental, physical and social-emotional well-being.
Military service members, veterans and first responders often work in environments most people will never experience. They may witness tragedy, violence, death and human suffering while being expected to remain calm, make decisions and continue performing their duties.
The effects of those experiences do not necessarily disappear when the uniform comes off or the shift ends.
Sometimes the person who has spent a career helping others becomes the person who needs someone to reach out to them.
Building a Stronger Network in the Wiregrass
The Wiregrass is fortunate to have numerous organizations providing services to veterans, first responders, military families and others in need. One of the goals of the WMVFRC is to help connect those resources and make them easier for people to find and access.
The Coalition formed earlier this year and has already brought together community partners through training, outreach and resource opportunities.
In March, the WMVFRC hosted a well-attended Suicide Prevention Summit in Enterprise, bringing together people and organizations committed to addressing suicide and strengthening prevention efforts throughout the region. The Coalition has continued its work through additional events and activities since that summit.
That collaboration is important because suicide prevention cannot belong exclusively to mental health professionals, hospitals, public safety agencies, veterans organizations or any single group.
It requires a community.
A friend can notice something is different. A coworker can ask a difficult question. A supervisor can create an environment where asking for help is accepted. A family member can listen without judgment. An organization can know where to refer someone for assistance.
Each can become a link in a chain that keeps someone connected to life.
Know the Warning Signs
Recognizing changes in someone we know can be an important first step.
Warning signs can include talking about wanting to die, expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden, withdrawing from friends and family, increased alcohol or drug use, significant changes in sleeping habits, reckless behavior, extreme mood swings, rage, agitation or talking about feeling trapped or experiencing unbearable pain.
These signs should be taken seriously, particularly when they are new, increasing or associated with a painful event, loss or major life change.
Do not assume someone else will notice.
Reach out.
It Is OK to Ask the Question
One of the most important things someone can do when concerned about another person is simply ask how they are doing and be willing to hear the answer.
If you are concerned that someone may be considering suicide, it is appropriate to ask them directly.
Listen without judgment. Do not lecture, argue or minimize what the person is experiencing. Do not promise to keep suicidal thoughts or plans secret. Stay involved, help connect the person with appropriate assistance and follow up afterward.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline summarizes suicide intervention through five important actions: Ask. Be there. Help keep them safe. Help them connect. Follow up.
You do not have to be a counselor to care about someone.
You do not have to have all the answers to ask a question.
Sometimes the most important words we can say are simply, “Are you okay?” and then remain long enough to hear the real answer.
Resources Are Available
Anyone experiencing a mental health or suicidal crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The service is available around the clock and provides free, confidential support.
Veterans, service members and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1. They may also text 838255. Veterans do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to use the Veterans Crisis Line.
If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, call 911 or seek emergency medical care.
Just as importantly, people do not have to wait until a situation becomes a crisis before seeking assistance.
The WMVFRC Is Here for the Wiregrass
The Wiregrass Military Veteran First Responders Coalition encourages veterans, military members, first responders, their families, organizations and members of the community to learn more about the resources available throughout our region.
The Coalition’s network includes organizations and providers addressing mental health and wellness along with other needs affecting individuals and families.
Community members are encouraged to utilize this network, participate in future WMVFRC training and resource opportunities, share information with others and become part of a community that looks out for those who serve and have served.
Organizations and service providers are also encouraged to become involved. A stronger network means fewer opportunities for someone in need to fall through the cracks.
Suicide prevention is not simply about responding to someone at the moment of crisis.
It is about building relationships before the crisis.
It is about checking on the coworker who suddenly becomes quiet.
It is about calling the veteran we have not heard from lately.
It is about recognizing that the firefighter, EMT, dispatcher, law enforcement officer or other first responder who appears strong may be carrying something we cannot see.
It is about making asking for help a sign of strength rather than something to hide.
And it is about creating a community where no veteran, service member, first responder or family member believes they must face their struggles alone.
During Suicide Prevention Month, the WMVFRC encourages everyone throughout the Wiregrass to do something simple but potentially powerful:
Check on your people. Ask the question. Listen to the answer. Know the resources. Stay connected.
One conversation can make a difference.
For more information about the Wiregrass Military Veteran First Responders Coalition, its community partners, resources and future opportunities, visit WMVFRC.com.
